One bite of these juicy Crock-Pot leftover pork carnitas and you'll never go back to ordinary tacos again! This easy recipe can be used for a quick dinner or appetizer anytime.
The Hubs absolutely loves grocery shopping -- way more than I do. It's almost like some primal hunter-gatherer thing with him. The other day, I asked him to stop by the store and pick up some pork chops, and he came home with practically the whole hog, including a huge pork butt roast. To be fair, the meat was on sale, but still.
We had grilled pork chops that night, and the next day, I stuffed that mega roast into the Crock-Pot and let it slow cook all day long. I have a go-to method for cooking pork roast in the slow cooker, which basically involves using garlic, onions and a little bit of salt and pepper. Sometimes, I'll add Dijon mustard or apple slices, but keeping it simple the first time around means that I can get creative with leftovers.h
We usually have barbecue pulled pork sandwiches at least once, and sometimes, I'll make pork carnitas with the leftover meat. These are smaller and lighter than regular tacos, so they're perfect for summer. And, since you use plenty of fresh toppings, you don't need a lot of meat -- Think budget friendly!
I just heat up some pork in a small pan and add black beans, spices, cilantro, lime juice and some water. The meat already has onions and garlic, but you can even add more if you prefer.
I like to heat up the tortillas in another small pan -- just a few seconds per side. This makes them, nice and soft. Then, you add the meat mixture.
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Finally, you add as many toppings as you want!
How to Make Crock-Pot Leftover Pork Carnitas
Recipe
Crock-Pot leftover Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3 cups to 4 of leftover cooked shredded pork
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Juice from 1 lime
- ¼ cup water or more if needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Small tortillas
- Your favorite toppings like shredded red cabbage, Monterey Jack cheese, Cotija cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocados or guacamole, salsa
Instructions
- In a small pan, heat the pork and black beans with the olive oil, and add the spices and water
- Mix in the lime juice and cilantro
- In another pan, heat the tortillas on both sides until soft and lightly brown, and keep covered on a plate until ready to use
- Place small amount of meat mixture in each tortilla, and add your favorite toppings
- Enjoy!
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
You can see how juicy the meat is. And those fresh toppings -- yum!
We had these easy pork carnitas for dinner last week and again for appetizers on Father's Day. The hunter-gatherer loves them and so does the rest of the family.
I hope you enjoy them too!
Sharing At
Met Monday, Weekend Potluck, TT&J
Charles says
No more throwing pulled pork away. This was a big hit with the family. Very simple to pan fry the pork crispy and in the beans. The fresh jalapeños makes the dish pop.
Dee says
Thank you, Charles! I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Libbles Dunn says
Very simple and delicious!
Made this using some leftover roasted porkk pork shoulder!!
Dee says
Glad you liked it! Thank you so much!
Arthur Savard says
Thank you so much for the Recipe. Used left over Hickory smoked pulled pork shoulder. Killer flavor.
Added this to my favorite dishes
Dee says
So glad you liked it, Arthur! 🙂
Karen says
This was fantastic! Thank you very much!
Dee says
So glad you liked it, Karen. Thanks so much!
Courtney says
I have some shredded pork that is screaming to be used in this recipe! Do you think I can throw all of this in a crock pot? I really want a set it and forget it kind of day.
Dee says
I haven't tried making it this way, but I'm sure it would be fine -- easy too!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Yum!! Carnitas are a staple around here - I love the idea of using leftovers to make them!
Pamela Shank says
These look wonderful. We always have leftover pulled pork when I fix it. I will be making these the next time.
Dee says
Thanks! Let me know how you like it. 🙂
Miz Helen says
Your Pork Carnitas look fabulous, we will love this recipe! Have a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Michelle says
I saw this at Full Plate Thursday and had to see more!
Pulled pork is a favorite of mine! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Michelle
Dee says
Thank you so much, Michelle. It's a favorite at my house too! 🙂
eat good 4 life says
Such a great idea. No one will turn this away!
Jenny | Honey and Birch says
This is a great way to use up leftover pork! Love it!
Dee says
Thanks! We always have a lot left over from a roast, and the kids love tacos. 🙂
Sabrina says
This is a perfect recipe for taco Tuesday! We love pulled pork!
Dee says
Pulled pork is a favorite around here too! 🙂
Meg @ With Salt and Wit says
I think I know what we are doing for taco Tuesday!
Dee says
Yep -- I know we'll be having these again. 🙂
Michelle De La Cerda says
What to have for Taco Tuesday is now solved!
Dee says
I should have saved these for Tuesday, but maybe next week!
Florentina says
Oh this look so good, I need to get me a crock pot! Saving to make for when feeding a crowd, because I know they'll be a hit!
Dee says
Thanks! I would be lost without my Crock-Pot! 🙂
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
You absolutely cannot beat pork carnita tacos! Not only does a big pork butt (or shoulder!) go a long way, but you can make such delicious dishes with this. We'll definitely be making these in the near future since we don't like to turn on the oven in the summertime and using the slow cooker is best!
Dee says
I completely agree -- I avoid using the oven, since it's way too hot for that right now, so the Crock-Pot is my best friend! 🙂