Easy Crockpot Carnitas

These are the easiest crockpot carnitas and simple enough for anyone to make! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly browned with a crispy crust.

Favorite things in life, in order:

• tacos
• tacos
• tacos.

And one thing that has been known to transform the tacos in my life is juicy, tender, savory, fall-apart pork that is both massively flavorful (garlic, spices, and just a hint of tangy lime) and juuust browned and crispy enough to keep me snacking on little bites of it while prepping my taco ingredients.

Yes, you know it. We’re talking about crockpot carnitas.

In my life, I give bonus points to any recipe that is idiot-proof easy to make and can be popped in the slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook while you manage your normal life things. More bonus points for recipes that can be frozen, prepped ahead, or kept easily as leftovers. And let’s just say that this carnitas recipe is racking up the bonus points right now.

Are you so into this right now? I AM SO INTO THIS.

Watch How To Make Carnitas

Super Simple Ingredients For Carnitas

This recipe is absolutely my go-to for “entertaining” aka “hey you guys should come over and watch the game and we’ll eat something yummy while sitting on the couch.”

Here’s what you’ll need:

• pork shoulder
• garlic
• limes
• beer (or broth)
• orange juice
• salsa
• seasonings

You can prep all your beautiful extras (guacamole, fresh cilantro and lime, sour cream, cotija cheese, radish, red onion, tortillas, pico de gallo) in advance, and maybe even run a few errands (oops, forgot the drinks, and the dog could probably use a walk, and have I showered yet today?), all while the meat does its delicious thing, needing no supervision whatsoever.

What Cut Of Meat To Use For Carnitas

So you’re in the grocery store and you can find pork shoulder but not pork butt? That’ll work great still for this carnitas recipe!

Both are tough cuts from the pig’s shoulder – pork butt is just a smidge higher up on the animal. Both are really perfect cuts though for long and slow cooking, like roasting, braising, or making crispy carnitas tacos!

How To Make Carnitas In A Slow Cooker

Here’s how to make this happen (it’s basic, just how we like it!):

1. Plop the pork shoulder in your slow cooker with the garlic and massage the seasonings into the meat.
2. Add in the lime juice, beer, orange juice, and salsa. Walk away and let this pork turn into something magical.
3. Shred the meat and crisp it up in the oven. More on that below.

Important: Broil Your Carnitas

When it’s time for friends to arrive, you shred that meat in the crockpot (it’s okay if you have extra liquid in there), you brown it up under a broiler (THIS IS ESSENTIAL DO NOT SKIP), and you plate it up nice and pretty and let everyone compliment you for this delicious, juicy, colorful spread.

Juicy, tender, saucy, and simultaneously crispy carnitas are ready for that taking in tacos, burritos, and rice bowls. Truly a thing of beauty.

How To Serve Carnitas (And Leftovers Too!)

My go-to way to serve these carnitas is in tacos with corn tortillas. But they’re also delicious in burritos, rice bowls, arepas, quesadillas, and on top of salads.

These are the toppings I absolutely need with my tacos:

• Limes
• Diced red onion
• Guacamole (or avocado)
• Crumbled cotija cheese

Carnitas make great leftovers. Once you’re done eating them in tacos, you can use them in any of the above-mentioned ways or freeze them for later.

Easy Crockpot Carnitas: Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a substitute for the beer?

You can use chicken broth instead.

Can these be made in the Instant Pot?

Sure can! Watch our video here for how to make these easy carnitas in the Instant Pot.

What cut of meat is best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt work best for carnitas.

Can you freeze carnitas?

This freezes wonderfully. Put the leftover carnitas into a Ziploc bag into one single layer, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. It’ll keep for up to six months!

Can carnitas be made with chicken?

You could, but it doesn’t have the same delicious fat content, so in my opinion, it’s not as good. However, if you can’t have pork, chicken thighs or a beef chuck roast could work!

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

You can also cook this recipe in the oven in a Dutch oven. Add the pork shoulder to a large Dutch oven. Roughly chop the garlic and rub it onto the meat. Toss the garlic around the meat after rubbing it on. Sprinkle the meat with salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne. Rub seasonings onto the pork. Add lime juice, orange juice, beer, and salsa. Cover and cook in the oven for 4 hours at 300 degrees F. Proceed with steps 4-6 above. 

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cut the pork into 3-5 large chunks. Add to the Instant Pot with the other ingredients as stated in the original instructions. Cook on manual high pressure for 30 minutes, and allow for a natural release. Shred, broil in the oven, and serve!