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4.7 from 132 votes

Slow Cooker Carnitas

This Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe (Mexican pulled pork) is easy, deliciously tender, and flavorful. It's perfect for tacos, burritos, and more! 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 hrs 15 mins
Total Time
5 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 252 kcal
Course: Main Course , Others
Cuisine: American , International , gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion $0.32
  • 4 cloves garlic $0.32
  • 2 small cinnamon sticks $0.95
  • 1/2 Tbsp oregano $0.08
  • 1/2 Tbsp cumin $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • freshly cracked pepper $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper powder $0.05
  • 3 lbs pork butt roast $5.26
  • 2 small oranges $0.67

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Dice the onion and peel the garlic cloves. Place the onion, garlic, and cinnamon sticks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and chipotle powder. Cut the pork roast into 2-inch cubes. Place the cubed meat in a bowl and sprinkle the spice mix over top. Toss the meat in the spices until evenly coated. Place the seasoned meat in the slow cooker on top of the onion, garlic, and cinnamon.
  3. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the thin layer of orange zest from one of the oranges. Squeeze about 1/2 cup juice from the oranges. Pour the orange juice over the meat in the slow cooker, than sprinkle the pieces of orange zest over top.
  4. Place a lid on the slow cooker, turn it on to high, and cook for 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart.
  5. Use tongs to stir and shred the meat, and remove the cinnamon sticks. Either divide the meat and liquid into smaller containers to refrigerate for later, or transfer the meat and some of the liquid to a skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron). Cook the meat over medium flame until browned and crispy on the edges. Avoid stirring the meat too much as it will break down into tiny pieces. Use the crispy meat as a filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or burrito bowls.

Notes

  • Note: We used a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1Serving Calories 252kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 33g (66%) Fat 10g (15%) Sodium 260mg (11%) Fiber 2g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 252

% Daily Value*

Serving 1Serving
Calories 252kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 33g 66%
Fat 10g 15%
Sodium 260mg 11%
Fiber 2g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.