Name: Slow Cooker Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h 20 min
Total time: 5 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 4 to 5 pound boneless pork butt or pork shoulder; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 tablespoon cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular paprika; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 1/2 cups diced onion; 1/2 cup cola or Dr. Pepper; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup lime juice + additional for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Slow-cooked and incredibly flavorful, Slow Cooker Carnitas are a game-changing addition to any meal. Tender pork that falls apart at the slightest touch, seasoned perfectly with spices like cumin and smoked paprika, offers a depth of flavor that makes every bite unforgettable. These succulent shreds of meat are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Best of all, preparing them is a breeze in your slow cooker, allowing you more time to enjoy your day.

Pin this for later!

The first time I discovered carnitas, it was at a bustling little Mexican restaurant where the aroma wafting from the kitchen was irresistible. I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so divine! Since then, I’ve experimented with various recipes, but this Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe quickly became my go-to. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also guarantees mouthwatering results. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Carnitas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and then your slow cooker does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and savory pork creates an explosion of taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it up in tacos with colorful toppings for a visually pleasing dish!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal-prepping.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, adaptable for all dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 to 5 pounds boneless pork butt or pork shoulder: This cut of meat becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. You can also use bone-in for added flavor, just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed.
1 tablespoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish; feel free to adjust according to personal preference.
1 tablespoon oregano: Adds a lovely earthiness; Mexican oregano works best here but regular oregano is fine too.
1 tablespoon cumin: Provides a warm, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the meat.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular paprika: Smoked paprika gives the carnitas a delightful depth; regular paprika works as a substitute if you prefer.
1 teaspoon black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a touch of heat and depth.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavors and adds a zesty aroma.
1 1/2 cups diced onion (about 1 small onion): Sweetened as it cooks, onion brings moisture and sweetness to the dish.
1/2 cup cola or Dr. Pepper: This may sound unusual, but it caramelizes the meat and enhances flavor with a subtle sweetness. You can substitute with any cola or use a mix of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar as a healthier alternative.
1/2 cup orange juice: The citrus brightens the flavors, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
1/4 cup lime juice + additional for serving: Fresh lime juice adds zesty brightness to the final dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

Prepare the Pork: Remove the pork from the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better.
Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
Season the Pork: Rub all sides of the pork with the seasoning mixture. Place the pork (fat-side up) in the slow cooker, adding any leftover seasoning on top.
Add Aromatics: Top the pork with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 1/2 cups of diced onion, which will caramelize beautifully as it cooks.
Pour the Liquid: Pour 1/2 cup of cola, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1/4 cup of lime juice down the sides of the slow cooker. This method keeps the meat moist while infusing all those delicious flavors.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the pork easily shreds with a fork. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly during this time!
Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the meat from the juices and shred it. Mixing it back into the juices prevents the pork from drying out.
Prepare to Broil: Preheat your oven to broil.
Broil for Crispiness: Use tongs to transfer some of the shredded pork to a foil-lined sheet pan. Broil for about 3-5 minutes, until the edges become crispy and caramelized. This step really enhances the texture!
Serve: Squeeze more fresh lime over the carnitas if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Slow Cooker Carnitas, let the pork cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for a couple of hours but should be refrigerated for more than that, lasting up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a few minutes until heated through. Just remember that freezing may affect the texture slightly, but adding a splash of fresh lime juice when reheating can brighten up the flavors again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding in the slow cooker; if you’re making a larger batch, use two slow cookers to ensure an even cook.
Make sure your pork is at room temperature before seasoning for better flavor absorption.
If you have time, sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet before slow cooking to deepen the flavor.
Feel free to tweak the spices to match your taste; sometimes a bit more cumin or smoky paprika can make all the difference.
For added texture, broil the shredded pork in smaller batches to achieve perfect crispiness.

One taste of these Slow Cooker Carnitas, and you’ll want to recreate this dish again and again. They are simple yet bursting with authentic flavors that remind you of your favorite Mexican retreat. Engage your culinary spirit, let these carnitas simmer, and share them with family and friends for guaranteed happiness all around!

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork is best for carnitas?

The best cuts are boneless pork butt or pork shoulder due to their perfect balance of meat and fat. If you prefer, bone-in cuts can be used for added flavor but will require slightly longer cooking times.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pork can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after cooking. You can also freeze the cooked carnitas for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

How can I serve Slow Cooker Carnitas?

There are endless possibilities! Serve them in soft corn tortillas, on burrito bowls, or nachos. Pair with fresh toppings like cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or a zesty salsa to elevate the dish.

Can I substitute the soda in this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid soda, you can replace it with a mix of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar for a healthier alternative. The sweetness and acidity will help tenderize the meat and enhance flavors.

⭐ If you make my Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips