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!
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.
The 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
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Get the look!
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.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Plates
Ingredients
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
Nutrition
Would you make these Carnitas Plates, whether or not you were doing the Whole30?
Do you like these kinds of flavors, too?
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
This recipe is scrumptious!! What an easy way to stay on the Whole30 diet!! My husband, who hates diets, is also a fan!
I am so happy to hear this! 🙂 I’m all for a scrumptious recipe that’s pretty good for you and that helps people stay on the Whole30!
These carnitas are incredible whether you’re on Whole 30 or not. I will be making them again!!
Hip, hip, hooray for carnitas that everyone enjoys, whether or not they’re doing a Whole30! So happy you’ve enjoyed this recipe time and again. 🙂
This dish was delicious. We are currently doing whole 30 and looking for new recipes. So glad I found this. The flavor is great and the touch of quac is perfect.
Kacey, I am delighted to hear that this dish was delicious to you and that it’s been a good find during your Whole30 this month. Having awesome food to eat during a Whole30 is so important. This is one of the dishes that we make pretty regularly, even though we haven’t done a Whole30 in a while, so I am glad you enjoyed it.