Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are a mouthwatering Mexican classic that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With a bold spice rub, aromatic citrus, and slow cooked tenderness, each bite melts in your mouth. Whether served in tacos, burritos, bowls, or by the forkful, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or easy meal prep. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and a quick broil at the end adds irresistible crispiness to the tender, shredded pork. It’s a flavor packed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 onion, quartered

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 orange, halved

• 1 lime, halved

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large chunks.

2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Rub the spice mix all over the pork pieces.

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown pork chunks on all sides for 2–3 minutes per side.

5. Place the browned pork into a slow cooker.

6. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange halves (squeeze juice into the cooker first), lime halves, and chicken broth.

7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.

8. Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and discard any large fat pieces.

9. Optional: Spread shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil for 5–8 minutes until crispy edges form.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas translating to “little meats” in Spanish is one of the most beloved Mexican dishes known for its rich flavor, tender texture, and versatility. Traditionally made by slow braising pork in lard until it’s fall-apart tender and crispy on the outside, carnitas is a dish that has traveled from the heart of Michoacán to kitchens around the world. And thanks to modern appliances like the slow cooker, preparing authentic-tasting carnitas at home has never been easier.

Why Pork Carnitas Is So Popular

Pork carnitas embodies everything we love about comfort food: it’s juicy, flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re filling tacos, burritos, or piling it high on nachos, carnitas brings a savory punch that elevates any meal.

Its rising popularity is also tied to the rise of meal prepping and one-pot meals. Carnitas is easy to make in bulk, stores well, freezes even better, and reheats beautifully without losing its flavor or texture. That’s a win for busy home cooks who want great food without spending hours in the kitchen every day.

The Origins of Carnitas

Carnitas has deep roots in Mexican culinary traditions, specifically from the state of Michoacán. The classic method involves slow-cooking pork in large copper pots filled with lard and seasonings, allowing the meat to confit while absorbing flavor. This method achieves both tenderness and crispness, which is the defining characteristic of carnitas.

While the traditional technique is labor-intensive, the slow cooker method modernizes the process without compromising the essence of the dish. By slow-cooking pork with a blend of spices, citrus, and aromatics, then finishing it under the broiler, you get those same crispy, juicy bites reminiscent of street tacos from a roadside stand in Mexico.

What Makes the Slow Cooker Method So Good?

The magic of the slow cooker is in its ability to break down the connective tissues in the pork over a long period, turning even the toughest cuts into buttery-soft meat. It locks in moisture and allows the flavors to develop fully, especially when the pork is bathed in a broth made with orange juice, lime, garlic, and spices.

Unlike the stovetop method, the slow cooker doesn’t require constant supervision. You can set it in the morning and come home to a house filled with the aroma of roasted meat and citrus, ready to shred and serve.

Finishing the pork under a broiler adds the crispy texture that defines carnitas. A few minutes of high heat allows the edges to caramelize and crisp up, adding complexity to every bite.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas

1. Use Pork Shoulder: This cut has the right balance of fat and connective tissue, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. Leaner cuts may dry out or lack flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Browning Step: While it’s optional, browning the pork before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor known as the Maillard reaction, creating a more robust taste in the finished dish.

3. Fresh Citrus Is Key: Orange and lime juice help tenderize the meat and infuse it with a bright, zesty note that balances the richness of the pork.

4. Shred and Broil for Texture: Once the pork is cooked, shred it and spread it on a baking sheet under the broiler. This final step gives you the crispy bits that make carnitas irresistible.

5. Save the Juices: Drizzle the cooking liquid over the shredded pork before or after broiling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Ideas

Pork carnitas is an incredibly versatile base protein that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

Tacos

Carnitas tacos are the most traditional and beloved presentation. Simply warm up corn tortillas and top with pork carnitas, chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and maybe a bit of salsa verde or pickled jalapeños.

Burrito Bowls

Build a bowl with rice, black beans, sautéed veggies, guacamole, and carnitas. Drizzle with chipotle crema or a squeeze of lime for a satisfying, customizable meal.

Nachos

Layer tortilla chips with cheese, black beans, and carnitas. Broil until the cheese melts, then top with sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños.

Salads

Add warm carnitas to a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, roasted corn, avocado slices, and tortilla strips. Dress with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette for a fresh, vibrant meal.

Breakfast Hash

Use leftover carnitas in a skillet with potatoes, peppers, and onions. Top with fried eggs and hot sauce for a hearty brunch dish.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try putting your own spin on pork carnitas with these creative variations:

• Spicy Carnitas: Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the slow cooker for extra heat and smokiness.

• Beer-Braised Carnitas: Replace part of the broth with a Mexican lager for added depth of flavor.

• Pineapple Carnitas: Swap out orange juice for pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical variation.

• Carnitas Tostadas: Serve the shredded pork on crispy tostada shells with refried beans, lettuce, and salsa.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Carnitas is ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to get the most out of your batch:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or oven.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for crispy edges, or microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Nutritional Benefits

While pork carnitas is undoubtedly indulgent, it’s also a great source of protein, B-vitamins, and essential minerals like zinc and iron. If you’re eating low-carb or keto, carnitas is a great choice because it’s naturally free of added sugars and carbs when served without tortillas.

To keep things on the lighter side, pair your carnitas with fresh vegetables, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice. You can also control the sodium and fat content by trimming the pork and being mindful of seasonings.

Conclusion: 

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas checks all the boxes: easy to prepare, budget-friendly, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. It brings the essence of traditional Mexican street food into your kitchen with the ease of modern cooking methods. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, carnitas is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Its crisp-meets-tender texture and bold citrus-infused flavor set it apart from other pulled pork recipes. Plus, with just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

So go ahead make a batch of pork carnitas, customize it with your favorite toppings, and taste the magic of this timeless Mexican dish right from your slow cooker.