Taco Night is a Breeze Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas Style

Taco Night Is a Breeze: Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork (Carnitas Style!)

Ever have one of those days where the thought of cooking dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest? Honestly, me too! That's when this Slow Cooker Mexican pulled pork recipe swoops in to save the day.

Honestly, Taco Night Is a Breeze with this recipe! It's flavourful, easy, and practically cooks itself. Think tender, juicy pork with a hint of chili spice , perfect for piling high on warm tortillas.

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

This recipe is my lazy take on authentic Mexican Slow Cooker Carnitas . We're talking about simple ingredients and a hands off cooking method.

This Easy Taco Night solution has a rich history rooted in Mexican culinary traditions. It's incredibly easy, taking about 20 minutes to prep, 8 hours to cook on low, and a quick 30 minutes to shred and crisp.

This yields enough for 6-8 hungry folks.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Besides being ridiculously easy, this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe boasts a good amount of protein. Perfect for a casual Taco Tuesday Recipe or a weekend gathering.

This recipe is special because it delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort. I remember one time trying a similar recipe that was a total flop.

I mean, it was bland! This recipe, though? A guaranteed winner every time.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Alright, let's get into what you'll need for these Pulled Pork Tacos . Here's what you'll need:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 bell peppers
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp chili spice
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

For the Optional Crisping Under the Broiler:

• 2 tbsp Pork drippings or Olive oil

You'll also need tortillas and your favorite taco toppings!

Getting Started: From Fridge to Fiesta

Now, let's get cracking! This recipe makes whipping up Mexican Food Recipes Easy , so gather your gear and let’s dive in!

Right then, gather 'round! Let's talk ingredients for the Taco Night Is a Breeze plan: our Slow Cooker Mexican pulled pork.

Honestly, Easy Taco Night doesn't even begin to describe this. We are making the best Pulled Pork Tacos ever!

Ingredients & Equipment

So, what's the secret to amazing Slow Cooker Carnitas ? Top-notch ingredients, that's what!

Main Ingredients

Okay, pay attention. We are making the best Carnitas Recipe Easy edition.

• Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): 3-4 lbs (1.3-1.8 kg). Look for good marbling. Fat is flavour, innit?
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup). Brown ones are best, more flavour, you know?
• Bell Peppers: 2 , chopped (about 2 cups). Use whatever colours you fancy.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always better, obviously.
• Jalapeño (optional): 1 , seeded and minced. Only if you want a bit of a kick.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained. Tinned is fine, no stress.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Stock cubes work if you are stuck.
• Orange Juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml), freshly squeezed. Proper orange juice is key!
• Lime Juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml), freshly squeezed. Bottled works, but fresh is better.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Don't skip this, trust me!
• Chili Powder: 2 tbsp (30 g). This is the basis of our Chili Spice .
• Cumin: 1 tbsp (18 g). Ground cumin is the one.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (6 g). Adds a lovely smokiness.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (5 g). Don't use too much, it can be overpowering.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp (3 g). Or to taste, obviously.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1 g). Or to taste, again.
• Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't forget to take these out later!

Seasoning Notes

It's all about the flavour, innit? The cumin, chili powder , and smoked paprika are your essential Mexican spice combo.

Honestly, that Mexican Food Recipes Easy magic comes from these flavors. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch.

For extra depth, try a tiny pinch of cinnamon or allspice. A dash of hot sauce can also give it extra zing.

Equipment Needed

Right, you don't need fancy kit.

• 6-quart slow cooker . Bigger is fine, smaller might be a squeeze. This is the most important thing for the Slow Cooker Mexican food.
• Large skillet. For searing. Don't skip this step. It adds flavour to the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe .
• Tongs. For flipping the pork.
• 2 forks. For shredding. You could use bear claws if you are feeling fancy!
• Baking sheet. For crispening under the grill (optional).

Making Taco Night Is a Breeze , and it is down to using the slow cooker. So grab your slow cooker and let's get cracking!

Taco Night Is a Breeze: Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork

Honestly, who doesn't love tacos? But sometimes, the thought of all that prep can be a real drag, right? That’s where this Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork (kinda Carnitas Recipe Easy style!) saves the day.

Taco Night Is a Breeze with this recipe. It's seriously the easiest way to get that authentic flavour without slaving away in the kitchen.

This recipe is inspired by Mexican Food Recipes Easy , and let me tell you, it's a winner. Succulent pork, tender as anything, just waiting to be piled high into tortillas.

Forget the takeout, this is proper comfort food!

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise On!

Essential mise en place is key, folks! It means getting everything prepped before you start cooking. Chop your onion, bell peppers, mince that garlic, and measure out your spices.

This Time Saving Organization tip will make your life so much easier. Trust me! I once tried to chop onions while the pork was searing.

Didn't end well tears and burnt pork!

Essential Mise en Place:

• Chop all veggies and measure out spices before you start.

From Zero to Hero: Slow Cooker Magic

Alright, let's get this show on the road!

1. Sear the pork on all sides in a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil, over medium high heat. Browning = flavour!
2. Sauté the chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook 1 more minute .
3. Chuck everything into the slow cooker! Seared pork, veggies, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
4. Slow cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours . The pork should be fall apart tender.
5. Shred the pork with two forks. Discard those bay leaves first!
6. (Optional) Crisping time! Spread the pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp of pork drippings or olive oil, and broil for 3- 5 minutes , until the edges are crispy. Watch it like a hawk!
7. Serve in warm tortillas with all your favourite toppings.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Taco Game

• Don't skip the searing! Seriously, it's worth it. It adds a crucial layer of flavour to the pork.
• Common mistake alert! Overcooking. Check the pork regularly. It should be easily shredded with a fork. I did it once, and it turned into a pork mush. Not ideal!
• Want to prep ahead? You can make the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe a day in advance, chill it, and then shred and crisp it up just before serving. make-ahead options makes life easy. If you're looking for an Easy Taco Night , then this recipe is for you. Perfect for Taco Tuesday Recipe as well! For a real kick, try adding more of your preferred Chili Spice brand!

This Slow Cooker Carnitas style Pulled Pork Tacos recipe will bring a real Mexican Slow Cooker flair to your cooking.

Recipe Notes for the Easiest Taco Night Ever

Okay, so you're thinking about making these amazing Slow Cooker Carnitas . Awesome! Before you dive in, let me share a few helpful hints and serving ideas.

Honestly, Taco Night Is a Breeze with this Slow Cooker Mexican method. These are tips I've picked up over countless Taco Tuesdays.

Plus, a little bonus on how to store that leftover Pulled Pork Tacos meat, because trust me, there will be leftovers.

Epic Plating and Perfect Pairings

Let's talk presentation. Forget boring plates! Line up your tacos on a wooden board or a colourful platter. Add little bowls of your toppings.

Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, some crumbled cotija cheese if you're feeling fancy. And don’t forget the lime wedges!

For sides, Mexican rice and refried beans are always a winner. But to keep it easy, a simple corn salad or some chips with salsa are great too.

As for drinks, a classic margarita or a Mexican beer complements the Chili Spice of the Slow Cooker Mexican pork perfectly.

Keeping Your Carnitas Fresh

Got leftovers? You lucky duck!

• Refrigeration: Store the shredded pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pork in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, but it might not be quite as juicy.

Remixing Your Recipe

Want to change things up a bit?

• Dietary Adaptations: For a lighter version, use leaner pork or chicken. You can also load up on veggies. If you need it gluten-free, just use corn tortillas.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add some grilled corn or peaches to your tacos for a sweet and smoky flavour. In the winter, swap out the bell peppers for roasted butternut squash. It will add a warm, earthy note.

Nutrition Basics

Each serving of this Carnitas Recipe Easy provides a good dose of protein, clocking in around 40-50g. It also has some healthy fats.

It contains about 25-35g per serving from the pork shoulder. It is also a moderate amount of carbohydrates, 10-15g. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and they don't include the toppings.

But honestly, who's counting when Easy Taco Night tastes this good?

So, there you have it. The easiest, most delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe ever. I really love this Mexican Food Recipes Easy recipe, and I hope you do too.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Get that Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe going! Now go forth and conquer Taco Night!