Slow Cooker Carnitas

If your life is anything like mine, then you’re busy. Especially on weeknights. This killer slow cooker recipe is even easier than most as you don’t need to brown the meat before tossing everything into the crock pot. You can simply toss everything together into the pot and head on about your day and come home to fragrant, meltingly soft delicious Mexican pulled pork (known as carnitas.) The acidity in the citrus juice helps to tenderize the pork as it slow cooks all day in a spiced broth that infuses the meat with flavor. This recipe makes plenty of meat to feed a family of four and have leftovers! Get creative with your toppings and enjoy a Mexican themed feast with less than 10 minutes of active work!

Slow Cooker Carnitas

4-5 lbs of boneless skinless pork shoulder or pork roast (I used two smaller roasts)

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 cloves of garlic

2 small onions, sliced thin

3/4 cup orange juice

12 ounces pale beer

juice of 1 lime

Optional items to serve with the carnitas:

tortillas, salsa, avocados, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, pickled jalapeños, etc

  1. Put the pork into the slow cooker. Mix together the spiced and sprinkle them over the pork. Toss the garlic and sliced onions into the slow cooker as well. Pour the orange juice, pale beer, and lime juice over the seasoned meat and veggies. Close and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil. Preheat your broiler to high and adjust a rack in your oven to the upper third of the oven. Gently remove the pork and as many onions as possible from the slow cooker and shred it with a fork. Ladle a couple of spoonfuls of the cooking liquid over the meat. Broil for 10-15 minutes or until the tops of the pork crisp and darken. Taste and add more spices or some hot sauce to your liking.
  3. Serve on top of warmed tortillas if desired and garnished with your favorite toppings. This meat freezes well in freezer safe bags if you have more than your family can eat in one sitting.