Let me tell you about the first time I made Slow Cooker Carnitas. It was a rainy Tuesday evening, and my family was craving something hearty and comforting. I had tried a few recipes before, but this one, oh boy, was a game-changer! With just a few ingredients and my trusty slow cooker, I created a dish that had everyone asking for seconds. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, and each time it disappears faster than I can serve it. If you’re looking for an effortless way to whip up a delicious meal that satisfies everyone, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The slow cooking process infuses the pork with spices that make your taste buds dance.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or even as a topping on nachos!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family dinners.
The Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Carnitas
The secret to achieving perfect Slow Cooker Carnitas lies in the cut of pork you choose and how you season it. Trust me, using a pork shoulder or pork butt is the way to go. These cuts have the right amount of fat, ensuring that the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks. I like to season mine with a blend of cumin, oregano, and a touch of citrus—yes, citrus! A splash of orange juice elevates the flavor profile and gives it that authentic Mexican taste. Don’t skip this step; it’s truly what makes this dish a standout!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“I made these carnitas for a family gathering, and they were a massive hit! Everyone loved the flavor. I’ll definitely be making them again!” – Sarah P.
“I can’t believe how easy these were to make. The slow cooker does all the work, and the taste is simply divine!” – Mike T.
“This has become my go-to recipe for Taco Night! The kids can’t get enough, and I love how simple it is!” – Emily R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Jalapeño Carnitas: Add sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat!
- Citrus Herb Blend: Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or grapefruit for a refreshing twist.
- Smoky Chipotle: Incorporate chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor that’s to die for!
- Sweet and Savory: Add a bit of brown sugar to the rub for a sweet contrast to the savory pork.
Bonus: Try adding a splash of your favorite beer to the slow cooker for an added depth of flavor!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is best, you can also use chicken thighs or brisket for different flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!
What can I serve with these carnitas?
They’re amazing in tacos, burritos, or served over rice or quinoa. Pair with fresh veggies and your favorite toppings!
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork. This usually takes about 8 hours on low heat.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in airtight containers for easy reheating.
- If freezing, portion into smaller containers for quick meals later.
- Serve with fresh toppings such as cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for an extra flavor boost.
Perfect Occasions for Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
- Family gatherings or potlucks—everyone loves tacos!
- Game day parties; they make the best nacho topping!
- Fiesta-themed celebrations—bring on the salsa and guacamole!
- Meal prep for the week—make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking around! Now, let’s dive into how you can make this delicious Slow Cooker Carnitas right at home!
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced (reserve the spent halves)
- 1 lime, juiced (reserve the spent half)
Tip: Be sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Begin by seasoning the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Don’t be shy—massaging those spices into the meat ensures every bite is flavorful! Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the quartered onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the pork to sit on.
Step 3: Add the Pork
Carefully place the seasoned pork on top of the onions and garlic. Squeeze the orange and lime juice over the meat, then add the spent halves into the slow cooker. This adds even more citrus flavor as it cooks!
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours. You want the pork to become fork-tender and easy to shred. The longer, the better, so try to resist the urge to peek!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks. If you want that extra crispy texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges get crispy. This step adds a delightful crunch!
Nutritional Information: Each serving of Slow Cooker Carnitas contains approximately 250 calories, 20g protein, 18g fat, and 1g carbohydrates (without tortillas or toppings).
Extend instructions: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut pork or even leftover cooked pork to make this dish quicker. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together. I can’t emphasize enough how much you’ll love this dish—it’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you give it a try, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation! Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Carnitas
-
Total Time:
495 mins -
Yield:
8 servings
Discover how easy it is to create tender, flavorful slow cooker carnitas for your family feasts—simple steps for delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- • 4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- • 2 teaspoons salt
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 tablespoon cumin
- • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- • 1 onion, quartered
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 orange, juiced (reserve the spent halves)
- • 1 lime, juiced (reserve the spent half)
Instructions
- Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Place the quartered onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork on top of the onions and garlic. Squeeze the orange and lime juice over the meat, then add the spent halves into the slow cooker.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Optionally, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges get crispy.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 480 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Method: Oven
