Dump and Go Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Freezer Meal

Make this EASY dump and go slow cooker pork carnitas recipe, perfect or a busy day when you need dinner to truly cook itself all day long for 8-10 hours! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be served with corn tortillas, cilantro, red onions, corn salsa, or rice!

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe is an easy go-to recipe when you need dinner without having to spend all day in the kitchen. The recipe can also be prepped for the freezer, then when ready to cook, just thaw it, set it in the slow cooker, and forget it! When you get home, dinner will be ready, plus this can easily make a few different meals!

What you’ll love about Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas:

• Easy Prep Time – The prep is almost nonexistent with the quick prep time, you’ll be out the door with dinner cooking itself in no time!
• Naturally gluten-free – These are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Versatile – Carnitas are easy to serve in burrito bowls, tacos, nachos, or salads.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This meal can be prepped for the freezer and stored until ready to cook.
• Pressure Cooker Option – If you need them even faster, try them as Pressure Cooker Carnitas.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe:

• Pound Boneless Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Sweet Onion
• Garlic CLove
• Lemon
• Lime
• Chili Powder
• Crushed Oregano
• Cumin
• Jalapeno (Optional – for Spicy Flavor)

How do you make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas?

The full printable recipe card can be found at the bottom of this post.

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the pork roast on the bottom.
2. Top with all remaining ingredients, squeezing the juice onto the roast from the lemon and lime.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees F, to be easy to shred.
4. Shred before serving and stir into the juice in the slow cooker.
5. Serve on tortillas or over tortilla chips for nachos.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe:

The full instructions are in the recipe card below. Be sure to follow it closely when making these carnitas.

• Use a Boneless Boston Butt Pork Roast or Pork Shoulder – Both work well for carnitas!
• Low and Slow – Be sure to keep it on LOW for the best tender, juicy meat.
• Crisping Option – If you want the crispy carnitas, just before serving broil the shredded meat in the oven or in a skillet over medium-high heat to crisp the edges.
• Use the juice – Once shredded, stir the meat back into the juices in the slow cooker and let it rest for about 3-5 minutes before serving to soak in the juices.

Ways to serve pork carnitas:

• Street Tacos – Serve with warm tortillas, cilantro, and red onions.
• Burrito Bowls – Serve with cooked rice, cilantro, black beans, corn, and avocado.
• Quesadillas and Burritos with Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice
• Nachos – Serve topped over nachos with queso, salsa, pico de Gallo, or guacamole. Our personal favorite is carnitas nachos topped with salsa and sour cream.
• Baked Potato – For a healthy twist, serve it stuffed into a baked potato!

Freezer Meal Prep for Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe:

Prepare the ingredients and place them in a freezer-safe storage bag, label the bag, seal it, and freeze it in the freezer.

When ready to prepare, thaw the bag overnight in the fridge, keep it in a pan so the liquid stays contained as it defrosts. Place the ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, then shred and serve.

If you are freezer prepping for the week, be sure to check out this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Freezer Meal and Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Freezer Meal.

How to store leftover pork carnitas:

Once fully cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, heat on the stove in a skillet on medium-high heat or the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are the classic dump-and-go recipe, perfectly cooked all day long while you go about your day! Come home to a wonderful dinner ready to eat when you walk in the door with this easy Mexican dish!