Paleo Crockpot Carnitas

Paleo crockpot carnitas with pastured pork shoulder, cumin chili spice rub, and slow cooking delivers tender shredded meat for tacos, Mexican dinner parties, and crowd pleasing meals.

Nothing says dinner party like pork butt.

Seriously, make this dish for your next dinner party. It tastes professional, like you slaved all day, but it couldn’t be easier to make.  it’s a crowd wow-pleaser, AND it involves the crock pot, which means little mess, and slow cooking preserves the nutrients. This dish is perfect for a pot luck, for a Mexican dinner party, or to feed a crowd. All you need to do is whip up the spice rub, get yourself a hunk of pork,  wait about 7 hours, and you’re good to go.

Once the pork butt is finished slow cooking, you can slice it or shred it for tacos. I serve it with spicy raw kraut or cabbage slaw, avocado, cilantro, and salsa. You can also include organic corn tortillas or grain free paleo tortillas.

Paleo Crockpot Carnitas

You’ll need the following:

• 4-5 pound hunk of pastured pork shoulder/butt, tied, bone-in if you can get it
• 1 yellow onion
• garlic cloves
• spices (see below)
• a little chicken broth
• whatever sides you choose

First, get yourself the hunk of pork butt. I always get mine at Whole Foods. Bone-in yields a much more flavorful finished product. Then, mix up my spice rub: 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 Tbsp oregano, 2 heaping tsp sea salt (or to taste), 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp sweet or smoked paprika, Large pinch cayenne pepper, Black pepper to taste.

Second, shove garlic cloves into the folds of the meat and under the twine. Then, pat the rub generously all over the pork butt. It will look like this.

Roughly chop a yellow onion and spread it out over the bottom of the crock pot, then place the pork on top of the onion, fat side up. Pour a little chicken broth around the edges (not on the pork, or the rub will come off), just up to the level of the onion.

Set the crock pot to low for about 7 hours. It should be super tender and easy to shred. Remove the pork from the crock pot and place on a platter. You can shred or slice it. Then remove onion with a slotted spoon and arrange around the pork, like this.

That’s all it takes! Get creative and try different spice rubs or side dishes. You could serve with a black bean salsa or calabacitas. Make cauliflower tortillas or use corn if not paleo. Add raw kraut for probiotics and a zing. Enjoy!

MMMMMM….. MEAT

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pork butt a good choice for a dinner party?

Pork butt is ideal for entertaining because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow cooked. It feeds a crowd without complicated prep and can be sliced or shredded for tacos, bowls, or platters. The long cooking process creates rich taste with minimal hands on effort.

How does slow cooking pork help preserve nutrients?

Slow cooking uses gentle, steady heat that helps retain moisture and protects certain nutrients compared to high temperature methods. The meat cooks in its own juices, reducing the need for extra fats while improving digestibility and tenderness.

Can this pork recipe be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, slow cooked pork reheats very well and often tastes even better the next day. Resting allows flavors to deepen and distribute evenly. This makes it practical for dinner parties, meal prep, and busy schedules where advance preparation reduces stress.

What are the best ways to serve crockpot carnitas?

Carnitas can be served shredded in tacos, bowls, or over rice alternatives. Pair with cabbage slaw, avocado, salsa, fresh herbs, and lime. The recipe works with corn tortillas or grain free options, making it adaptable for different dietary needs.

Why does bone in pork shoulder add more flavor?

Bone in pork shoulder enhances flavor because the bone helps conduct heat evenly and retain moisture during cooking. As it simmers, natural juices and connective tissue break down, creating richer taste and pork that shreds easily.

How does Mary Vance recommend making carnitas tender?

Mary Vance recommends cooking pork butt on low heat in a crock pot for several hours. This slow method allows spices to penetrate deeply while collagen breaks down naturally, producing fork tender meat without constant monitoring.

What makes this recipe beginner friendly according to Mary Vance?

Mary Vance highlights the simplicity of this recipe. After seasoning the pork and placing it in the crock pot, the process requires little attention. Minimal cleanup and predictable results make it accessible for new cooks and reliable for gatherings.