Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling
Savor Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling, a juicy, crispy-edged pork dish with bold Mexican spices. This effortless crockpot meal is perfect for taco nights, delivering authentic flavors with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms pork shoulder into tender, caramelized bites, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. This budget-friendly recipe is incredibly easy, with the slow cooker melding rich Mexican flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for spice and serving tweaks, making it a hit for family dinners or parties. Packed with protein and savory depth, this carnitas pairs beautifully with tortillas, salsa, or slaw, offering a restaurant-quality, flavorful meal that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear Pork First: Brown pork for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use Pork Shoulder: Fat content ensures juicy, tender carnitas.
- Crisp at End: Broil shredded pork for 3-5 minutes for crispy edges.
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or increase chili powder to control heat.
- Use Citrus: Orange and lime juice tenderize and brighten flavor.
- Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling
Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling, a juicy, crispy pork crockpot dish perfect for tacos.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional toppings: salsa, onion, cilantro, tortillas
Instructions
- Season Pork: Pat pork chunks dry and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Sear Pork: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear pork for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Prep Aromatics: Slice onion and mince garlic to build a flavorful base.
- Layer Crockpot: Place onion slices in a 6-quart slow cooker, creating a bed.
- Add Pork: Place seared pork chunks on top of onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour Citrus: Add orange juice, lime juice, and garlic over the pork.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until pork is tender.
- Shred Pork: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and reserve cooking liquid.
- Crisp Carnitas: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet; broil for 3-5 minutes, tossing with reserved liquid.
- Serve with Flair: Spoon into tortillas, top with salsa and cilantro, and enjoy these crispy tacos!
Notes
- Searing pork enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw pork will cook through.
- Broiling at the end creates authentic crispy edges; don’t skip for best texture.
- Reserve cooking liquid to moisten pork during crisping.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas, pickled onions, or guacamole for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 553Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 14gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 153mgSodium 354mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 41g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Pork Shoulder: Boneless or bone-in provides rich, tender flavor; pork butt is similar.
- Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice adds sweetness and acidity; bottled works in a pinch.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice enhances brightness; lemon juice can substitute.
- Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; white onion offers sharper flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth; oregano complements Mexican flavors.
- Chili Powder: Provides mild heat; adjust for spice preference.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a bright garnish; parsley can substitute.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs or beef chuck; adjust cooking time.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; serve in corn tortillas.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce added salt and use low-sodium broth if adding.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chipotle, or cayenne for extra heat.
- Vegan Option: Use jackfruit with same spices for plant-based carnitas.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include bell peppers or corn for extra texture.
- Herb Variations: Swap cilantro for green onions or oregano.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in skillet.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Crisp in a hot skillet with a splash of broth.
- Meal Prep: Portion with tortillas or toppings for easy taco nights.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Filling with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Black Bean Stew
