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!
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 meat ingredients in 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!
Also, try these other takes on pork tacos (there are plenty of Tuesdays to go around): pork carnitas and pulled pork tacos.
Ingredients needed
There’s a few components to this meal – but – 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.
What cut is best for pork tacos?
Since you’ll be cooking the meat “low and slow” 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 pull it apart using a fork gently!
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 many times over the years and love using boneless pork ribs, as they are super flavorful. Pork butt or shoulder also works very well.
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 ½ 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.
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)
- ¼ cup white onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 pinch EACH: ground cumin and sea salt
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
For the Guacamole
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ 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, ¼ 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.¼ 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, ½ 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.
More taco recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our crockpot recipes and our dinner ideas!
Made this tonight! So tasty!
Yay, I’m so happy to hear that! 😊 Thanks for making it and taking the time to share!
Declicious and super easy to make! Great for picky eaters and families! We loved the combination of crispy carnitas with crunchy slaw! The other toppings gave everyone a choice to make. My kids loved the carnitas plain with corn tortillas while the adults loved the toppings!
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My other comment: after the carnitas cooked for 8 hours on low, it was really brothy. I had to strain the meat and then broil (as in recipe) to make it crispy. Did I possibly use too much orange juice (my oranges were very large) or did I not cook it long enough? I doubled the amount of meat and all other ingredients, but cooked it for the same amount of time. Any suggestions? I am freezing the rest of the carnitas for future burritos, etc. Even with this little issue–its a keeper of a recipe. Thanks!
Sometimes funny things happen to recipes when you double the ingredients. My hunch is that there would simply be too much liquid if you doubled everything. I would probably try doubling the meat and either keep the liquid the same or add only a 1/2 recipe more. 🙂
Guac and yogurt is the way to go! Stop by anytime. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Kristen, every time I come to your site my jaw literally drops open in awe,!. This is a gorgeous recipe and I have the very same crockpot. Thank goodness for Loblaws. The problem is that it’s been sitting on my shelf and I’ve never ever used it! I bought one for the first time this year and I just never get around to it but now you’ve given me the motivation.
I’m all about textures with my food so I love the crunchy cole slaw! Stunning photos as always 🙂
Aww Robyn, you’re way too kind!
You should def pull out your crock pot. I had no idea until about 6 months ago how awesome they are. Now I’m kind of obsessed. 🙂
This looks CRAZY good! Thanks for this recipe! I’m DEFINITELY going to make this.
You had me at “taco”…and “crock pot…” 😉
You’re so welcome!!
Pinned! I’m getting to love my crock-pot now that time is limited with a newborn. Tacos are always appreciated here. Always.
I have a feeling my crock pot will be working extra hard once my little one arrives, too. Thank you so much for the pin!
I have a feeling my crock pot will be working extra hard once my little one arrives, too. Thank you so much for the pin!