Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe [+Video]

This pork carnitas recipe is so flavorful and moist and the best part? They are crazy easy to make with only a few ingredients and a slow cooker!

We had a little Mexican Pot luck in my neighborhood the other night. It was tons of fun and so nice to have everyone out together and just enjoy each others’ company. Everyone brought a dish to share and it turned out perfect. I decided to go with carnitas. I looooooove this pork. It is one of the most simple ways to make carnitas, but it is so juicy and flavorful. I love that you just throw it in the crockpot and don’t think about it all day. You may wonder if with so few ingredients it’s really that delicious, but it is.

I made one big fat error this time around. You may not think it’s that big of a deal, but for me it is. At about 12:30 in the afternoon I realized that I had not placed the pork in the crock. DANGIT!!!! I am a huge, huge believer in letting roasts, and all kinds of pork cook for 8 hours in the crock on low. It is soooooooooo much more juicy, tender and flavorful. I promise. This pork still turned out well, but it would have been 1 million times better if I had been more on top of things. SO, when you try this, don’t forget to slooooooow cook it.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

The ingredients for crockpot pork carnitas are simple and pack so much flavor. You will need a few ingredients for a dry rub and then a few items for cooking the pork in the slow cooker. The orange juice and lime juice add the punch of citrus you want in carnitas! This is what you will need:

• Corn Tortillas
• Queso Fresco
• Cilantro

For the Rub

• Seasonings: Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt and Pepper
• Garlic
• Oil

For the Pork

• Pork Shoulder/Butt
• Onion
• Garlic
• Jalapeno
• Fresh Black Pepper
• White Vinegar
• Kosher Salt
• Oranges
• Limes

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post so keep scrolling for all the details!

How to Make Pork Carnitas

Now we come to my favorite part of this slow cooker carnitas recipe…the simplicity! Here are the basic steps:

1. Combine: Add all the ingredients for the dry rub together in a small bowl and then rub it all over the outside of the pork. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add: Juice the oranges over the pork and leave one of the oranges in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 10-12 hours or until the meat falls apart.
4. Shred: Using two forks, shred the pork and leave it in the juice in the crockpot. Pull out the orange peels.
   • OPTIONAL: If you crave those crispy edges on your carnitas, place the pork on a baking sheet and stick it in the oven to broil for a few minutes.
5. Serve: Dish up the pork into warmed corn tortillas with some cilantro, diced red onions and queso fresco on top. Avocado slices also make a great addition!

These instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Watch How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

What are Carnitas?

Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled or shredded pork and can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, tostadas or just to eat plain. The meat is cooked low and slow and is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.

The meat is usually braised or roasted in lard until it is super tender. We have a roasted pork carnitas recipe that is super popular on the blog if you want to go the traditional route. We also have an Instant Pot Carnitas recipe that gives you carnitas in a fraction of the time.

What is Queso Fresco?

Queso Fresco is a semi-soft cheese, white in color. It is often used in Mexican cuisine. It is mild in flavor and slightly tangy.

What Can You Substitute For Queso Fresco?

Cotija cheese is the best substitute for queso fresco, but usually if you can’t find one, you won’t find the other. A mild feta cheese is your next best substitute for queso fresco.

Can I Use Pork Loin to Make Carnitas?

You really want to use pork shoulder or pork butt because they have a higher fat content which makes them super tender and juicy. Pork loin is a little too lean for carnitas, but if you have a pork loin that you want to use up, try our rosemary pork tenderloin! It’s fabulous!

What to Serve with Pork Carnitas

Homemade crockpot carnitas can be topped with pico de gallo, fresh salsa or guacamole. If you are looking for delicious side dishes, here are some ideas:

Storing and Reheating

Pork carnitas should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for 3-4 days.

Carnitas also freeze extremely well. Allow them to cool completely and then place them in a freezer safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat carnitas, I prefer to sauté them on the stove top to recreate those crispy edges. Add a little oil to a skillet and heat them up until warmed through.

Learn how to make delicious and tender pork carnitas in your slow cooker with this easy recipe. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and more, this is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared ahead of time.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try:

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