Slow Cooker Carnitas Nachos

When you need an easy, family-friendly recipe that doubles as a meal prep powerhouse, look no further than these Slow Cooker Carnitas Nachos. With just a few minutes of hands-on prep, this dish delivers big on flavour, making it a crowd-pleaser for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Plus, the carnitas recipe makes enough for two meals, so you can cook once and enjoy delicious, healthy leftovers in multiple ways.

Why This Recipe is Perfect

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely balancing a full schedule—with work, family, and maybe, just maybe making time for yourself. You need nutritious, protein-packed meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a win-win: it’s simple, satisfying, and versatile.

I love a true ‘dump and forget’ slow cooker recipes and these slow-cooked carnitas are just that. They come together with minimal effort, and the extra servings can be easily repurposed for a variety of meals throughout the week. #winning.

The Magic of Slow Cooker Carnitas

The secret to these tender, juicy carnitas? A pre-made spice mix from the grocery store (because sometimes, we need easy!), plus a bright and flavourful braising liquid of orange juice and lime juice. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with mouthwatering shredded beef that’s perfect for layering onto nachos—or reinventing into another meal later in the week.

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Slow Cooker Carnitas Nachos

Ingredients:

For the Carnitas

• 1 2lb beef shoulder

• 1 package of your favourite taco seasoning or use this combination: 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground pepper.

• 1 orange, juiced

• 1 lime, juice

• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

For the Nachos

• I 14oz bag of nachos

• 3 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar, or Monterey Jack)

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced

For Serving:

• Fresh cilantro

• 1-2 limes

• pickled red onion, sour cream/Greek yogurt, salsa, jarred, sliced jalapeños, guacamole

Directions:

1. Place the beef shoulder into the slow cooker and cover with the spice mix. Pour in the juice of 1 orange and the juice of 1 lime, being careful not to pour directly onto the meat. Add the sliced onion and the minced garlic to the liquid around the meat. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.

2. When the pork is done cooking, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker.

3. Preheat the oven to 425F and line a large sheet pan with parchment.

4. Add about half of the tortilla chips to the sheet pan in a single layer. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and half of the shredded pork. Repeat with the remaining chips, cheese, and pork to create a second layer. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños evenly over top. Bake until the cheese is melted and the exposed pork is crispy on the outside, 13 to 15 minutes.

   To serve, top with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and any other toppings of choice. Enjoy!

   How to reheat your beef:

   Whether you’re re-heating it from the fridge or the freezer, the best way to do so is in the oven. The goal is to NOT dry out your meat after you put all that time into cooking it low and slow the first go round! So put the meat in an oven-save dish and add a bit of water (or broth or even orange juice) to add back some of the moisture it will have lost. Cover the dish with foil and bake it at 300°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. You could also use the same approach on the stovetop, heating it over low or medium-low.

   📌 Pin this recipe for later because trust me, you’ll want it again!

Cook Once, Eat Twice: 5 Ways to Use Leftover Carnitas

Making a batch of carnitas means you’ve got a head start on multiple meals. Here are five easy ways to repurpose the meat for a healthy, quick meal:

1. Carnitas Taco Bowls – Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice with roasted veggies and avocado.

2. Carnitas Stuffed Peppers – Mix with black beans and quinoa, stuff into bell peppers, and bake.

3. Carnitas Lettuce Wraps – Wrap in crisp romaine or butter lettuce with salsa and guacamole.

4. Carnitas Breakfast Scramble – Add to scrambled eggs with spinach and feta for a protein-packed start to your day.

5. Carnitas Salad – Toss onto a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lime vinaigrette.

A Delicious and Smart Meal Prep Strategy

Slow Cooker Carnitas Sheet Pan Nachos are the perfect balance of indulgence and practicality—a meal your family will love, with plenty of healthy and easy leftovers for you to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or simply looking for effortless meals that support your well-being, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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