Slow Cooker Carnitas
PREP TIME15 mins
COOK TIME4 hours
TOTAL TIME4 hrs 15 mins
SERVINGS8
BUDGET$12
Description
Set it and forget it! This Mexican pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. Makes enough for a week of tacos, burritos, and bowls!
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- FOR SERVING:
- Corn tortillas
- Cilantro
- Diced onion
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
Instructions
- Cut pork into 3-4 large chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Place pork in slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, bay leaf, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours) until pork is fall-apart tender.
- Remove pork and shred with two forks. Discard bone and fat.
- Optional crispy step: Spread pork on a baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes until edges crisp up.
- Serve in tacos with cilantro, onion, and lime!
- OR use for burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos...
💡 Student Tips
Meal Prep King: Freeze portions in ziplock bags. Thaw for instant tacos all semester!
Juice Swap: No oranges? Use 1/2 cup chicken broth + 1 tablespoon sugar.
Make it Stretch: This feeds 8-10 people or gives you meals for a week. Budget superstar!