This Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Carnitas recipe is the easiest carnitas you will ever make– it takes less than 5 minutes to throw the ingredients into a slow cooker. Pork goodness!
Some evenings call for dinner with minimal preparation, especially during this hectic time when I’m pulling my hair out to meet all my obligations. That’s when the convenience of the slow cooker can’t be beaten. I love prep everything in the evening and set the cooker to work while I sleep. Then when dinner time rolls around, you have an amazing meal ready.
This Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Carnitas recipe is the easiest carnitas you will ever make– it takes less than 5 minutes to throw the ingredients into a slow cooker. You honestly can’t go wrong with this recipe. You only need to let this baby cook in all its glory for 8 hours for the most amazing fall-apart tender pork goodness!
These pork carnitas are also great because they only require a FEW ingredients, most of which you’ll probably have in your pantry, such as Pace® Picante sauce, which is made with tomatoes, onions, and their famous, hand-picked jalapeños- this sauce really kicked up the flavor! Pace® Picante Sauce comes in mild, medium, and hot. I used the medium level for this recipe because I didn’t want to make it too spicy for children to eat, but feel free to use any version that fits your taste.
How does the slow cooker mode on the Instant Pot works?
According to my testing:
NORMAL = LOW mode in a traditional slow cooker.
MORE = HIGH mode in a traditional slow cooker.
There are many ways to serve carnitas, but one of our favorites is tostadas. It’s like a taco but flat. It’s usually made with a fried corn tortilla and topped with whatever your heart desires! Today, it’s mashed avocado, mango salsa, and queso fresco today.
You can either eat the pork right out of the slow cooker or broil it in the oven to give it a crisp edge. I highly recommend finishing these carnitas under the broiler to get them nicely caramelized. Believe me, you need those crisp outside edges in your life.
Looking for more Slow Cooker recipes?
- Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth
- Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Bacon and Ham Breakfast Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Soup
- more recipes
I should also mention that this recipe creates enough to feed a big crowd, so it’s perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers. But if you make it just for your family, be prepared to have a lot of leftovers. YAY. You know what that means, right? Arepas, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and burritos all week long!
Happy Cooking!!!
Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3 – 4 lb pork shoulder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt or more, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 jar (16oz) Pace® Picante Sauce
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional) (see notes)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and black pepper, rubbing in thoroughly on all sides. Be generous.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker. Add picante sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, rosemary and oregano. Cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The pork should be so tender that meat falls apart easily. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks, removing excess fat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Heat oven broil. Line one baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil.
- Place carnitas onto a baking sheet, with HALF of the juices, and broil until most of the pork looks golden, crisp and crusted, about 4 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Serve immediately.
- To serve tostadas spread a large spoonful of mashed avocado, pork carnitas, top it with fennel and mango salsa, and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco. Enjoy
- Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth
- Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Bacon and Ham Breakfast Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Soup
- more recipes
We just made this today and it was delicious! My husband said it was better than any restaurant version he’s ever had. We used the Hot pace picante sauce and the brown sugar. It was spicy with a hint of sweet. Just perfect!
Hello Jennifer! Wow, what a compliment! I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it and thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know.
This looks so delicious and simple!! Beautiful photos. Pinning!
Thank you Natasha!!
Just finished making this recipe. It is delicious and my family are devouring it!
I am so glad Marisol!! I hope everybody enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by ?
So, the directions say to serve with fennel and mango salsa, which I don’t see listed in the ingredients or any link to how to make the salsa. Please explain, thanks!
Hello Jess! The fennel and Mango salsa is just a suggestion so feel free to top the tostadas with whatever you like. For the fennel and mango salsa I just diced a fennel bulb and a ripe mango. Then mix and added lime juice, salt, pepper and a little bit of olive oil and chopped cilantro. Hope that helps. If you try it let me know how you like it. Thanks for stopping by =)
I just made this tonight – it came out great! I added cumin to the dry rub and corn tortillas. I topped it with Wegmans organic black bean dip, corn, and Mex-blend cheese. I still have had the pork shoulder in the freezer so im hoping to try the fennel-mango salsa next time!
I’m so glad you liked it, Jess! Thanks for your comment =)
What a great, simple recipe. I’d love to feature it on my site’s weekly MONDAYS ARE A CROCK recipe share. Please contact me if you’d be interested. 🙂
Thanks Angela!!
That seems like a LOT of Worcestershire…
Hello Anna, for our taste it was perfect! But feel free to reduce the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
These look so yummy!
Thanks Ariana!
Looks very delicious! We are in the midst of slow cooker weather here in New England, for sure! These pork carnitas looks perfectly moist and tasty!
Thanks Cristine, They were SO good!! I might need to do another batch for this week {wink}
I’ve just started using my slow cooker more — definitely adding this one to the list of must makes. Looks delicious 🙂
I love my slow cooker – It’s so convenient!! Hope you enjoy this recipe. Thanks for stopping by April =)
Wow, your photos are gorgeous! This slowcooker pork carnitas is perfect! Weekdays are so hectic so something easy is great!
Yes, it’s a great make ahead recipe! Thanks for stopping by, Shelby =)
Wow! I’ve printed off the delicious looking recipe. My father-in-law loves to cook pork shoulder.
Thanks Tina! I hope he likes the recipe =)
These look amazing! Love all the colors and flavors – I’m sure they are better than any restaurant. #client
Thanks Carolyn!!
I’m excited to try your recipe. I’m a big Picante fan.
You’re going to love it, Jeannie!! Thanks for stopping by =)