Name: Crockpot Keto BBQ Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: ¼ cup lard or avocado oil; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 large onion, quartered; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tsp black pepper; 1½ cups sugar-free BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp chipotle powder (optional); 2 tsp oregano; 2 tsp salt; 5 lb pork shoulder (butt), cut into 3–4 chunks; 6 cloves garlic, smashed; Juice of 2 limes

Enjoy Crockpot Keto BBQ Pork Carnitas, ultra-tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in smoky, sugar-free BBQ sauce until fall-apart juicy, then crisped to perfection. This zero-carb (0 net) Mexican-inspired masterpiece is pure low-carb comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Keto BBQ Pork Carnitas delivers everything you crave in traditional carnitas—crisp edges, melt-in-your-mouth texture, bold flavor—but with zero sugar and virtually zero carbs. The slow cooker does all the work, turning inexpensive pork shoulder into restaurant-quality pulled pork that’s naturally keto, gluten-free, and insanely versatile. Serve in lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or straight from the pot. One batch feeds a crowd or gives you delicious meal prep for days.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Fat is Flavor → Choose pork butt/shoulder with good marbling.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce → Homemade or Rao’s/Primal Kitchen are perfect.
Crisp at End → Broil or air-fry shredded pork for authentic carnitas crunch.
Double Season → Season before and after cooking.
Save the Juice → Strain and reduce cooking liquid for incredible drizzling sauce.
Freeze in Portions → Perfect for quick keto meals.

Yield: 12 Servings

Crockpot Keto BBQ Pork Carnitas

Juicy, crispy-edged keto BBQ pork carnitas—zero sugar, maximum flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup lard or avocado oil
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 large onion, quartered
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp black pepper
1½ cups sugar-free BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp salt
5 lb pork shoulder (butt), cut into 3–4 chunks
6 cloves garlic, smashed
Juice of 2 limes

Instructions

Season Pork → Rub chunks generously with salt, pepper, and half the spices.
Sear (optional) → Brown all sides in hot lard for deeper flavor.
Layer Crockpot → Place onion and garlic at bottom.
Add Pork → Nestle seasoned pork on top.
Make Sauce → Whisk BBQ sauce, remaining spices, lime juice, broth.
Pour Over → Cover pork completely with sauce.
Slow Cook → Low 8 hours or high 4–5 hours until fork-tender.
Shred → Remove pork; shred with two forks.
Crisp It → Spread on sheet pan; broil 5–8 minutes, tossing once.
Serve → Drizzle with reduced cooking juices—keto carnitas heaven!

Notes

Bone-in adds extra flavor; remove before shredding.
Homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce = tomato paste, vinegar, spices, monk fruit.
Crisping step is non-negotiable for authentic carnitas texture.
Serve in lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or with keto coleslaw.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 555Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 186mgSodium 633mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 57g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.