Slow Cooker Carnitas is the ultimate recipe for fall-apart tender, juicy shredded beef with bold, irresistible flavor. It’s the easiest way to transform a humble beef roast into something magical, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep because it’s almost entirely hands-off—just set it, forget it, and let your slow cooker work all day while you go about your life.

Traditional carnitas require hours of babysitting on the stovetop to get that perfect, tender texture. But with this simple slow cooker method, you get all the flavor and none of the hassle. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with bold spices, and so versatile. Whether you’re serving tacos, burrito bowls, or a carnitas salad, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Why This Slow Cooker Carnitas Is a Game-Changer

Set-it-and-forget-it: Just 10 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest over 10 hours.
Incredible texture: The low-and-slow method guarantees melt-in-your-mouth tender shredded carnitas every time.
Minimal effort, maximum flavor: A simple mix of pantry spices creates layers of savory goodness.
Perfect for busy schedules: Start it in the morning, and dinner will be ready when you are.
Versatile leftovers: Carnitas freeze beautifully, making them a meal-prep dream for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Carnitas

To make these easy slow cooker carnitas, all you need is a few basic tools. Here’s what I recommend:

Slow cooker: Any 6-quart slow cooker works, but programmable models are great for precise timing. Set it to “Low” for best results.
Tongs or two forks: These are perfect for shredding the beef after it’s cooked to tender perfection.
Cutting board: Use a sturdy surface for seasoning your beef roast before it heads to the slow cooker.

If you’re shopping for a slow cooker, look for one with even heat distribution and a lid that seals tightly to lock in moisture. Reliable options don’t have to cost a fortune—my budget-friendly Crockpot has served me well for years.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Carnitas

This recipe relies on pantry staples to deliver bold flavor with almost no effort. Let’s take a closer look at the key players:

Beef roast: The star of the show. A 4-pound cut is just right for this recipe—look for something well-marbled for extra tenderness.
Spices: Cumin, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon create the perfect balance of earthy and slightly smoky flavors. Pro tip: Double your spice mix and save half for another batch!
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the cooking liquid, which you can later use to enhance the shredded carnitas.
Bay leaves: These little aromatics subtly elevate the whole dish with a hint of freshness.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t stress—substitute what you have! Pork shoulder is a great swap for beef, and veggie broth can replace chicken broth in a pinch.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe Details

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours (hands-off)
Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Carnitas

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 pounds beef roast
2 bay leaves
2 cups chicken broth

How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas

Gather all your ingredients. This is key for a smooth prep.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon. Rub the beef roast generously with this spice blend, coating it evenly on all sides.
Place 2 bay leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then lay the beef roast on top.
Carefully pour the chicken broth around the sides of the beef, being careful not to rinse off the spice coating. This liquid will help keep the meat tender and flavorful during cooking.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to “Low.” Let it cook for 10 hours, flipping the beef after 5 hours to ensure even cooking. (Feel free to walk away—this is hands-off!)
After 10 hours, the beef should be fall-apart tender. Remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Optional: Moisten the shredded carnitas with some of the reserved cooking liquid for added flavor and juiciness.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas

Searing for extra flavor: If you have 5 extra minutes, sear the beef roast on all sides in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This locks in juices and adds depth.
Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze portions for future meals—carnitas freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat like a pro: Add a splash of broth to the carnitas when reheating to keep them moist.
Get crispy edges: After shredding, spread the carnitas on a sheet pan and broil for 3–5 minutes for those signature crispy bits.
Add citrus flair: A squeeze of fresh lime over the top really brightens up the flavors when serving.

Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Variations

Switch meats: Try pork shoulder instead of beef for a more classic carnitas flavor.
Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to the spice mix for a smokier or spicier flavor.
Taco-ready: Warm corn tortillas and serve carnitas with diced onions, cilantro, and hot sauce.
Meal prep hero: Make burrito bowls with carnitas, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a week’s worth of delicious lunches.

Slow Cooker Carnitas FAQs

How long can I keep leftover carnitas?

Store cooked carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. They reheat beautifully!

Can I use a pork roast instead of beef?

Absolutely! Pork shoulder is a fantastic option for this recipe, as it tends to have even better marbling for tender, flavorful carnitas.

What’s the best way to crisp up the carnitas?

After shredding, spread the meat on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the “Sauté” function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for about 70 minutes followed by a natural release.

What side dishes pair well with carnitas?

Rice, black beans, guacamole, and a fresh salad are all excellent choices to round out the meal.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy these slow cooker carnitas? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your tips and ideas!