PF
A vibrant plate of Mexican enchiladas topped with fresh lettuce and salsa, perfect for a cultural dining experience.
Slow Cooker~315 minComplexity

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Each serving of Slow Cooker Carnitas delivers 32g protein and 368 calories, offering efficient Mexican-style portions for meal prep. Quick preparation produces 8 servings from one cook session, giving you multiple days of pork without daily cooking. The moderate calorie count works across phases while providing complete protein for muscle maintenance.

Rate this recipe:

Ingredients

8 servings
  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic(240g)
  • 2 small cinnamon sticks ($0.95)
  • Oregano, Dried(8g)
  • Cumin, Ground(8g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • Freshly cracked pepper ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper powder ($0.05)
  • Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)(1361g)
  • Orange

Instructions

  1. 1Dice the onion and mince the fresh garlic. Combine the oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. 2Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Toss the pork with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
  3. 3Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear the pork for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown on all surfaces. Set the seared pork aside on a plate.
  4. 4In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. 5Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the orange, then squeeze the orange to yield approximately ½ cup juice. Return the seared pork to the pot along with the orange juice and zest. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. 6Using tongs, shred the pork directly in the pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Divide the shredded pork and braising liquid evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot, then cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
  7. 7When ready to serve, transfer one portion of pork and liquid to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become golden and crispy.
  8. 8Serve the crispy carnitas in tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.

Nutrition — Per Serving

368

calories

32g

protein

21g

fat

Carbohydrates
11g
Saturated fat
7.5g
Sodium
111 mg
Dietary fiber
1.2g

8 servings per batch · ~202g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

+ Add to Meal Plan

AI Swap Engine

Swap any ingredient and get recalculated macros instantly.

Set your goal to unlock — free, 30 seconds

Common questions

How much protein does Slow Cooker Carnitas have per serving?

Each serving delivers 32g of protein with 368 calories, paired with 21g fat and 11g carbs. This high-fat, low-carb profile makes it a solid option for those tracking macros across different dietary approaches.

How long does Slow Cooker Carnitas take to prep?

Quick prep time combined with 8 servings per batch creates substantial meal prep output in one slow cooker session. This yield is efficient for week-long protein planning with minimal active prep.

Is Slow Cooker Carnitas good for fat loss?

At 368 calories and 32g protein per serving, carnitas work during fat loss phases when monitoring fat intake due to the 21g fat content per serving. Pair with lower-fat sides to stay within daily macro targets.

Crockpot Lasagna

Slow Cooker · 6 servings

63g protein490 cal8g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Slow Cooker · 10 servings

70g protein540 cal11g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Stovetop · 8 servings

59g protein530 cal14g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Beef Bacon Pasta

Stovetop · 10 servings

67g protein600 cal18g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan