Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates

Satisfy a TexMex craving with Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates. This paleo-friendly recipe feeds a crowd and makes a delicious party entree. Roast pork in the slow cooker, then shred. Roast sweet potato cubes until crispy and whip up a simple homemade guacamole. Make the plates, adding the hash first, then the carnitas and guac. Bursting with flavor and perfect for entertaining, Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates are a new favorite!

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I know it might come as a shock, but I didn’t always enjoy TexMex cuisine.

*gasp*

I blame cilantro and it tasting like soap.

(Yes, I’m one of those people. I know it’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Darn genetics.)

The good news is I finally saw the light. And that happened largely because we moved to Texas.

Nowadays TexMex cuisine has become a favorite food. How could it not be? There is so much goodness readily available, and so many new ways to taste traditional (and not-so-traditional) dishes.

Some Whole30 recipes you might want to check out: Whole30 Taco Zucchini Boats | Spinach Pistachio Pesto | Galia Melon Jamón Skewers | Whole30 Bacon Apple Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette | Blackberry Ginger Lemon Whole30 Tea | Sweet Potato Bisque | Whole30 Steak Salad with Orange Vinaigrette | Vegan Potato Leek Soup

However, when we were doing the Whole30 a few months ago, I really, really wanted TexMex.

Te problem is on the Whole30, flour and corn are eliminated from your diet, so I couldn’t use tortillas in whatever I made.

So I put on my brainstorming cap, hoping to come up with something delicious.

I did. And months later, I’m still excited about it.

I’m so thrilled to show you these Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates.

They’re a new favorite weeknight dinner that would also work double duty as a meal for entertaining. Think football food, friends. And you can make some of this in advance for easy day-of preparation. More about this in the recipe itself.

And no, before you ask, your party doesn’t have to be Whole30-centric… but if you’re on the Whole30 and hosting? Or want to make something friend for dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free friends?

Well, this dish is for you. Because it’s good for EVERYONE, assuming they eat meat.

I served these plates to folks who were not doing the Whole30 more than once, and the only thing I heard? Exuberance once the meal was over.

“I didn’t know you could eat so well on the Whole30!”

“That was delicious—I want the recipe!”

Everyone has raved about these carnitas and the crispy sweet potato hash. And figurative cherry—that guacamole—on top? Swoon.

They’re hard to beat, and they are incredibly satisfying.

Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates Essentials

• Sheet pan.
• Slow Cooker.

Get the look!

• White Appetizer Plate with Gold Rim.
• Porcelain appetizer plate.
• Oneida Countess Servingware.

So if you’re on the Whole30 and need a meal? Here ya go. (I also suggest checking out my Taco Zucchini Boats, Whole30 Steak Salad With Orange Vinaigrette and Vegan Potato Leek Soup.)

If you’re not on the Whole30 and are looking for a meal that features whole foods and is utterly delicious and filling? Here ya go!

If you’re looking for a flavorful entrée that’ll satisfy ALL your meat eating guests at a party? Here ya go.

Trust me: These plates will be a hit, no matter what you make ‘em for.

Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates

Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate

Satisfy a TexMex craving with Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates. This paleo-friendly recipe feeds a crowd and makes a delicious party entree. Roast pork in the slow cooker, then shred. Roast sweet potato cubes until crispy and whip up a simple homemade guacamole. Make the plates, adding the hash first, then the carnitas and guac. Bursting with flavor and perfect for entertaining, Whole30 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates are a new favorite!

4.80 from 5 votes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Servings 8 servings

Calories 833 kcal

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

• 4 lb. pork shoulder roast
• 1 tablespoon ground thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
• 4-5 large garlic cloves , minced

Sweet Potato Hash

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 medium sweet potatoes cut into ½” cubes (about 6 cups)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Guacamole

• 2 large avocados halved
• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt and Pepper to taste

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Instructions

 

Make the Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

• Place the pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker.
• Season with thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, marjoram and red pepper flakes.
• Add the onion and garlic, sprinkling around the pork.
• Cover, and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours.
• Turn off the slow cooker once the pork is cooked, and shred using a fork.
• Remove the shredded pork from the slow cooker, and place on a baking sheet. Continue in the next section, roasting this with the sweet potatoes second baking round.

Make the Sweet Potato Hash

• Measure out the solid coconut oil onto a baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven at 425°F. As it preheats, place the baking sheet in the oven.
• While the pan and coconut oil preheat, chop the sweet potatoes.
• When the pan and coconut oil are heated through, place the chopped sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Season with the taco seasoning.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven, baking for 25 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and flip the sweet potatoes, and place in the oven.
• Place the pork carnitas in the oven, too.
• Roast the sweet potatoes and carnitas for 20 minutes.
• Remove both pans from the oven, checking the sweet potatoes to ensure they’re crisp.

Make the Guacamole

• In a glass bowl, combine the ripe avocado with the lime juice.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add tomatoes, cilantro, onions, etc., to the guacamole if desired, and set aside for serving.

Arrange and Serve Carnitas Plates

• Scoop the sweet potatoes onto a plate.
• Top with the carnitas meat.
• Add a dollop of guacamole on top of the meat.
• Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Please note that the total time includes the slow cooker time, as well as the roasting time for the sweet potatoes AND carnitas. It could change based on your slow cooker’s ability to cook the meat, as well as your oven being more powerful than mine.

Entertaining tip: Chop the sweet potatoes in advance and store in the refrigerator until roasting time. Roast the pork carnitas up to a day before your event. Finish them in the oven, as specified in the recipe, along with the sweet potatoes. Make the guacamole just before serving so it doesn’t oxidize.

Instant Pot instructions: Follow the instructions up until you turn on the slow cooker. Add 4 tablespoons of water. Close the Instant Pot and seal the valve. Cook for 1 hour 20 minutes for a 4 lb. pork loin roast. (The IP cooks this cut of pork at 20 minutes per pound, so if yours is a different size, calculate the cooking time accordingly.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 833kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 55gFat: 59gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 204mgSodium: 817mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4g

Course Entrees

Cuisine TexMex

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Would you make these Carnitas Plates, whether or not you were doing the Whole30?

Do you like these kinds of flavors, too?