If you’re looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love, these Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas will be your new best friend! This recipe comes together in about 10 minutes (yes, really!) and is a true “set it and forget it” kind of dish. Just toss everything in your trusty crockpot, and you’ll have a comforting meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. Plus, the flavor combinations are so versatile, you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or even toss in some leftovers for an easy fridge clean-out!
Ingredient Breakdown
Pork Shoulder
The star of the show! I like to use 4 lbs of pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks. Why pork shoulder? It’s loaded with flavor and stays juicy and tender during the long cooking process. You can use pork butt if that’s what you have, and honestly, they work interchangeably! If you want a leaner option, you could go for pork loin, but it can get a bit dry. Trust me, stick with shoulder for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Orange Juice
A 1/2 cup of orange juice is what gives this carnitas its magic. The citrus helps to tenderize the meat while adding a vibrant flavor. Fresh-squeezed is fantastic, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought works just as well. Some folks even use pineapple juice for a twist! (And oh boy, it’s delicious too.)
Lime Juice
You can’t have tormented carnitas without 1/4 cup of lime juice! This adds a zesty quality that complements the richness of the pork perfectly. Fresh lime juice is my go-to, but you can swap it for a bottled version in a pinch. Sometimes, I’ll add a splash more, just for good measure! Because why not?
Garlic
If you’re anything like me, you can never have too much garlic in your life! Four cloves of minced garlic give this dish its aromatic charm. You can adjust to your taste, more garlic won’t hurt. Want to skip the peeling? Use pre-minced garlic, but fresh will always win!
Onion
A chopped onion adds a depth of flavor. You can use yellow, white, or even red onions if you fancy! If you need to keep it quick, frozen chopped onions will work as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since frozen veggies can release more moisture.
Ground Cumin
A tablespoon of ground cumin is essential. It brings a warm, earthy flavor that screams “authentic.” You can also try using a blend of Mexican spices if you have it on hand. Just remember, the secret to amazing carnitas is in the seasoning!
Dried Oregano
About a tablespoon of dried oregano balances the dish beautifully. If you’re out of dried, try some fresh oregano, just adjust the measurement accordingly since it’s usually more potent dried. You can also throw in some thyme for a unique twist!
Chili Powder
Two teaspoons of chili powder give your carnitas that spicy kick. If you prefer a milder option, you can substitute with paprika. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chipotle chili powder for smoky undertones!
Bay Leaves
A classic flavor enhancer, add 2 bay leaves to deepen the dish’s profile. Just remember to take them out before serving, nobody likes chomping on a bay leaf, right?
Salt and Pepper
Lastly, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is key! You can always add more at the end if needed.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Prep the Pork: Start by trimming the pork shoulder and cutting it into large chunks. This makes it easier for the crockpot to do its magic.
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place those magical pork chunks right in the crockpot! Then, pour the orange juice and lime juice over the meat. Toss in the garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper, and bay leaves. Give it a gentle stir to coat everything in those fabulous flavors.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours. Either way, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aromas!
Shred the Pork: When it’s time, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. The meat should fall apart beautifully, if it’s not shredding easily, it needs more time.
Optional Crisping Step: Oh, this is where the magic happens! Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for 5-8 minutes to crisp it up. Drizzle some of that divine cooking liquid over top before serving, and watch those edges get beautifully crunchy. Yum!
My Connection with This Recipe
I can’t even tell you how much I adore this Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe! It’s kind of my go-to for busy weeknights when I know I need something comforting and delicious. I’m a real sucker for the leftovers too (if there are any!). The best part is that you can customize it based on what you have or what the family is in the mood for, it’s like a culinary blank canvas. Just the sheer versatility keeps me coming back for more.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Best Pot Roast, my 30-Minute Easy Sushi Bake, or my Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe is a total lifesaver on those crazy weeknights! It comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those nights when you’re juggling a million things. Just dump it all in the crockpot, and you’re good to go!
One-Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup here! The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, while you can sit back and relax or tend to other things. Seriously, it’s like having a personal chef in your kitchen!
Budget-Friendly
Crockpot carnitas are so affordable, you’re using everyday ingredients. Pork shoulder is usually pretty budget-friendly, and the additional ingredients don’t break the bank either. It’s a win for your wallet!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Perfect for meal prep! You can prep this on a lazy Sunday and meal prep for the week ahead. Just store shredded carnitas in the fridge or freeze them in portions for later use. You can pop these juicy bites into tacos, salads, or burritos!
Crowd-Pleaser
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served this at family gatherings, and everyone goes back for seconds. The whole family will love it! It’s just bursting with flavor and perfect for feeding a larger group.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas are ready to go, here’s how to serve them up:
Tacos: Use small corn or flour tortillas, and pile them high with tender carnitas. Top them with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for the best experience!
Burrito Bowls: Serve the carnitas over rice, topped with beans, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream. Trust me; this works wonders!
Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with carnitas, cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing party starter!
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Let the cooked meat cool completely before placing it in an airtight container, you’ll thank me for the tip later!
Reheating Instructions: For the best results when reheating, just pop it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or stock to keep it moist, and heat until warmed through!
Freezer Friendly: Absolutely! You can freeze the shredded carnitas in portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to put them in a freezer-safe bag or container!
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, the most delicious, uncomplicated, and utterly satisfying Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas recipe! Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe has got you covered. Get ready to enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
If you’ve ever struggled with weekdays or just need a go-to meal that everyone can customize, seriously give this a try. You’ll be craving leftovers before you know it, and that’s a promise!
Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Ingredients
Method
- Trim the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.
- Add the pork chunks to the crockpot.
- Pour the orange juice and lime juice over the pork.
- Add garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir gently to coat the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks.
- For extra crunch, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes, drizzling with cooking liquid beforehand.