Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are a delightfully tender and flavorful dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection and then crisped up for a delightful texture. They’re not heavy or overly spiced either. I think they’re a perfect choice for any meal, whether you’re serving them in tacos, burritos, or on their own.

If you’re looking for a savory and versatile dish that’s packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. When you slow cook the meat until it’s tender and then crisp it up in the oven, you get the perfect combination of juicy and crunchy. The addition of a squeeze of lime just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for something comforting yet exciting, and these dreamy carnitas remind me of sunny days and festive gatherings. Not a fan of overly spicy food? Don’t worry, they’re still delicious without extra heat.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Baking sheet
• Skillet (optional, for crisping in batches)
• Forks (for shredding the meat)
• Small bowl
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
   • Place the chunks of beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
   • Add the quartered onion and minced garlic.
2. Season the Meat:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
3. Add the Liquid:
   • Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the seasoned meat.
4. Slow Cook:
   • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Meat:
   • Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet.
   • Use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces.
6. Crisp the Meat:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Drizzle the shredded meat with olive oil and spread it out evenly on the baking sheet.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the meat are crispy. You can also crisp the meat in batches in a hot skillet if you prefer.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish the crispy carnitas with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas as a tender, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings a festive touch to any meal!