If there's one meal that checks all the boxes, easy, flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy days, it's these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender, juicy pork that practically falls apart and is packed with flavor.
These crockpot pulled pork tacos are made to perfection. They are super tender and basically melt in your mouth. My family also likes to keep Tuesdays the traditional "Taco Tuesday". If your family does too, then this is great for mixing things up.
This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something comforting, but still made with wholesome, clean ingredients. The pork, shredded in the braising liquid, is extremely moist.
Looking for more fun, easy taco recipes? Then you must try my Easy Baked Fish Tacos and my Mexican Shrimp Tacos.
Table of contents
Ingredients for pulled pork tacos
Here is a list of ingredients needed to make this easy pork taco recipe.
- Boneless pork shoulder or loin for less fat - if using the shoulder, trim off the fat, but when cooked in a crockpot, the fat easily peels off.
- onion - sliced
- garlic cloves - minced
- low-sodium chicken broth - more liquid = more moisture
- olive oil - used as a binder when rubbing the seasonings onto the pork.
- chili powder - provides the foundational flavor of the dish. Has an earthy, slightly sweet and savory taste.
- cumin - adds an earthly, slightly nutty, and peppery flavor.
- smoked paprika - provides a smoky flavor that mimics the taste of meat being on the grill or smoker.
Directions for crockpot pork tacos
Step 1 - Season lightly, but completely rub pork with olive oil and spices. Brush olive oil onto both sides of the pork.
Step 2 - Mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together into one small bowl. Using your hands, rub the spices onto the pork on both sides.
Step 3 - Pour onions and garlic onto the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 4 - Place the seasoned pork on top of the veggies, then pour the chicken broth on top of the pork. Set the slow cooker on high for 3 - 4 hours or on low for 5 - 6 hours. Set it and forget it!
Step 5 - Using 2 forks, shred the pork and let it soak for another 10 minutes to soak up all the juices.
Step 6 - Then turn the slow cooker to warm and let it sit for another 15 - 20 minutes to soak up even more juices. Time to eat! Style your tacos however you enjoy. Place the pork in some hard or soft taco shells and top with your favorites. Voila!
Substitutions and Variations
Variation Add-ins - right into the crockpot, you can add ½ cup salsa, juice of 1 orange, or 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
Optional Toppings - Once the pork is done cooking and it's time to eat, here are some yummy toppings to give a try.
- mango salsa
- avocado or crema
- pickled red onions
- salsa verde
Tips and FAQ's
Pork shoulder or pork butt, because it has enough fat to become tender and juicy when slow-cooked, but you can also use loin if you're looking for a less fatty option.
They can be! Use corn tortillas and make sure your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
Store the pulled pork and the actual taco shells separately. Store pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More taco recipes you will also LOVE
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Equipment
- Crock pot or slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder or loin for less fat. If using the shoulder, trim off the fat, but when made in a crock pot the fat easily peels off.
- 1 small onion sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp. salt
- 1½ tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1 - Season lightly, but completely rub pork with olive oil and spices. Brush olive oil onto both sides of the pork.
- Step 2 - Mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together into one small bowl. Using your hands, rub the spices onto the pork on both sides.
- Step 3 - Pour onions and garlic onto the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 4 - Place the seasoned pork on top of the veggies, then pour the chicken broth on top of the pork. Set the slow cooker on high for 3 - 4 hours or on low for 5 - 6 hours. Set it and forget it!
- Step 5 - Using 2 forks, shred the pork and let it soak for another 10 minutes to soak up all the juices.
- Step 6 - Then turn the slow cooker to warm and let it sit for another 15 - 20 minutes to soak up even more juices. Time to eat! Style your tacos however you enjoy. Place the pork in some hard or soft taco shells and top with your favorites. Voila!
Notes
- Measuring out all the ingredients. A fun math lesson!
- Pour all the ingredients into the crock pot.
- Teach them how to shred the pork using 2 forks.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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