Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas

Here is a super Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas Recipe that can be made ahead then put together on a busy weeknight. I’m all about easy recipes and this make-ahead meal actually makes 2 meals!

This can be made in an instant pot OR a crockpot. I used to use my instant-pot, but ditched it and went back to my slow cooker…they both work just fine for this recipe!

Do you do meal planning…a little? My family would starve or live at the fast food restaurants if I didn’t plan ahead a little, we are just toooo busy not to! Also meal planning doesn’t have to be crazy hard!

How to make Crockpot Pork Carnitas

Pork is cheap and can be cooked in many different ways. It’s a great alternative to the more expensive cuts of beef and even chicken. This is just one way for how to make pork carnitas.

Ingredients:

• 1 Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder Seasoned Carnitas
• 4 Cups of instant rice ~ brown or white
• Taco Seasoning ~ any kind
• You choice of fresh summer veggies and beans!
• Cheddar Cheese
• Tortillas (optional)

Directions:

I bought this yummy Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder the other day because I wanted to have leftovers for more than one meal…money saver!

The first day I slow-cooked the pork shoulder (you can use an instant pot or crockpot for this). We had yummy shredded pork with baked potatoes. You could do this on a weekend too, so that you’re ready for a quick weeknight meal that will only take 30 minutes!

I sautéed the meat so that it to hold the flavor in my Instant Pot and then turned it to the slow cooker setting.

Then I added ½ cup water and set for 4 hours and let the slow cooker/ instant pot do its thing!

After the timer went off, I added our favorite taco seasoning to add a little kick…add as much as your family would like. This Boneless Pork Shoulder was already a little Seasoned, so know your family.

Now Shred your meat with 2 forks. Eat what you like and save the rest for your pork carnitas later.

Bag up your leftover meat in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator.

Next Day….

How to Serve Pork Carnitas

Reheat your left over pork carnitas meat. Use the stovetop or microwave. 

Make your instant rice…brown or white, whatever your family likes in the microwave or on the stovetop.

While you are reheating your meat and cooking the rice, get your veggies, beans and tortillas out.

Cut your veggies, heat your beans.

Now simply put it all together!

Serve all of your ingredients separately or as I did to create a one-dish pork carnitas… Put your rice around the edge of a dish, add meat to the middle and top with your favorite toppings.

That’s it! You now have a meal that is full of real flavor, real fast! This dish is perfect for the upcoming summer months. This can also be made ahead of time, when you cook the pork shoulder roast…the refrigerate for a few days later. Reheat 375 degrees for 30 min.

If you’d like to add a super simple flare you can make your own tortilla bowls! These are super easy and only take minutes!

This meal takes under 30 minutes to prepare, not including the prep slow cooker time the night before!

No matter how you serve your Pork Carnitas Tacos, one thing is for sure…they are quick and deelish for a busy weeknight or a hot summer day. You may also love this Easy Roasted Pork Sandwich Recipe!

I hope this recipe will help you with your busy weeks and weekends! With just a little planning your life can be so much easier!

Enjoy!