These are the easiest crockpot carnitas and simple enough for anyone to make! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly browned with a crispy crust.
Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Juicy, flavorful, crispy. We’re talking about these beautiful crockpot carnitas!
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This is the best pork I have ever made! So delicious, easy to put together, and the fact that it’s a slow cooker recipe is an extra bonus!
Stephanie
Favorite things in life, in order:
- tacos
- tacos
- tacos.
And one thing that has been known to transform the tacos in my life is juicy, tender, savory, fall-apart pork that is both massively flavorful (garlic, spices, and just a hint of tangy lime) and juuust browned and crispy enough to keep me snacking on little bites of it while prepping my taco ingredients.
Yes, you know it. We’re talking about crockpot carnitas.
In my life, I give bonus points to any recipe that is idiot-proof easy to make and can be popped in the slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook while you manage your normal life things. More bonus points for recipes that can be frozen, prepped ahead, or kept easily as leftovers. And let’s just say that this carnitas recipe is racking up the bonus points right now.
Are you so into this right now? I AM SO INTO THIS.
In This Post: Everything You Need For Crockpot Carnitas
- Watch How to Make Crockpot Carnitas
- Super Simple Ingredients for Carnitas
- Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt
- How to Make This Crispy Pork
- Browning the Meat
- Easy Crockpot Carnitas: Frequently Asked Questions
Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?
Super Simple Ingredients For Carnitas
This recipe is absolutely my go-to for “entertaining” aka “hey you guys should come over and watch the game and we’ll eat something yummy while sitting on the couch.”
Here’s what you’ll need:
- pork shoulder
- garlic
- limes
- beer (or broth)
- orange juice
- salsa
- seasonings
You can prep all your beautiful extras (guacamole, fresh cilantro and lime, sour cream, cotija cheese, radish, red onion, tortillas, pico de gallo) in advance, and maybe even run a few errands (oops, forgot the drinks, and the dog could probably use a walk, and have I showered yet today?), all while the meat does its delicious thing, needing no supervision whatsoever.
Pork Shoulder Vs. Pork Butt
So you’re in the grocery store and you can find pork shoulder but not pork butt? That’ll work great still for this carnitas recipe! Both are tough cuts from the pig’s shoulder – pork butt is just a smidge higher up on the animal. Both are really perfect cuts though for long and slow cooking, like roasting, braising, or making crispy carnitas tacos!
How To Make This Crispy Pork
- Plop the pork shoulder in your slow cooker with the garlic and massage the seasonings into the meat.
- Add in the lime juice, beer, orange juice, and salsa. Walk away and let this pork turn into something magical.
- Shred the meat and crisp it up in the oven. See more below!
Time For a Quick Browning Treatment
When it’s time for friends to arrive, you shred that meat in the crockpot (it’s okay if you have extra liquid in there), you brown it up under a broiler (THIS IS ESSENTIAL DO NOT SKIP), and you plate it up nice and pretty and let everyone compliment you for this delicious, juicy, colorful spread.
Juicy, tender, saucy, and simultaneously crispy carnitas. Truly a thing of beauty.
Easy Crockpot Carnitas: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a substitute for the beer?
You can use chicken broth instead.
Can these be made in the Instant Pot?
Sure can! Watch our video here for how to make these easy carnitas in the Instant Pot.
I found pork butt, but I can’t find pork shoulder. Will that work?
Yes! Both are tougher cuts of meat that will do great with a long and slow cook.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
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Source notes: Carnitas is a staple of Mexican cooking and eating and literally means “little meats.” The method to make it can vary from person to person, but what’s always consistent is shreddable pork for tacos, tortas, and more. This is a simple slow cooker version of carnitas, but traditional carnitas recipes are typically cooked by simmering or braising the pork in oil. You can learn all about the history of carnitas here. Also, to explore Mexican food more, highly recommend checking out the vibrant and fun Chicano Eats cookbook, written by Esteban Castillo and described as “Mexican food with an immigrant sensibility that weaves seamlessly between Mexican and American genres and cultures.”
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Easy Crockpot Carnitas
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
These are the easiest crockpot carnitas and simple enough for anyone to make! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly browned with a crispy crust.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4–5 lbs. pork shoulder
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)
- juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 12 ounces beer (a standard lager works great for this!)
- 1/2 cup salsa (I like to use a less chunky one)
Instructions
- 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.
Equipment
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: crockpot carnitas, easy carnitas recipe, carnitas recipe
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More Pork Recipes To Make Over and Over Again
- Caramelized Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa (this chili mayo sauce could rule the world)
- 15-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl (low on cook time, big on flavor)
- The Best Swedish Meatballs (a bit more diva-status to make but oh-so good)
- 5-Ingredient Spicy Pork (a fancy-feeling dinner that comes together in a snap)
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of yummy pork recipes. Check it out!
Filed Under: All Recipes Dairy-Free Dinner Instant Pot Lime Main Dishes Meat and Chicken Most Popular Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Spring Stovetop Sugar-Free Tacos
May 4, 2021
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
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I’ve made this once with the beer and once without. I think I like it better without because additional liquid almost makes the meat “boil” in the pot, and it definitely dilutes the spices. I used everything else though, and when the meat started cooking, the liquids rose to at least halfway up the roast–PLENTY. Not using the beer allowed the the subtle taste of the cinnamon to come through as well, which I really liked. Family liked it this way, too. Thank you!
I plan on freezing the whole recipe. Would you recommend freezing after shredding in the crockpot and broiling before serving, or broiling then freezing? Thanks!
Hi, Abigail! We’d suggest broiling before serving.
Hi, I see the cayenne pepper, but is it not spicy? In other words, ok for kids to eat?
Hi, Jennifer! This isn’t spicy in our opinion, especially since it’s just 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for 5 pounds of meat. The cayenne adds a bit of flavor. Hope this helps!
My pork shoulder is bone-in and weighs 2.75 lbs. Should I just halve the spices, etc.?
Yes, that should work!
can you freeze leftovers
Yes!
I have tried so many carnitas recipes trying to find the best one and THIS IS IT!!!
This is amazing! I’ve used a tenderloin each time I’ve made it just because that has been what was available, and it was perfect. I stood next to the crock pot just eating the liquid with a spoon it was that flavorful!
I’m thinking about making this ahead of time and bringing to a work potluck. Have you had any experience re-heating and keeping warm in a crock pot after broiling?
We haven’t tried this yet. It might lose some of the crispiness you get from broiling, but it should still work. Enjoy!
I made today they were EXCELLENT
Has anyone tried this recipe with an Instant Pot and if so, for how long and any other changes?
Hi Chris! Yes, check out this video for Instant Pot instructions. Cook time says 30 minutes, but when making at home I’ve sometimes had to cook for almost double that time. So just keep adding more time if the pork isn’t fork tender yet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oMUrwFGmf0
I love this recipe. I always use a large pork tenderloin because it’s so easy for a week night meal and it’s less fat.
A poster earlier asked about reheating. My husband and I are empty nesters. Half of this recipe with all the trimmings usually ends up going to the office to share. It is always met with great reviews. I have been told by co-workers if their wife made this they would never let it leave the house. Half the recipe gives the two of us all we want. Don’t want to eat it for a week.
If you wanted to use a dutch oven, how long / what temperature would you suggest?
In the oven, I’d cook at 325 or until the pork is fork tender and shreddable!
These Carnitas are amazing and super simple. The only change I would make is less cinnamon.
Do you think this recipe would work with chicken? Thanks!
For sure! Chicken thighs would be great!
We make this so often I just had to find a short cut for the dry seasonings. I tripled and then doubled all of them into one happy jar. Now all I need do is grab my Carnita Seasoning and shake away!
Delicious recipe that we’ve made time and time again. Love doing it in the instant pot, and everyone is always wowed. We love serving with some pickled radishes and fresh tortillas.
Is there a substitution for the beer or can I leave it out all together? I have a gluten allergy and I know there are gluten free beers available, I would just prefer not to have to buy any if I can get away with it?
You can leave it out, and just add in broth instead!
I’ve used ginger beer before and it was great! Not sure if that is gluten free, but for anyone else looking for a beer sub it could help. Thanks!!
I have a bone in pork shoulder. Can I still use that in the crockpot ?
For sure!
My mouth is watering just looking at this recipe. Can’t wait to make it, perfect to make the night before or really early in the morning!