If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s bursting with juicy flavor and practically cooks itself, look no further than these Easy Crockpot Carnitas. Picture melt-in-your-mouth pork, slow simmered in a zesty citrus marinade, then finished off with irresistibly crispy edges. Whether you’re serving it for a laid-back family taco night or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings authentic Mexican street food magic right into your kitchen with hardly any effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Easy Crockpot Carnitas prove how a handful of hearty, colorful ingredients make all the difference. Every element in this dish, from bold spices to bright juices, plays a starring role in the flavor and texture that makes carnitas so special.
- Pork Shoulder: Use a well-marbled 3-pound boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for tender, juicy carnitas full of rich flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps the spice rub stick and encourages browning if you broil the pork at the end.
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and color, setting the stage for classic Mexican flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Lends a deep earthy note that makes every bite comforting and savory.
- Dried Oregano: This herb gives your carnitas a subtle, aromatic lift and balances the richness of the pork.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a delicate smokiness and a beautiful red hue.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and bringing together all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Just enough to add a gentle kick and complexity.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings unbeatable savory depth.
- Onion: Chopped onion melts into the cooking juices for sweetness and backbone.
- Jalapeño (Optional): For those who like some heat, a seeded and diced jalapeño brightens things up without overpowering the dish.
- Orange Juice: This secret weapon tenderizes the pork and gives the traditional sweet, tangy flavor carnitas are known for.
- Lime Juice: A splash adds irresistible zing and balances the richness for a perfectly rounded finish.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Step 1: Season the Pork
Start by cutting your pork shoulder into large chunks, ensuring maximum flavor absorption. In a big bowl, toss the pork with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to really work those spices in, so every piece is thoroughly coated—this is where all the flavor magic begins!
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the spice-rubbed pork into your crockpot. Scatter the minced garlic, chopped onion, and jalapeño (if you like it spicy) all around the meat. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, letting those bright citrus notes get right to work on tenderizing the pork while infusing it with classic carnitas flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours. Resist the urge to peek—this slow and gentle cook is what transforms the pork into shreds of juicy, fall-apart goodness. When the meat is tender enough to pull apart with two forks, you know you’ve reached carnitas nirvana.
Step 4: Shred and Crisp Up (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
Transfer the tender pork to a large cutting board or baking sheet and shred it with two forks. If you’re after that irresistible contrast between soft and crispy, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes. Edges should get golden and just a little bit crunchy—perfection!
Step 5: Moisten and Serve
Spoon a few ladles of the flavorful cooking juices back onto the crispy pork, keeping your carnitas moist and extra delicious. Pile the meat high into tacos, over bowls of rice, or anywhere you want a little fiesta of flavor.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Garnishes
The beauty of Easy Crockpot Carnitas is how easily you can customize each plate. Load your tacos with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, radishes, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of queso fresco, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime takes it all over the top and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Carnitas pair perfectly with classic sides: think warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, refried beans, or a tangy cabbage slaw. For a lighter option, serve with a simple salad of crisp greens, tomatoes, and a citrusy vinaigrette. Don’t forget the chips and guac!
Creative Ways to Present
Besides traditional tacos, Easy Crockpot Carnitas shine in burrito bowls, over nachos, tucked into quesadillas, or even as a protein-packed topper for loaded salads. For parties, set up a DIY carnitas bar and let guests build their own creations with lots of fun toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Crockpot Carnitas are truly a gift. Store cooled shredded pork (with a little of the cooking juice to keep it tender) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Carnitas freeze like a dream. Let the pork cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers—again, add some of the juices to prevent drying out. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or juice if needed to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, but a few minutes under the broiler revives those crispy bits and brings the magic back.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Crockpot Carnitas without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can braise the seasoned pork in a Dutch oven at 300°F in your oven for about 3 hours, or simmer gently on the stovetop. The slow, gentle heat is key for shreddable pork.
Is this recipe spicy?
The main recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting the jalapeño. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced chipotle peppers in adobo.
What cuts of pork can I use instead of shoulder?
Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal because of its fat content and texture, but you can try pork loin for a leaner (though less rich) alternative. Just be mindful it won’t be as tender and might cook faster.
How do I get the carnitas extra crispy?
Broiling is the secret! Once shredded, spread the pork out on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway. Watch closely so the meat gets crispy but doesn’t burn. Pan-frying in a cast-iron skillet also works well.
Can Easy Crockpot Carnitas be made ahead for parties?
Absolutely! Carnitas are an entertainer’s dream. Make them the day before, then reheat with a splash of the reserved juices just before guests arrive. They’re super forgiving and actually taste even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s crowd-pleasing, fuss-free, and full of bold, sunny flavor, these Easy Crockpot Carnitas are about to become your new go-to recipe. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how simple delicious homemade carnitas can be—enjoy every bite!
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Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make incredibly flavorful and tender Easy Crockpot Carnitas at home. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or rice dishes, these slow-cooked pork carnitas are a delicious and convenient meal option.
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Instructions
- Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned pork in the crockpot with garlic, onion, jalapeño, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cook: Cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours until tender. Shred the pork.
- Crisp (Optional): Broil shredded pork for 5–7 minutes for crispy edges. Return to slow cooker with cooking juices.
- Serve: Enjoy warm in tacos, bowls, or over rice.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with apple cider vinegar or a bay leaf during cooking.
- Carnitas freeze well and are excellent for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
