Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Try this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe.
Try this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- sour cream
- fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder/pork butt trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large yellow or red onion sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 red or green bell pepper ribs and seeds removed, sliced
- 1/2 bottle (6 oz.) of your favorite beer (stock can be substi
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke
- 18 to 24 tortillalandâ® flour tortillas cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tbsp. sea salt
- 1 tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp. ancho chili powder or to taste
- 1 tsp. chipotle chili powder or to taste
- avocado pitted and chopped
- fresh jalapeno
- fresh tomatoes chopped
- black beans (i used canned to keep it easy and the
- mexican shredded cheese
- Carbohydrate 7.56411304047355 g
- Cholesterol 1.3 mg
- Fat 0.531798530101135 g
- Fiber 0.461188413005271 g
- Protein 0.322838402816432 g
- Saturated Fat 0.263435324075101 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 24 (24g)
- Sodium 524.613553242958 mg
- Sugar 7.10292462746828 g
- Trans Fat 0.0564872326431736 g
- Calories 35 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a slow cooker liner in the bowl of the slow cooker or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add onion, garlic and bell pepper slices to the bottom of the bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the spice rub and mix to combine.
- Massage the spice rub evenly over all sides of the pork and then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add beer, orange juice, liquid smoke and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours or until the pork literally falls apart and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the lid of the slow cooker and shred the pork with a couple of forks, Stir to combine with the juices.
- Leaving the lid off of the slow cooker, turn it up to high and let cook for 20-30 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
- Serve warm wrapped up in freshly cooked tortillas and the toppings you desire.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless to-do lists, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But I refuse to let my family settle for bland, takeout meals night after night. That’s where my trusty slow cooker comes in – a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a key ingredient to my stress-free kitchen philosophy. This Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe is a perfect example of how simple, yet incredibly flavorful, a meal can be with minimal effort.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You basically toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have tender, juicy pork that practically falls apart. The slow cooking process infuses the pork with rich, smoky flavors from the spices and beer, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. And the best part? The clean-up is a breeze! Minimal dishes means more time spent with my family, which is a huge win in my book.
The Magic of Slow Cooking: The slow cooker allows the tough cuts of pork to break down and become unbelievably tender. The long, low cooking process also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a succulent and flavorful meal. It's perfect for those days when you're short on time but don't want to compromise on taste.
Flavor Combinations: The blend of spices in this recipe is what truly sets it apart. The smoky chipotle, warm cinnamon, and zesty orange juice create a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference – add more cayenne for extra heat, or leave it out altogether for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions: These carnitas are incredibly versatile. Serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, fresh salsa, guacamole, and pickled onions are just a few ideas to get you started. I personally love adding a dollop of creamy avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. You can also serve them on top of rice, in lettuce wraps, or simply enjoy them on their own as a main course.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights; it's perfect for entertaining, too. The slow cooker allows you to prepare the carnitas hours in advance, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of hosting. Simply shred the pork and keep it warm in the slow cooker until your guests arrive. It's a crowd-pleaser that will impress everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
Making it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different types of beer, or even substitute apple cider or chicken broth for a unique twist. Add other vegetables, such as chopped mushrooms or zucchini, to bulk up the dish and add more nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just a Meal: This recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a symbol of simple, heartfelt meals shared with loved ones. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still create delicious, memorable moments around the dinner table. And for a busy mom like me, that's something truly priceless.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe. It's a testament to the power of simple cooking and the magic of a slow cooker – a perfect blend of convenience and unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need: (This section is for reference only and is not meant to be a complete duplicate of the ingredients list provided earlier.)
- Pork shoulder/pork butt
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell pepper
- Spices (chili powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, etc.)
- Beer
- Orange juice
- Tomato paste
- Tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (sour cream, cheese, cilantro, avocado, etc.)
