Easy Crockpot Carnitas
These easy crockpot carnitas are simple enough for anyone to make! Broiling them just before serving gives a browned, crispy crust to the meat. SO good!
These easy crockpot carnitas are simple enough for anyone to make! Broiling them just before serving gives a browned, crispy crust to the meat. SO good!
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 5 cloves garlic
- juice of 2 limes
- 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa (i like to use a less chunky one)
- 12 ounces beer (a standard lager works great for this!)
- Carbohydrate 3.1490215016695 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.112061500032923 g
- Fiber 0.264279998857412 g
- Protein 0.342871000115043 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0164319000041896 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -12 (58g)
- Sodium 2.28180000017585 mg
- Sugar 2.88474150281208 g
- Trans Fat 0.0300049500158568 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Roughly chop the garlic and place in the slow cooker (I actually kind of rubbed it onto the meat to get as much garlic flavor as possible, but you could just toss it in, too).
- Sprinkle the meat with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne. Rub seasonings onto the pork.
- Add lime juice, orange juice, beer, and salsa.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 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 with fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime juice.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Easy Crockpot Carnitas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the household running smoothly, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of crockpot meals – they’re simple, hands-off, and consistently deliver flavorful results. And my absolute favorite? Crockpot carnitas.
This recipe is a lifesaver. It’s incredibly forgiving, requiring minimal prep time and offering maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with the delicious blend of spices. The final broil step adds a beautiful crispiness to the outside, creating the perfect textural contrast. I love how versatile these carnitas are; they can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even enjoyed on their own.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. I often adjust the spices to my preference, sometimes adding a bit more chili powder for extra heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. I’ve also experimented with different types of beer, finding that a dark stout adds a surprisingly delicious depth of flavor. Feel free to get creative and personalize it to your taste! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe also allows me to connect with my family in a meaningful way. The aroma of the carnitas simmering in the crockpot fills the house with a comforting warmth, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for dinner time. It’s a simple ritual, but it’s one that brings us together and creates lasting memories. The process of assembling the tacos, adding our favorite toppings, and sharing a meal together is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to connect and reconnect.
The secret to truly amazing carnitas is the slow cooking process. The low and slow method ensures that the pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds. It’s a magical transformation that takes place over time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The final broil step not only adds that lovely crispness, but also helps to caramelize the sugars in the sauce, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. This little extra step makes all the difference.
I typically prepare the carnitas on a Sunday afternoon, allowing them to simmer away while I tackle other household chores or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. By the time dinner rolls around, all that's left to do is shred the meat and broil it for a few minutes. This time-saving strategy allows me to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal without sacrificing precious family time. The leftovers are just as good, making it an excellent meal-prep option for busy weekdays.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and versatile weeknight dinner that won’t drain your energy or your time, look no further. Crockpot carnitas is the answer. It’s a recipe that’s as much about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as it is about the delicious food itself. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too!
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities for serving these carnitas are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Tacos: Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onions, shredded cheese, and salsa.
- Burritos: Wrap the carnitas in large flour tortillas with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
- Carnitas Bowls: Create hearty bowls with carnitas, rice, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Nachos: Pile the carnitas on top of tortilla chips with cheese, beans, salsa, and other nacho fixings.
- Salads: Add shredded carnitas to your favorite salad for a protein boost.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these crockpot carnitas are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!
