Tender Lamb Carnitas Crockpot for Easy Dinners (Print Version)
Make juicy Lamb Carnitas Crockpot style for simple weeknight meals. This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth/tortillas)
# Ingredients:
→ Lamb & Aromatics
01 -
2-3 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 2-3 inch chunks
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
03 -
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
04 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
→ Carnitas Spice Blend
05 -
1 tbsp dried oregano
06 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
1.5 tsp sea salt
09 -
0.5 tsp black pepper
→ Citrus & Liquid
10 -
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
11 -
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
→ Finishing Touches & Serve
12 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
13 -
Warm corn or flour tortillas (for serving)
14 -
Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, I pat my boneless lamb shoulder dry with paper towels. This step is super important for getting a good sear, honestly. Then, I cut it into a few large chunks – maybe 2-3 inches. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, sear the lamb pieces on all sides until they're beautifully browned. I love the smell when the meat hits the hot pan, it just tells you good things are coming. This browning creates so much flavor, don't skip it, even if you're in a rush!
02 -
Transfer the seared lamb chunks to your trusty crockpot. Now for the aromatics! I roughly chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic, then scatter them over the lamb. It's okay if they're not perfectly uniform, this isn't a beauty contest. Next, sprinkle in all the spices: the dried oregano, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. I always give the crockpot a little shake to help distribute everything; no need to stir too much just yet.
03 -
Pour in the orange juice and chicken broth. I usually try to get the liquid to come up about halfway or two-thirds of the way up the lamb pieces. If it looks a little low, I add a splash more broth. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as the liquids will tenderize and infuse the meat with all those wonderful flavors. I always take a deep breath here, smelling the citrus and spices mingling, it's just so comforting.
04 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the lamb to be incredibly tender, falling apart with just a gentle nudge from a fork. I usually peek around the 5-hour mark on low, just to make sure everything's happy. Don't lift the lid too often, though, you'll lose all that precious heat and steam! The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure bliss, trust me on that one.
05 -
Once the lamb is perfectly tender, carefully remove the chunks from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should practically fall apart, no struggle required. I usually reserve about a cup or two of the cooking liquid from the crockpot – that liquid is gold, hon! It's packed with flavor and will keep the shredded lamb moist.
06 -
This is the best part! For that signature carnitas crisp, spread the shredded lamb on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little of the reserved cooking liquid, then broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on it, broilers can be fierce! I've burned a batch or two, oops. Serve your glorious <strong>Lamb Carnitas Crockpot</strong> in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, and maybe a squeeze of lime. So, so good!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip the sear, it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
02 -
Leftovers are even better the next day, trust me, the flavors deepen beautifully.
03 -
No fresh orange? Lemon or lime juice works in a pinch for that bright acidity.
04 -
Serve with
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Two forks
05 -
Baking sheet