Mexican Pulled Pork

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This Mexican Pulled Pork is the ultimate meal prep recipe to start your week off right! All you have to do is put your pork and its seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook until it’s tender, juicy, and falling apart like a dream. This dish, like carnitas, can be used in so many different recipes throughout your week!

mexican pulled pork between tongs being added to a plate out of focus in the background

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe

This mexican pulled pork is the perfect meal prep recipe that’ll help you throw a delicious weeknight dinner together in minutes! Just set it in the slow cooker and forget it while it does its thing, and then you have a ton of meat to distribute throughout other meals in the week. 

You could use it for tacos, quesadillas, pizzas, nachos, and more (internal link to serving suggestions)! Let your imagination run wild! This recipe makes a large portion which you can refrigerate or freeze for later. 

Slowly cooked in a rich sauce full of Mexican flavors and spices, this dish is reminiscent of carnitas. However you decide to enjoy this versatile pulled pork, I know you and your family are going to love it!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican pulled pork are pretty basic, so don’t worry about things getting too complicated. All you need is pork, a can of diced tomatoes and green chillies, garlic, onion, and the seasonings

Pork Seasonings: 

  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Dried Oregano
  • Salt

If you’re interested in a different flavor profile, try my homemade dry rub for pork (or chicken, ribs, etc.!).

How To Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

It’s going to shock you how easy this is! I’m telling you – you’re going to wind up making this every few weeks because it’s so nice to have a delicious serving of protein on hand to add to other meals. 

All you have to do is place the pork into the crock pot (or whatever slow cooker you have), add in the rest of the ingredients, and then cover and cook! 

Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours. Check to see that the pork is tender and shreds easily. Enjoy! 

pulled pork tacos sitting side by side on a white plate with avocado slices, cheese, and sour cream drizzled on top

FAQs

How do I store leftover pulled pork?

Allow your pork to cool off, and then store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by storing it in a freezer ziploc and removing the air the best you can. It’ll be good frozen for 3-4 months. All it to defrost in the refrigerator, or heat it on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. 

Are carnitas the same thing as pulled pork?

Carnitas and pulled pork are very similar but they’re not the same, and the difference lies in the way they’re cooked. They’re both seasoned with similar Mexican flavors and then cooked slowly so the meat gets tender and is falling apart. Then, carnitas is cooked a little bit longer in the oven to crisp up the edges a bit. 

What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?

The most common cut used for pulled pork is pork shoulder. It has a good amount of fattiness so the meat cooks and tenderizes beautifully. 

How does pulled pork get tender and moist?

How tender pork gets depends on the cut, the cooking process, and what you cook it in. This Mexican pulled pork is cooked slowly along with diced tomatoes which have some acidity in them. The acidity of things like tomatoes – or sometimes orange juice! – help break down the meat and keep it juicy.   

Serving Suggestions

  • When I think of pulled pork, my mind goes to tacos in every form! Put this meat in a normal taco with avocado, tomatoes, and cheese, or put it on a taco baked potato!
  • Or, incorporate it into your taco dip with cream cheese and enjoy it with some veggies or tortilla chips. 
  • Go for a lighter route and add your pork to a dorito taco salad, or on top of your favorite salad.
  • Add some pulled pork to a black bean sweet potato quesadilla.
  • Don’t forget pico de gallo and guacamole for delicious toppings!
  • Pop some sheet pan fajita nachos in the oven and add some pulled pork on top. 
  • In a similar vein, make some loaded french fries with cheese, pork, and the toppings of your choice. 
  • Make a classic pulled pork sandwich!

More Pork Recipes

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Mexican Pulled Pork

Course: Main Dish, Pork
This Mexican Pulled Pork is made in the crock pot and is great for taco night!!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Countryside Cravings
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pound pork roast
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 5-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  • Place pork roast into crock pot. Add in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours or until pork is tender and shreds easily.

Notes

Storage: Allow your pork to cool off, and then store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by storing it in a freezer ziploc and removing the air the best you can. It’ll be good frozen for 3-4 months. All it to defrost in the refrigerator, or heat it on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. 

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