Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe: Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Effortless
A Family-Favorite Meal That Practically Cooks Itself
Picture this: tender, citrus-infused pork, slow-cooked until it falls apart effortlessly, then crisped to perfection and piled high on warm corn tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, these Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game day feasts.
The best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work! Just set it, forget it, and come home to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this recipe creates restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Hands-On Time – Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Authentic Flavor – The perfect balance of citrus, spice, and smokiness.
- Versatile & Meal-Prep Friendly – Use leftovers for burritos, nachos, or meal bowls.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Whether it’s taco night with the kids or watching the big game, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Pork Carnitas:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ½ cup chicken broth
To Serve:
- Warm corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- White onion, diced
- Lime wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
How to Make Pork Carnitas in a Slow Cooker
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours
1: Season the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry, then rub it with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder. This step helps lock in all that incredible flavor.
2: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
4: Shred & Crisp the Carnitas
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. For that crispy restaurant-style finish, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little of the cooking juices, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
5: Assemble & Serve
Load up warm corn tortillas with crispy carnitas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa or hot sauce if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per serving, approx. 2 tacos)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Best Side Dishes for Carnitas Tacos
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Light, fresh, and the perfect pairing.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans – A classic side dish.
- Guacamole & Chips – Because no taco night is complete without it.
Beginner’s Tips for the Best Carnitas
- Use Pork Shoulder for the Best Texture – It has the perfect balance of fat for juicy, tender carnitas.
- Don’t Skip the Citrus – Fresh orange and lime juice add depth and help tenderize the meat.
- Crisp It Up! – Broiling the shredded pork after slow cooking gives you that signature crispy edge.
- Make It Your Own – Add avocado, cheese, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
Love Easy Slow Cooker Pork Recipes? Get More!
If you love slow-cooked meals that are effortless yet incredibly delicious, check out “35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes” by Jean Pardue. From juicy ribs to tender roasts, you’ll find tons of mouthwatering, no-fuss meals to add to your weekly rotation.
📖 Get your copy at Amazon now.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making carnitas before? Share your favorite taco toppings in the comments below!
