Easy Crockpot Carnitas: Juicy, Crispy, & Effortless

There’s nothing quite like tender, juicy, fall-apart pork with crispy edges, perfectly seasoned for tacos, burritos, or bowls. The best part? You can let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting! These Easy Crockpot Carnitas are a must-try for your next taco night—packed with flavor, incredibly simple, and great for meal prep.

Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, are a Mexican classic known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and crispy caramelized bits. Traditionally, they’re slow-cooked in lard, but this version achieves the same rich, juicy results with the ease of a crockpot. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have an effortless, mouthwatering meal waiting for you.

The combination of citrus juices, aromatic spices, and garlic infuses the pork with an irresistible depth of flavor. As it slowly simmers, the meat becomes fork-tender, soaking up every bit of the deliciously seasoned broth. Once shredded, a quick broil in the oven ensures those signature crispy edges that make carnitas so special.

Whether you pile them onto warm tortillas with fresh toppings, stuff them into burritos, or serve them in a hearty bowl, these carnitas are endlessly versatile. Plus, they store and reheat beautifully, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. Get ready to savor a truly effortless and flavor-packed dish that will quickly become a household favorite.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (plus optional broiling)
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 8–10

Ingredients:

For the Pork:

• 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in, trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best!)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For Serving:

• Warm tortillas
• Diced onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Avocado or guacamole
• Salsa of choice

How to Make It:

1. Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with seasoning adhesion. Rub the pork with olive oil, ensuring even coverage, then coat generously with taco seasoning, pressing the spices into the meat.

2. Slow Cook: Place the pork in the crockpot, fat side up. Add minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the pot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

3. Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices for maximum flavor absorption.

4. Crisp It Up (Optional but Recommended!): Preheat your oven broiler to high. Spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 5–7 minutes, or until the edges become golden and crispy. For extra flavor, spoon some of the leftover slow cooker juices over the pork before serving.

5. Serve & Enjoy: Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over an open flame for a slight char. Load them up with carnitas and your favorite toppings. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for a bright, citrusy touch.

Tips & Tricks:

✅ Save Time: Prep the seasoning and juice mixture the night before for an easy morning dump-and-go recipe!
✅ Storage: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
✅ Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the slow cooker for a spicy kick!

Variations:

• Chicken Carnitas: Swap pork for boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reduce cook time to 4 hours on low.
• Citrusy Twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a subtle sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or in low-carb wraps.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Super easy—just set it and forget it!
✔️ Packed with bold, authentic flavors
✔️ Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
✔️ Versatile—use for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads

Pinterest Pro Tip:

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