Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

Why This Recipe Works

Chipotles in Adobo — When I set out to make this pulled pork tacos recipe, I only had a loose game plan that consisted of a thawed shoulder roast and me staring into the pantry waiting for inspiration to hit. Then, there it was — that lonely can of chipotle peppers in adobo. The chipotles in adobo sauce add a smoky heat and delicious depth of flavor that really sets these apart. 

A Different Twist on Tacos — We love a taco night around here but sometimes ground beef tacos just don’t cut it. Why not up the ante — with less work — and reignite your love for tacos with this slow cooker pulled pork tacos recipe. 

Hands-off Cooking — These Mexican-style pork tacos are easy-peasy to put together with just a few pantry staples. Simply salt and pepper the pork, add the spices, salsa, and chipotles to the crockpot, top with pork and onions and let it cook a few hours till you’re ready for dinner. 

Great for Leftovers — This recipe for shredded pork tacos makes enough for leftovers. If you don’t want them the next day, you can always put them in the freezer for a few weeks from now when you’re really in a pinch.

Ingredients

Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast — I’ve found this is the best cut of pork for the slow cooker but you can use another one if you like. Cut it in half to fit if yours is too long. 

Salt — Add salt to taste. 

Salsa  — I like a milder salsa but if you want to up it a notch try adding a spicy salsa, or make your own. 

Chipotles in Adobo — For this recipe, you’ll use both whole chipotles and some of the sauce. You can find the canned chipotles in adobo in the aisle with the other Mexican foods. 

Ground Cumin & Smoked Paprika — Two perfect spices that go great in these delicious shredded pork tacos. 

Minced Garlic — Throw some minced garlic in right from the jar. Go ahead! I won’t tell. 

Onion — Use a smaller onion, you don’t want it to overpower the pork. Small dices of white or yellow onion are great. 

Tortillas — I use flour but you can use corn as well. 

Toppings —  Some of my favorite toppings for these pork tacos include lettuce, cheese, hot sauce, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Here’s How you Make it

1. First, get out the slow cooker, then cut the excess fat off the pork and chop the roast into a few pieces for more even cooking. 
2. Next, season the pork with salt, then add the salsa (I went for a mild blend, but you can use any kind you have on hand), chipotles, adobo, and the rest of the spices to the slow cooker and give it all a stir.
3. Add the pork and onions on top of the salsa and spices and turn to coat. 
4. Add the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. 
5. When the pork is done, shred it, strain off some of the liquid, and skim the fat if you like. 
6. Add the shredded pork to a tortilla and top with lettuce, cheese, hot sauce, and/or all your favorite taco toppings.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Tacos

No taco is complete without all of the garnishes. If you were to ever look inside my fridge, you’d find a good 50 percent of it is condiments and garnishes. We can’t help it — we are condiment people. (I’m the woman who goes to Subway or some sub-type restaurant and asks for all the toppings and barely anything else.) With these pulled pork tacos though, I do have a few favorites:

• More salsa. Fruit salsas, tomato-based salsas, or any kind of jarred salsa you have in your pantry works just great.
• Guacamole is another fan-favorite and isn’t just for chicken tacos, after all.
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage gives that crunch you want in your taco.
• Cheese, always cheese. A shredded Mexican blend, queso fresco, or Monterey jack all go well with pork tacos.
• I love cilantro and like it in my meals and also sprinkled on top of my meals for that little extra taste of the Southwest.
• Hot sauces are a great way to add some heat and spice to your meals. Not everyone likes spicy food so when you wait to add them till the end, you won’t have to worry about offending any dinner guests with too-spicy food.
• Green onions or finely diced red onions add color and flavor to your tacos as well.
• Lime wedges are a must for me with any kind of taco. I like to plate my tacos and add the wedges to the side then give them a good all over squeezing right before I stuff the tacos in my face.

More Recipes Like This

• BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos
• Best Fish Tacos with Slaw
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
• Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Did you make this recipe? FANTASTIC. Please rate the recipe below and be sure to tag me on social when you share a photo on social – I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!