This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe is a 3-ingredient crockpot triumph. Juicy pork shoulder simmers with zesty salsa and taco seasoning, transforming into tender, flavorful carnitas—perfect for tacos, bowls, or meal prep with minimal effort and maximum taste, straight from your slow cooker.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Choose a pork shoulder with some fat—it keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during the long cook time; trim excess if needed, but don’t go too lean. Use a medium or chunky salsa—it adds texture and moisture without making it too watery. Give the pork a quick stir halfway through if you’re around—it ensures even seasoning, though it’s not essential. Shred the meat right in the slow cooker—less mess and the juices soak back in for extra flavor. Double the recipe and freeze portions—it’s a game-changer for quick, delicious meals later in the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe—it’s a standout gem among 3-ingredient crockpot recipes, and it’s about to become your slow cooker hero! This dish is a flavor-packed masterpiece: a hefty pork shoulder soaks up zesty salsa and bold taco seasoning, slow-cooking into tender, shreddable carnitas that melt in your mouth with every bite—just three simple ingredients turn into a fiesta of taste while your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—toss it in, let it simmer all day, and come home to a rich, savory aroma and a dish that’s ready to shine in tacos, bowls, or whatever you dream up. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, prepping for a busy week, or just craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner that feels like a treat, this recipe is an absolute winner—effortless, mouthwatering, and guaranteed to make you the star of any meal with its juicy, spiced perfection!
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Tender pork carnitas with salsa—crockpot ease.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 ½ cups salsa (medium, chunky style)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
Instructions
- Gear Up for Fiesta: Grab your slow cooker, a cutting board, and a spoon—this 3-ingredient carnitas magic’s about to light up your day with ease! Picture tender, juicy pork ready for tacos—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin!
- Prep the Pork: Take your 3 lbs pork shoulder—if it’s bone-in, no worries, it’ll add flavor; if boneless, even easier! Trim any huge chunks of fat, but leave some for juiciness—place it in the slow cooker, ready to soak up the goodness!
- Season It Up: Open your 1 oz packet of taco seasoning—sprinkle it generously all over the pork! That bold, spicy mix is your flavor foundation—rub it in with your hands if you’re feeling it!
- Add the Salsa: Measure out 1 ½ cups salsa—pour it evenly over the seasoned pork shoulder! That zesty, chunky goodness is your moisture and taste booster—let it settle in and work its magic!
- Set the Cooker: Pop the lid on—set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours if you’ve got all day, or high for 4-6 hours if you want it sooner! Let it simmer—your kitchen’s about to smell like a Mexican street food stall!
- Stir Halfway (Optional): If you’re home, give the pork a gentle stir after 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high—spreads the salsa and seasoning love! Not around? No sweat—it’ll still turn out amazing without this step!
- Check the Pork: When time’s up, lift the lid—your pork should be fall-apart tender and juicy! Test it with a fork—if it shreds easily, your carnitas are ready to rock!
- Shred the Meat: Use two forks to shred the pork right in the slow cooker—pull it apart into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the salsa and juices! This tender, saucy mess is your carnitas gold—keep it chunky or fine, your choice!
- Taste and Tweak: Scoop out a little bite—taste that zesty, spicy perfection! Need more kick? Add a splash of salsa or a pinch of seasoning—adjust it to your carnitas dreams!
- Serve and Savor: Spoon the shredded pork into tortillas for tacos, bowls, or meal prep containers—pile on toppings like onions, cilantro, or lime! Pack extras for later or dig in hot—it’s crockpot carnitas heaven. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!
Notes
- Leave some fat on the pork—too lean and it dries out, ruining your carnitas vibe!
- Shred in the cooker—keeps all those tasty juices locked in for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prep ahead—toss it in before you leave, come home to a ready-to-shred feast that’s pure bliss!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 511Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 153mgSodium 509mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 40g
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 (also called pork butt) is the star of this show—about 22 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, with enough fat marbling to keep it succulent and rich after hours of slow cooking, making it ideal for carnitas. Salsa brings the zesty, tangy kick—medium or chunky style preferred, it adds about 2 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons and infuses moisture and flavor with every spoonful. Taco seasoning delivers the spice—store-bought packets (around 1 ounce) blend chili powder, cumin, and garlic, giving that bold, Mexican-inspired punch that ties it all together.
Variations and Substitutions
If pork shoulder isn’t handy, swap it for pork loin—leaner with 24 grams of protein per 4 ounces, though it might be slightly less juicy, so watch the cook time. Use mild or spicy salsa instead of medium—mild keeps it gentle for sensitive palates, while spicy cranks up the heat for a fiery twist. Sub taco seasoning with a homemade mix—combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder for a custom blend you can tweak to your liking. Add a splash of orange juice or lime juice—enhances the citrusy carnitas vibe if you’ve got it. Try chicken thighs instead—20 grams of protein per 4 ounces, still juicy and flavorful, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors meld even more, making it taste better with time! Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a quick, tasty meal that’s just as good as fresh.
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