If you’re searching for a meal that combines bold flavors, vibrant textures, and nourishing ingredients, look no further than these Slow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls. This dish is a celebration of Mexican-inspired cuisine, offering a perfect balance of juicy, tender carnitas, refreshing cilantro lime rice, and a tangy street corn salad. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a family dinner, these bowls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
PrintSlow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Every Occasion
🌟 Craving bold, hearty flavors? Try Slow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls! 🌯🍖 Juicy, slow-cooked pork with all the fixings—fluffy rice, creamy beans, crunchy veggies, and zesty toppings. 🥑✨ Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or just indulging in something delicious. 😋🔥
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- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons chipotle powder
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup broth (any kind)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Fresh lime juice (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (for serving)
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Corn Salad:
- 1 (15-oz.) can yellow sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup minced red onion
- ⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Bowl Ingredients:
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional: Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
Preparing the Pork Carnitas:
- Season the Pork: Combine garlic powder, chipotle powder, and other spices in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously over the pork shoulder and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a smoky flavor.
- Slow Cook: Place the onion, garlic, and broth in the slow cooker. Add the seared pork and pour orange juice over it. Cook on high for 7-8 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred and Crisp: Shred the pork and toss it in its cooking juices. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 5-7 minutes to achieve crispy edges.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a bright, citrusy finish.
Making the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Cook the Rice: Simmer rice and water until the grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Cool and Season: Let the rice cool before mixing in lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
Assembling the Corn Salad:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix corn, lime juice, vinegar, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and paprika in a bowl.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Building the Burrito Bowls:
- Start with a base of romaine lettuce.
- Add portions of carnitas, cilantro lime rice, and corn salad.
- Top with black beans and garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, and optional Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs for a lighter alternative to pork.
- Swap cotija cheese with feta if unavailable.
- Replace romaine lettuce with spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Variations:
- Add diced avocado or fresh tomato salsa for extra freshness.
- Turn the bowl into a wrap using large flour tortillas.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a party platter.
- Meal Prep:
- Store each component separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the pork and rice before assembling the bowls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
The Appeal of Slow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls
Why are these burrito bowls so irresistible? First, the pork carnitas steal the spotlight with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and crispy edges, thanks to the slow-cooking process. The cilantro lime rice adds a zesty brightness, complementing the richness of the carnitas. Meanwhile, the Mexican street corn salad introduces bursts of sweetness and spice, creating a symphony of flavors. Together, these components form a well-rounded, healthy meal that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare.
Ingredients Breakdown
Pork Carnitas:
- Spices: Garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, and ground cinnamon infuse the pork with warmth and complexity. Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness.
- Pork Shoulder: The star ingredient, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
- Liquid Elements: Broth, orange juice, and fresh lime juice enhance the juiciness and provide a tangy undertone.
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Long-Grain White Rice: The base for a light and fluffy side.
- Cilantro and Lime: Deliver a burst of freshness.
- Garlic Powder and Sea Salt: Elevate the rice with subtle savory notes.
Corn Salad:
- Sweet Corn and Cotija Cheese: Create a creamy and slightly sweet salad.
- Lime Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar: Add tanginess.
- Paprika and Cilantro: Bring earthy and herbaceous flavors.
Other Ingredients:
- Black beans, chopped romaine lettuce, and optional Greek yogurt or sour cream complete the bowl, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pork Carnitas:
- Season the Pork: Combine garlic powder, chipotle powder, and other spices in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously over the pork shoulder and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a smoky flavor.
- Slow Cook: Place the onion, garlic, and broth in the slow cooker. Add the seared pork and pour orange juice over it. Cook on high for 7-8 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred and Crisp: Shred the pork and toss it in its cooking juices. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 5-7 minutes to achieve crispy edges.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a bright, citrusy finish.
Making the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Cook the Rice: Simmer rice and water until the grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Cool and Season: Let the rice cool before mixing in lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
Assembling the Corn Salad:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix corn, lime juice, vinegar, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and paprika in a bowl.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Building the Burrito Bowls:
- Start with a base of romaine lettuce.
- Add portions of carnitas, cilantro lime rice, and corn salad.
- Top with black beans and garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, and optional Greek yogurt.
Vivid Descriptions of Flavors and Textures
Picture the first bite: the carnitas, with their crispy edges and tender center, explode with smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The rice provides a zesty, herbaceous counterpoint, while the corn salad adds a creamy, crunchy texture with bursts of tanginess from the lime. The combination of warm and cold components makes each bite dynamic and satisfying.
Tips for Success
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs for a lighter alternative to pork.
- Swap cotija cheese with feta if unavailable.
- Replace romaine lettuce with spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Variations:
- Add diced avocado or fresh tomato salsa for extra freshness.
- Turn the bowl into a wrap using large flour tortillas.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a party platter.
- Meal Prep:
- Store each component separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the pork and rice before assembling the bowls.
Serving Suggestions
These burrito bowls are perfect as a standalone meal but can also shine at gatherings. Set up a DIY burrito bowl bar, letting guests customize their bowls with various toppings like shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce. Pair with a refreshing lime margarita or a cool glass of horchata to complete the experience.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Carnitas Burrito Bowls are the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience. The slow-cooked pork, vibrant rice, and zesty corn salad come together in harmony, creating a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to savor every bite!