Easy Mexican Crock Pot Shoulder Pork Roast
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A go-to in our house, this Mexican crock pot shoulder pork roast has definitely earned its spot in the weekly lineup. If you’re all about easy, flavor-packed meals, add this to your favorite 5 ingredient crock pot recipes—it’s the ultimate dump-and-go pork dish for stress-free weeknights!
A Versatile Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Recipe
You can go a million different directions with this slow-cooked Mexican pork. Okay, maybe not a million—but definitely enough to keep things exciting! Here are just a few delicious ways to serve it:
- Slow Cooker Carnitas – Add a cup of orange juice while cooking, then pan-fry the meat after shredding for those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Pork Street Tacos – Load up warm tortillas with diced white onion, cilantro, lime, and roasted peppers. Add toppings like radish, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or shredded cheese.
- Over Mexican Rice – Seasoned, tomato-infused rice makes the perfect base for this pork roast. I love to pair it with this red rice recipe from RecipeTinEats.
- Burrito Bowls – Pile it on rice with black beans, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings.
- Quesadillas – Stuff it into tortillas with melty cheese, then grill until golden and crispy.
- Over Street Corn Coleslaw – A flavorful twist with crunchy, creamy slaw as a fresh contrast to the tender pork.
Recipe Box Must-Have
Why this Mexican crock pot pork shoulder roast deserves a spot in your collection.
Best Cuts of Pork for Slow Cooking
Okay, if you’re looking to make some seriously tender, flavorful pork in the slow cooker, choosing the right cut is everything. Some cuts fall apart into juicy goodness, while others are a bit leaner and need a little extra love. Here’s the scoop:
Top Pick:
- Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast (Boston Butt, Pork Butt Roast) – This one’s the champion for slow cooking. It’s got all the right fat and marbling to keep the meat super juicy and tender. As it cooks, the fat breaks down and just makes everything melt in your mouth.
Other Good Choices:
- Bone-In Pork Rib Roast – This one’s got great flavor and stays juicy, thanks to the bone. It needs a little longer in the slow cooker to really break down, but it’s totally worth it.
- Boneless Pork Loin Roast – If you want something leaner, this is your go-to, but it won’t be as juicy as the fattier cuts. If you go this route, make sure you add some broth or sauce so it doesn’t dry out!
- Boneless Pork Leg Roast – Another leaner option, but it still works well in the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook it with a marinade or braising liquid to keep it moist, and it’s best served sliced instead of shredded.
Key Tips
Sear The Meat
First, season and sear your pork in a hot pan to get a nice crust. I like to use a cast-iron skillet. Once the meat is seared, put it in the crock pot, but don’t clean the skillet!
For extra flavor, heat the skillet back up and pour a little chicken broth into the hot pan and use a whisk to loosen up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom (that’s the fond—flavor gold!). Drizzle all that goodness over the pork in the slow cooker, and you’re ready to let it do its thing!
How To Make 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Roast
The ingredients for this slow cooker Mexican pork are so simple!
- Seared pork shoulder roast – I actually love my smaller 4-quart crockpot. I only wish it had a locking lid like this Toastmaster one; that way, I could easily transport it. Just cut the meat in half and sear all sides to make it fit easier.
- Chicken broth – You can substitute vegetable broth or use orange juice for a fantastic flavor variation!
- Chopped green chiles – Use your favorite green chiles, mild or spicy.
- Seasonings – The spice blend is easy: cumin, chili powder, orgeano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Diced onions – Totally optional, but for even more flavor, you can saute the onions before tossing them in the slow cooker.
Season and sear the meat on all sides. If you have a small slow cooker, cut the meat in half and sear the cut sides, too.
Sprinkle the meat with more seasonings and toss in the diced onions.
Pour the canned green chiles over the top and then add in the chicken broth.
Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5. You’ll know the pork is ready when it is fall-apart tender.
Remove the pork from the juices and shred it with a fork, then serve it over some Mexican rice, or read below for even more ideas!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mexican Pork
I’ve got you covered on side dish ideas to pair with this slow-cooked Mexican pork.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Super fresh and zesty, it’s the perfect balance to the rich pork.
- Black Bean and Corn Salad – A light, crunchy side that packs a ton of flavor.
- Guacamole and Chips – You can’t go wrong with creamy guac and crispy chips—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Pico de Gallo – A personal favorite of mine, this refreshing, tangy salsa adds so much color and flavor to the dish.
- Mexican Red Rice – A comforting classic that pairs perfectly with the pork.
- Pickled Cabbage or Red Onions – A tangy crunch with a salty kick that enhances the flavors.
The Best Part! – Leftovers & How to Store Them
The leftovers from this Mexican shredded pork are just as tasty as the first round! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Storing in the Fridge – Let the pork cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing – If you want to save it for later, freeze the pork in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating – To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If it’s a little dry, add a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
And the best part? You can turn those leftovers into pork nachos! Just layer the shredded pork on tortilla chips, top with cheese, and pop it under the broiler for a quick, melty, cheesy snack. You’ll love it!
If you’ve tried this Crock Pot Pork Roast Recipe, remember to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you, and it helps me so much! — Thank you.
More favorite recipes from Rooted Deep Home:
- Homemade Sourdough Discard Rolls (Easy 3 Hour Dinner Rolls)
- Easy Sourdough Challah Bread Recipe (Knead by Hand Option)
- Easy Khachapuri Recipe (Georgian Cheesy Boat Bread)
Easy Mexican Crock Pot Shoulder Pork Roast
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) , skinless, boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating pan / searing
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 ounce can chopped green chiles mild
- 2 cups chicken broth
Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, blend all the spices together. Pat the pork shoulder roast dry and then rub half of the spice blend all over the meat.
- Get a cast iron skillet or heavy bottom pan heating over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering. Sear the pork roast on all sides for 3-5 minutes each or until it forms a nice brown crust.
- Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker and sprinkle the remaining spices over the top of the meat. Add in the diced onions, green chiles, and chicken broth.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours or until the meat is fall-apart tender. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with a fork.
