Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas That Your Family Will Love!

Name: Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup lime juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on December 8, 2025

Protein

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This mouthwatering Quick and Easy Crockpot Carnitas comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time and is a total dump-and-go meal, making it a fuss-free option for busy weeknights! Trust me, your family will love the juicy, tender pork packed with flavor. You can switch up the spices or add any random veggies you have lying around, this recipe is perfect for a “clean out the fridge” feast! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver when you’re looking for something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Best Ingredients for Crockpot Carnitas

For this unforgettable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, which you can find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe? If you don’t have one of these ingredients, feel free to swap it out with something else. Let’s take a closer look at what you need:

4 lbs pork shoulder: Trim and cut into chunks. This is super important because it ensures that the meat becomes fork-tender after slow cooking. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you could also use pork butt.
1/2 cup orange juice: The acidity adds a delicious zest. Just pick up your favorite brand or use freshly squeezed, whatever’s easier for you!
1/4 cup lime juice: Another zesty friend that elevates the flavor, don’t skip it!
4 cloves garlic, minced: I’m a real sucker for garlic. It smells heavenly when it gets cooking!
1 onion, chopped: You want it to be nice and translucent to bring out its sweetness.
1 tbsp ground cumin: This spice gives the carnitas a lovely warmth.
1 tbsp dried oregano: A great herb to round out the flavors.
2 tsp chili powder: Add more if you like a little kick!
2 bay leaves: Just toss them in; they don’t need to be chopped!
Salt and pepper to taste: I add a couple of pinches at this stage, and then adjust later if needed.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s dive into how to make these delicious carnitas! This process is absolutely simple, and your home will smell unbelievable.

Prep the Pork (5 minutes): Start by trimming the pork shoulder if you haven’t already done so, cutting it into large chunks. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to shred later.
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot (5 minutes): Place all the pork chunks into the crockpot. Pour the orange juice and lime juice over that wonderful meat, and then sprinkle the garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and just a couple pinches of salt and pepper on top. Don’t forget to toss in those bay leaves!
Cook (8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high): Cover it up, set it on low and walk away! You could also enjoy a lazy Sunday while it simmers away. Just be sure to get back to it, because the aroma will be absolutely intoxicating.
Shred the Pork (10 minutes): Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. The meat should just fall apart, so tender!
Optional Crisping Step (8 minutes): Now, if you want to take it to the next level and I highly recommend it! Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for 5–8 minutes. This gives it a delightful crispiness that you’ll absolutely love. Drizzle some of that delicious cooking liquid over the pork before serving to keep it nice and juicy!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when my schedule gets hectic! After a long day, there’s something so comforting about coming home to the smell of Crockpot Carnitas wafting through the house. It reminds me of family gatherings, delicious tacos on taco night, and just pure joy. The best part is the versatility; you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Have some extra veggies? Toss ’em in. Prefer it spicy? Add more chili powder! It’s just happiness in a bowl, perfect for a weeknight meal.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Taco Soup, my Best Ever Beef Stroganoff, or my Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas because who doesn’t need more quick favorites?

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This crockpot carnitas recipe comes together all in one pot and has minimal cleanup required. With only a few ingredients and a simple prep, you’re on your way to a flavorful dish.

Budget-Friendly

Another bonus? This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients, making it super easy on the wallet. You can feed your family without breaking the bank!

Customizable

Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on-hand. Leftover veggies? Throw them in! Want to swap out the pork for chicken? Totally doable!

Comfort Food

Let’s not forget it’s loaded with tons of flavor! Seriously this is comfort food at its finest. Your family will love it, and you’ll want to make it again and again. And again.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep this in the morning and let it cook while you’re out and about, making it the perfect meal-prep recipe. It’s a “set it and forget it” delight, giving you more time for quality moments throughout the day.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This

Serve this delicious fatigue-fighting meal in warm tortillas or on top of a salad for a lighter option! You could also top it with some fresh cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. It’s truly versatile, and the sides can be anything from rice and beans to a light salad.

Storage

Leftovers? No problem! The carnitas will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat them is on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Just drizzle a little cooking liquid on top to keep the meat moist!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, it’s freezer-friendly! If you want to store this for later, just cool it down completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Now that you have easy, mouthwatering Crockpot Carnitas in your back pocket, you’re gonna feel like a kitchen superstar! Whether it’s taco night, a cozy family dinner, or a meal to impress friends, this recipe is here to make your life easier, and tastier!

So, what are you waiting for? Get that pork shoulder at the store today, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen! You are going to love this. Trust me!

Again, don’t forget to check out my Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini, my Easy Crockpot Beef Bourguignon, or my Easy Pappardelle with Beef Ragu for more recipes that will brighten up your weeknight dinners! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.