Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork infused with smoky spices and simmered low and slow, perfect for filling warm corn tortillas topped with fresh salsa. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the spiced pork on top and pour 1 cup chicken broth over everything.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cooking liquid.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning generous portions of pulled pork onto each tortilla, garnishing with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice from wedges.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite salsa or avocado slices.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Tacos?

Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes