• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Milk Free Mom logo
  • Recipes
  • Products
  • My Kitchen Favorites
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Products
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Products
    • Shop
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    Published: Jun 2, 2022 by Lyndsay Homme Modified: Jun 20, 2025
    This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    For these easy slow cooker pork carnitas, we'll be cooking a pork butt low and slow until it's tender, juicy, and flavorful. We'll give it a quick sear at the end to get those nice crispy brown bits that make carnitas so tasty. This is a simple recipe that only takes a few minutes to put together, and it's great for meal prep. You can use it in tacos, rice bowls, burritos, or with some spiced roasted vegetables for an easy, delicious meal.

    pork carnitas tacos

    If you like this recipe, you'll also love my crockpot shredded chicken for tacos. Make it a meal by pairing it with some beans and rice, or a side of my mango salad!

    What are pork carnitas?

    Carnitas translates to "little meats" and are the Mexican version of pulled pork. Traditionally they're made by slowly braising pork butt in lard until the meat is falling apart tender. In this recipe, I veer a bit away from the authentic preparation by eliminating the lard but the result is still tender, juicy, flavorful meat.

    easy pork carnitas in slow cooker

    Why I love this easy recipe:

    • extremely delicious
    • makes a big batch
    • works great for meal prep
    • only requires 5 minutes of hands-on time
    • made with simple, whole ingredients
    • the slow cooker does all the work
    • it makes the house smell amazing
    • great for entertaining or feeding a crowd
    • perfect when it's too hot to cook

    slow cooker pork carnitas tacos

    FAQ's

    Can I use another cut of pork?

    Using a cut of pork aside from the butt is not recommended. Pork butt comes from the shoulder and is full of fat which gives this recipe tender, juicy, flavorful meat.

    Can I skip the browning step after the pork is done in the slow cooker?

    Please do not skip this step. Those brown, crispy bits add even more flavor and texture to the carnitas.

    What if I can't find a 4 pound pork butt?

    If you can't find a 4 pound butt it's ok to use two smaller ones. Just be sure to rub them both all over with the spice rub.

    Can I cook this on high for half the time?

    I do not recommend cooking these carnitas on high for half the time. The meat will not be as flavorful as when it is slowly simmered.

    Can I freeze leftover carnitas?

    Yes! Leftover carnitas freeze perfectly. Just be sure you do not brown the meat before you freeze it. When you're ready to eat your frozen carnitas, be sure to thaw them, then give them a good sear in a skillet until browned.

    How long can carnitas keep in the refrigerator?

    Carnitas will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days.

    Should I brown carnitas before storing leftovers in the refrigerator?

    You can brown your carnitas if you'd like before you store the leftovers, but I prefer to brown them right before serving. This results in the ultimate flavor and crispiness. If you do decide to brown the meat before storing it, I recommend drizzling the meat with the juices before you reheat it.

    What kind of slow cooker do you use to make this recipe?

    I have a great oval crockpot that I've been using for years and it works perfectly for this. You'll want to be sure your crockpot can hold at least 6 quarts.

    pork carnitas easy in slow cooker
    easy slow cooker pork carnitas

    What to serve with your carnitas

    My favorite way to eat carnitas is in tacos. You can use flour, corn, or grain-free tortillas. I like to drizzle the juices over the meat then top it with a squeeze of lime, some freshly chopped lettuce and tomato, cilantro, avocado slices, salsa, and a drizzle of crema or some grated cheese (vegan feta works as a great substitution for cojita). If you have some pickled onions those are great with these carnitas, too.

    You can also serve carnitas with a side of roasted vegetables and rice, or in enchiladas, burritos, sandwiches, quesadillas, or taquitos.

    Other recipes you might like:

    • Keto Margarita
    • Avocado Tomato Salad
    • Taco rice
    • Slow cooker chicken for tacos
    • Burrito Bowls
    slow cooker pork carnitas

    Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    The easiest, tastiest way to make pork carnitas! The slow cooker does all the work to create juicy flavorful meat, and a quick sear adds that perfect touch of crispy browned bits. Delicious in tacos, great for meal prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Servings 10

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 lb pork butt
    • 1 onion thinly sliced
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • the juice from 2 oranges about ¾ cup
    • the juice from 2 limes about ¼ cup
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil olive oil works too

    Spice Rub

    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder

    Instructions
     

    • Dry your pork butt with a paper towl and place it in to your slow cooker. Set your cooker to low.
    • Combine all of your spices in a small bowl, then rub them on all sides of the pork butt.
    • Add the garlic, onion, bay leaf, and orange and lime juices to the pot.
    • Cover the pot and cook the pork for 10 hours, until it shreds apart easily with a fork.
    • Shred your pork using two forks, until it's all shredded down into thin strips.
    • Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Use a slotted spoon to pull some of the pork out and add it to your skillet.
    • Cook the pork undisturbed for a few minutes. Don't stir it or flip it until the juices have cooked off and the bottom is nice and crispy. Then flip the pork over and let it cook for about 2 minutes on the other side just until it's crispy.
    • See the post above for serving suggestions. Don't forget to drizzle the browned meat with the juices right before serving. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Recipe adapted from Food Network

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 704mgPotassium: 676mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword easy recipes, slow cooker, tacos
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    More Dairy-Free Entrée Recipes

    • shredded slow cooker beef barbacoa inspired
      Slow Cooker Barbacoa-Inspired Shredded Beef
    • sausage and rice meal recipe
      Easy Sausage and Rice Meal
    • easy shrimp alfredo
      Easy Shrimp Alfredo
    • Crockpot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
      Crockpot Shredded Chicken for Tacos

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Lyndsay Homme

    Hi, I'm Lyndsay! I'm a certified nutrition coach who loves food and studying its effects on our bodies. I started a dairy-free journey when my son was diagnosed with milk intolerance in 2009. He grew out of his intolerance when he was 7, and a few years later I grew into one.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Dairy Free Breakfast Casserole
      Dairy-Free Egg Casserole
    • lemon coconut custard pie
      Easy Lemon Coconut Custard Pie
    • Dairy Free Chicken and Dumplings
      Dairy-Free Chicken and Dumplings
    • meatless chili with sweet potato quinoa and black beans
      Meatless Chili with Black Beans, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa
    150+ dairy free snack list

    Dairy-Free Summer Recipes

    • healthier homemade peanut butter chocolate easter eggs
      Healthier Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs
    • mango salad recipe
      Easy Mango Salad
    • chocolate strawberry frozen yogurt bars
      Chocolate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bars
    • raspberry simple syrup with honey
      Honey Raspberry Simple Syrup
    See more Dairy-Free Summer Recipes →

    list of over 100 dairy free chocolates
    7-day dairy free meal plan

    Lyndsay Homme

    Hi, I'm Lyndsay! I'm a certified nutrition coach who loves food and studying its effects on our bodies. I started a dairy-free journey when my son was diagnosed with milk intolerance in 2009. He grew out of his intolerance when he was 7, and a few years later I grew into one.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Dairy Free Breakfast Casserole
      Dairy-Free Egg Casserole
    • lemon coconut custard pie
      Easy Lemon Coconut Custard Pie
    • Dairy Free Chicken and Dumplings
      Dairy-Free Chicken and Dumplings
    • meatless chili with sweet potato quinoa and black beans
      Meatless Chili with Black Beans, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa
    150+ dairy free snack list

    Dairy-Free Summer Recipes

    • italian salad with chickpeas and salami
      Italian Salad with Chickpeas and Salami
    • healthy frozen snickers banana bites
      Healthy Frozen Snickers Bananas
    • summer strawberry mojito spritzer
      Summer Strawberry Spritzer
    • coconut lemon energy balls
      No Bake Coconut Lemon Energy Balls
    See more Dairy-Free Summer Recipes →

    list of over 100 dairy free chocolates
    7-day dairy free meal plan

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Entrée
    • Dessert
    • Drinks

    Newsletter

    • Sign up

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Disclosure / Privacy Policy

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    © 2024 Milkfreemom.com. All rights reserved.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.