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Slow Cooker Meat Carnitas Plates

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Slow Cooker Meat Carnitas Plates feature tender, juicy shredded meat slow-cooked with citrus, garlic, and spices. Perfect for serving over rice, beans, or salad, these carnitas are flavorful, easy to make, and great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (or beef chuck roast or chicken thighs)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crisping)

Instructions

  1. Cut the meat into large chunks and season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
  2. Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the seasoned meat on top, then pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and add bay leaves.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Remove the meat, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
  6. Optional: To crisp, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and broil for 5–8 minutes until the edges are crispy.
  7. Serve over rice, beans, salad, or in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a leaner carnitas option.
  • Broil shredded meat for crispy edges and added texture.
  • Add chipotle peppers for extra heat and smokiness.
  • Swap citrus juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
  • Perfect for meal prep—stores and reheats well.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/slow-cooker-meat-carnitas-plates/