08d0fbd9 b4ca 4770 8e32 7a31230656bd

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pork Carnitas

by

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pork Carnitas

Description

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pork Carnitas are juicy, tender, and packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavor using only a handful of simple ingredients. Pork slow-cooks until fall-apart tender, then gets crisped up for irresistible crispy edges. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, or meal prep, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-style carnitas with minimal effort.

 Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Juice of 2 limes

Optional:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Orange juice for extra flavor
  • Tortillas for serving

 Instructions

  1. Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add pork shoulder on top.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the pork.
  4. Pour salsa and lime juice over everything.
  5. Cover and cook:
    • LOW for 8–10 hours
    • HIGH for 5–6 hours
  6. Once pork is very tender, shred it using two forks.
  7. For crispy carnitas:
    • Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
    • Broil for 3–5 minutes until edges crisp slightly.
  8. Serve warm in tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.

 Servings

Serves 8

 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: About 8 hours 10 minutes

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg

 Benefits

  • Only 5 simple ingredients
  • Great for meal prep
  • High in protein and very filling
  • Versatile for multiple meals
  • Slow cooker makes pork incredibly tender

 Tips

  • Pork shoulder gives the best juicy texture.
  • Broiling after slow cooking creates authentic crispy edges.
  • Add orange juice for sweeter traditional-style carnitas flavor.
  • Save cooking juices to drizzle over pork before serving.

 Serving Ideas

  • Tacos with onions and cilantro
  • Burrito bowls with rice and beans
  • Nachos
  • Quesadillas
  • Sandwiches or sliders

 Q&A

What cut of pork is best?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) works best because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

Can I freeze carnitas?

Yes! Freeze shredded pork with some cooking juices for up to 3 months.

Do I have to crisp the pork?

No, but broiling adds extra flavor and texture.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Use spicy salsa or add jalapeños and chipotle peppers.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months
  • Reheat in skillet or oven for best texture

Leave a Comment