Make these juicy and tender Crockpot pork carnitas! Without a doubt, this is easy because all it needs is spices you (most likely) have in your pantry and three ingredients.
Fix and Forget Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Pork Carnitas is the perfect meat for the slow cooker since it gets better with time. You cook is low and slow and it marinates in it own juices to create a fall apart meat for your main dish. This is my go to meal when I am going to be out of the house all day and need dinner to be ready at 5 pm with no extra steps. I walk in the door and dinner is ready!
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Party Time
This is the perfect party food too! Make it for Cinco De Mayo or make all year long with this easy fiesta. There is minimal prep and you get to start it hours before the party. You can clean the house, decorate, run errands, take a nap (just kidding, maybe) and then your meat will be all ready to go once your guests arrive. Set up a taco bar with all the fixins and make this meat the star. Guests get to make their own tacos with all their favorite sides and you become the master chef!
Taco Bar Fixings Ideas
- Shredded Lettuce
- Cotija Cheese and Shredded Mexican Blend
- Shredded Cabbage
- Guacamole
- Sour Cream
- Chopped Cilantro
- Chopped Onions
- Quartered Limes
Spice It Up
I love spicy food so this recipe that has a little kick to it because of the chipotle chili powder. As a result of loving spicy food, I usually do 2 Tablespoons. But I list it as 1 Tablespoons in case you don’t like it too spicy or if you’re making it for a party.
Crisp it Up
This step only takes a few minutes but the crispy texture is worth the time. At this time all you have to do it take the meat once it’s finished and throw it in the oven under the broiler for a crunch that will take your meat from good to great. However, if you don’t have time for this step the meat is still juicy and tender.
What to Make with Crockpot Pork Carnitas
You can make so much more than tacos with Pork Carnitas! In addition to tacos, there are endless options which I love to make into several meals during the week. Here’s just a few of the ideas to make with the leftovers.
Burrito Bowls– Serve with rice and pork carnitas. Add toppings and beans.
Pork Sandwiches– Pork Carnitas is the best filling for a sandwich. Add cheese and coleslaw and you are set.
Taco Salad– Shred some lettuce and add pork carnitas. I love to make a salsa and sour cream dressing to toss the salad in. Add black beans, corn, and shredded cheese.
Quesadillas– Add some pork carnitas to you quesadilla have a protein.
Nachos– Layer your shredded pork with chips, shredded cheese, black beans, sour cream and avocado.
Looking for more Mexican Recipes?
Need a Slow Cooker? My favorite is this Crock Pot 7 quart Programmable Slow Cooker. First and foremost, I love being able to set the timer in case I’m not home when the food is finished cooking and it just switches to warm. Plus you can lock the lid and just carry it to a party. Not only is it easy to carry but also you will never lose another Tupperware or serving dish again at a potluck party!
Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork roast or loin
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder you can use regular chili powder also
- Tortillas to serve
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients in bowl.
- Place pork in crock pot.
- Coat pork with rub.
- Pour orange juice over meat.
- Add onions on top of meat and around.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours .
- Shred meat with two forks directly in the slow cooker (or take out, shred, and replace in sauce). It should fall apart easily.
- Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the shredded meat on the cooking sheet and pour a few spoonfuls of sauce over the top. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until you get browned edges on the pork.
- Serve on tortillas or taco shells.
