Slow-Cooked Carnitas

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 6 hours

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 06, 2022
Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
Slow-Cooked Carnitas Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds)
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tequila or additional chicken broth
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 12 flour tortillas (8 inches) or corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro leaves, sliced red onion and chopped tomatoes

Directions

  1. Cut roast in half; place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with the garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Add onions, cilantro, salsa, broth, tequila and chiles. Cover; cook on low until meat is tender, 6-8 hours.
  2. Remove meat; cool slightly. Shred with 2 forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Spoon about 2/3 cup meat mixture onto each tortilla; serve with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 363 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.