The Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe – Easy & Flavorful

Make tender, juicy pork every time with The Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe. Perfect for effortless dinners and packed with bold Mexican flavors.

The Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, tender pork packed with Mexican flavors but want a hands-off approach, this recipe is perfect. The Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe will guide you through making authentic carnitas the easy way. This slow cooker version delivers melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans. Using a few simple ingredients like orange juice, garlic, and spices, you can create rich flavor with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love It

Slow cooking pork shoulder in the crockpot locks in moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. The citrus juices add brightness that balances the savory spices. It’s an effortless, dinner-ready meal you can set and forget while the flavors develop all day. Plus, the crispy broiling step at the end mimics traditional carnitas made in a pot, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, juiced (keep the spent halves)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Substitutions: Use vegetable broth for a lighter broth base. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be added after cooking for deeper flavor. To reduce sodium, lower the salt amount or use a salt substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season pork chunks with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Place pork into crockpot.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, orange juice and spent halves, lime juice, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Remove pork from crockpot and shred with forks. Discard bay leaves and orange halves.
5. Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil 3-5 minutes to crisp edges for classic carnitas texture. Serve warm.

For more easy pork recipes, check our Easy Weeknight Dinners section. To explore other Mexican dishes, visit Mexican Recipes.

Expert Tips

Use a fatty cut like pork shoulder for moist carnitas. If the pork seems dry, add extra broth or citrus juice before shredding. Cooking low and slow is key to tender meat—avoid lifting the lid during the initial hours to keep heat steady. Broiling at the end crisps the edges beautifully; ensure your oven rack is several inches from the heat source to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze carnitas in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or microwave to retain moisture.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute jackfruit for pork and increase spices for a flavor-packed vegan carnitas.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure broth is gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free: Completely dairy-free as written.
• Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and use low-sodium broth plus fresh herbs for flavor.

FAQ

What is The Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe?

It’s a slow cooker method for making traditional Mexican carnitas with shredded, tender pork shoulder seasoned with aromatic spices and citrus.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is best due to its fat content; lean cuts won’t get as tender or flavorful.

How long do I cook carnitas in a crockpot?

Typically 8 hours on low heat ensures tender meat ready for shredding.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before broiling the edges crisp.

What should I serve with carnitas?

Serve with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, rice, or black beans for a complete meal.

We’d love to hear how your carnitas turned out! Please comment, rate, save, and share this recipe if you enjoyed it.