Description
Crockpot Carnitas are a mouthwatering Mexican classic, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. This easy-to-make dish features succulent pork butt slow-cooked with a blend of spices, citrus notes from fresh orange, and a hint of beer for an irresistible flavor profile. The slow cooking process yields tender, juicy meat that can be used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a topping for nachos. With minimal preparation and the ability to feed a crowd, this recipe brings restaurant-quality carnitas right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds pork butt
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 (12 oz) Blue Moon beer or similar wheat beer
Instructions
- Cut pork butt into four equal pieces and place in the crockpot.
- Add diced onion, chipotle chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt on top.
- Zest the orange over the spices and squeeze its juice into the crockpot.
- Pour the beer over all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until pork is tender.
- For crispy edges, transfer cooked pork to a sheet pan, shred it with forks, drizzle with some cooking liquid, and broil for 5-6 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 100mg