If you’re craving a mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful pork dish that effortlessly melts in your mouth, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Carnitas Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of juicy, zesty, and crispy, all achieved with a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re making tacos for a family gathering or prepping a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying the carnitas craving with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices to the tangy orange and rich beer, every component works together so beautifully to make your Crockpot Carnitas Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 4 pounds pork butt: The star of the dish, pork butt is perfect for slow cooking to get that tender, shreddable texture.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth while mingling with the natural pork juices.
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick that livens up the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons oregano: Adds an herby earthiness that complements the pork beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Gives a warm, nutty undertone essential in classic carnitas.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1 large orange: Zest and juice brighten the dish with citrus notes and tenderize the pork.
- 1 (12oz) Blue Moon or similar wheat beer: Adds subtle maltiness and enriches the slow-cooked aroma.
How to Make Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Start by carefully cutting the pork butt into four even pieces to ensure even cooking. Place these pieces into your crockpot. Then sprinkle the diced onion, chipotle chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt evenly over the meat. Next, zest the entire orange directly into the crockpot for an extra punch of citrus oils, followed by juicing the whole orange for fresh tanginess that tenderizes and balances the richness of the pork. Finally, slowly pour the wheat beer over everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the meat becomes tender enough to shred with ease.
Step 2: Crisp the Carnitas
Once the pork is perfectly cooked and pulls apart easily, preheat your oven to BROIL. Transfer all the pork from the crockpot onto a rimmed sheet pan, then shred it with two forks, spreading the meat out evenly. Carefully measure about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and sprinkle it over the shredded pork to keep things juicy while crisping. Pop the sheet pan in the oven on the middle rack and broil the pork for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until you see those gloriously crispy, golden-brown edges forming. This step adds that signature texture that makes carnitas so addictive.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Carnitas Recipe hot and fresh from the oven. It’s now ready to become the filling for your favorite tacos or enjoyed as a hearty protein with sides. The combination of tender meat and crispy bits creates a flavor explosion with every bite!
How to Serve Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can really elevate your carnitas experience. Think vibrant cilantro leaves, crumbled queso fresco, thinly sliced red onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime. These brighten the dish beautifully and add dimension with freshness and mild acidity.
Side Dishes
Classic Mexican sides pair wonderfully here: warm corn or flour tortillas, zesty Mexican rice, black beans, or even a simple cabbage slaw to add crunch and contrast. A side of guacamole or pico de gallo will bring even more brightness and creaminess to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond tacos, consider using your carnitas as a filling for burritos, topping for tostadas, or even mixed into a hearty salad. You can also serve it over creamy polenta or make carnitas nachos loaded with melted cheese and jalapeños. The possibilities for enjoying this Crockpot Carnitas Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carnitas keep really well and taste just as good reheated. Store the meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the crispy bits separate if you want to maintain their texture when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, carnitas freeze wonderfully. Place the shredded pork in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will stay great for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture when reheating, warm the carnitas gently on the stove over medium heat with a splash of cooking liquid to keep it moist. You can also re-crisp the edges under the broiler for a few minutes just like step 2. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this Crockpot Carnitas Recipe?
Pork shoulder or pork butt is best because of its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking. Other cuts like pork loin are leaner and may dry out during the long cooking process.
What can I use instead of beer if I don’t drink alcohol?
You can substitute a non-alcoholic beer or even a light chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth that beer provides.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chipotle chili powder adds a mild smoky heat but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to your liking or substitute with smoked paprika for less spice.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for about 1 hour with a natural release. Then proceed to shred and broil as described for that crispy finish.
What’s the best way to serve leftover carnitas?
Leftovers are perfect in breakfast burritos, mixed into scrambled eggs, or layered on nachos. They also make fantastic quesadillas or enchiladas the next day!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Carnitas Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile for whatever mealtime mood you’re in. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a delicious crowd-pleaser that simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste. Dive in, make some carnitas, and enjoy every savory, crispy bite!
Print
Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Crockpot Carnitas recipe offers tender, flavorful shredded pork slow-cooked with aromatic spices, orange zest, and beer. Finished under the broiler for crispy edges, it’s perfect for tacos or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork butt
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large orange (zest and juice)
- 1 (12oz) Blue Moon or similar wheat beer
Instructions
- Prepare Pork: Carefully cut the pork butt into 4 even pieces. Transfer the pork pieces to the crockpot. Sprinkle the diced onion, chipotle chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt evenly over the pork. Zest the entire orange over the spices and then juice the orange directly into the crockpot. Slowly pour in the beer over all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set to LOW heat. Cook for 7 to 8 hours, or alternatively, set to HIGH and cook for 4 hours. The pork is ready when it is tender enough to be easily pulled apart with forks.
- Dress and Broil: Preheat the oven to BROIL. Once the pork is done, transfer all the pork pieces onto a sheet pan. Shred or pull apart the pork evenly over the pan. Carefully measure out about 1/4 cup of the liquid from the crockpot and sprinkle it evenly over the shredded pork. Place the sheet pan on the middle oven rack and broil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the edges of the pork become crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and serve immediately. For a classic presentation, offer warm tortillas with queso fresco cheese, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onions to make delicious carnitas tacos.
Notes
- Cutting the pork into even pieces ensures even cooking throughout the slow-cooking process.
- Use a beer like Blue Moon or any wheat beer for a mild, complementary flavor. Avoid darker beers that might overpower the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chipotle chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Broiling is key to get the crispy edges typical of authentic carnitas; don’t skip this step!
- Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
