Crockpot Pork Tacos with Crunchy Carrot Slaw
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If your stomach could talk there would be resounding sounds of delight over these crockpot pork tacos!! As with any good taco recipe, these crockpot pork tacos have multiple components that absolutely sing when brought together: crockpot pork carnitas, easy-to-make carrot slaw, and some spicy yogurt. Yum!
Also try these other takes on pork tacos (there are plenty of Tuesdays to go around): pork carnitas and pulled pork tacos.
We have a feeling your crockpot is going to be working really hard once you try these crockpot pork tacos! They're incredibly easy to make since you can put the ingredients for the meat into the crockpot and let it do its thing (hello awesome weeknight meal!) The rest is a simple assembly of your toppings, and then you and your family can eat your hearts out!
What cut is best for pork tacos?
Since you'll be cooking the meat ālow and slowā in the crockpot, plus adding some citrus, you can use a larger or tougher piece of meat, as it will tenderize over time. So much so, that when it's done you should be able to gently pull it apart using a fork!
For this crockpot pork tacos recipe, you'll want to pick a cut that's not lean, there should be lots of fat and connective tissues. When you cook it for long periods these connective tissues break down making the cut extremely tender.
You can use pork butt, pork shoulder, or boneless pork ribs. We've tested this recipe lots over the years and love to use boneless pork ribs as they are super flavorful. Pork butt or shoulder also work very well.
Ingredients needed
There's a few components to this meal ā but ā they're all delicious and worthy of making the plate:
For the pork: follow this recipe for crockpot pork carnitas.
For the slaw: We make a simple coleslaw with sweet carrot, crunchy cabbage, and onion seasoned lightly with cumin and salt and dressed in olive oil and lime juice.
For the yogurt sauce: To make the spicy yogurt sauce all you need to do is combine some plain yogurt with your favorite hot sauce.
For the guacamole: You can't forget the guac! This classic guacamole recipe is perfect in its simplicity. Just add avocado, lime juice, salt, and garlic.
To serve and other optional toppings: You'll want to pick up some corn tortillas plus some lime wedges and sliced jalapenos to garnish.
How to make crockpot pork tacos
This crockpot pork tacos recipe is super simple, especially since you can cook the meat overnight or during the day without ābabysittingā it at all. Here's what you'll do:
- Slow cook your pork: Start by following this recipe for crockpot pork carnitas. When your pork is about Ā½ hour away from being done, prepare all the other components for your tacos.
- Make your coleslaw: Put all the coleslaw ingredients into a large bowl and give it a toss.
- Make the yogurt sauce: Combine the yogurt and hot sauce to make the perfect drizzle for your tacos.
- Prep the guacamole: Add all the guacamole ingredients to a bowl and mix until it's combined.
- Assemble and enjoy: Pull out your corn tortillas and crispy pork and let everyone around the table pick their toppings (great for picky eaters) ā don't forget the lime wedges and jalapenos!
What to serve with crockpot pork tacos
Let's make it a real fiesta! Here's what to serve with your crockpot pork tacos:
Recipe FAQs
I have leftover meat, what can I do with it?
You can roll up leftover pork carnitas in a burrito, in quesadillas, serve it over nachos, add it to a fresh bun with some coleslaw, or have it with a side of mashed potatoes and veggies.
What's the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?
These crockpot pork tacos are made with pork carnitas, so you'll broil the meat after it's cooked to crisp it up. Pulled pork, on the other hand, doesn't do this extra step and therefore stays softer.
Why is my pork too dry or the opposite, have too much liquid?
It's important to know how much meat you're adding to the crockpot. This recipe calls for a 1 Ā½ lb cut of pork, so if you add more meat and don't adjust the orange juice and lime juice, you may end up with drier meat. On the opposite side, if you add a smaller cut of meat and don't adjust the juices you may end up with more juices than you'd like.
Can I use a slow cooker or instant pot to make the pork carnitas recipe?
You can make carnitas tacos using an Instant Pot, however, this recipe will need to be adjusted substantially to make it correctly, therefore a slow cooker is recommended.
Can I make this recipe with leftover meat?
Sure! If you have pulled pork or beef (say from making this slow cooker pot roast) you can broil it to crisp it up and make all the taco toppings. It will be delicious!
Crockpot Pork Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- Crockpot Pork Carnitas (see notes)
For the slaw
- 1 medium carrot (grated or julienned with a mandolin)
- 1 cup cabbage (thinly sliced)
- Ā¼ cup white onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 pinch EACH: ground cumin and sea salt
For the Sauce
- Ā¼ cup plain yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
For the Guacamole
- 1 ripe avocado
- Ā½ lime
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 1 pinch sea salt
To Serve
- 8 corn tortillas (warmed)
- Limes wedges and jalapenos slices (to serve)
Instructions
- Begin by making the crockpot pork carnitas. You can either make the full recipe and have leftovers or freeze some for later, or you can make half the recipe to use for the tacos.
- When the carnitas are about a half hour away from being ready, prepare the rest of the meal. Place all the ingredients for the carrot slaw in a medium-sized bowl and toss so that everything is evenly coated.1 medium carrot, 1 cup cabbage, Ā¼ cup white onion, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons lime juice, 1 pinch EACH: ground cumin and sea salt
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the sauce.Ā¼ cup plain yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Add the guacamole ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix together so that it is combined but still a little chunky.1 ripe avocado, Ā½ lime, 1 clove garlic, 1 pinch sea salt
- When the carnitas are ready, serve them on the corn tortillas with a little slaw, guacamole, and the sauce on top.8 corn tortillas, Limes wedges and jalapenos slices
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our crockpot recipes and our dinner ideas!
