These 4-ingredient pulled pork tacos are loaded with flavor and unbelievably tender. Best of all, they’re perfect for tacos, taco bowls, sliders, and even nachos. As we all know, life gets busy, and we need recipes that taste amazing without taking up our entire day. That’s exactly why I created this recipe.
It all started during one of those hectic weeks—school, work, and a million things going on—when I needed something simple, flavorful, and slow-cooker friendly. Thankfully, this pulled pork recipe came through. It cooked while I tackled life, and dinner was done with minimal effort. Even better, this meat freezes beautifully, so it’s perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
This pairs well with my delicious & easy to make Cole Slaw or Corn Salsa!
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Ingredients
- Pork roast - First and foremost, this cut is rich in flavor and becomes incredibly tender after hours in the slow cooker. As a result, it shreds beautifully, making it the perfect base for tacos and more.
- Avocado or olive oil - Next, this is used to sear the pork before it slow cooks. Not only does it add a layer of savory flavor, but it also helps lock in moisture during cooking.
- Chicken broth - Additionally, a splash of broth ensures the pork stays juicy and flavorful as it cooks. It enhances the overall taste and keeps the meat from drying out.
- Seasoning Packet - Finally, this seasoning is the secret weapon. With bold, balanced spices, it transforms simple pork into mouthwatering taco filling that’s anything but ordinary. My seasoning packets only have clean ingredients in them! Only seasonings and herbs!! No anti caking agents, MSG, preservatives, or gluten!
- Optional Pulled Pork Taco Toppings: Rice, black beans, sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro, lime juice, Lori's Cole Slaw and Lori's Corn Salsa.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1:
First, place the roast on a plate and season both sides with the seasoning packet.
- Step 2: Next, heat oil in a large skillet and sear the roast on both sides.
- Step 3: Now place the roast into the crock pot. Add the broth to the skillet and scrape seasonings from the pan. Pour this liquid into the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Lastly, cook on low for 7–8 hours. Then shred the pork with a fork or chop with a knife and enjoy!
Ways to Enjoy Pulled Pork Taco Meat
This flavorful pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:
- Classic Street Tacos: Start with corn tortillas, then top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, authentic flavor.
- Loaded Tacos: Next, add cheese, sour cream, lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fuller, more indulgent option.
- Pulled Pork Taco Bowls: For a heartier meal, layer rice, beans, salsa, and corn to create a delicious bowl that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer chips with pulled pork and cheese, bake until melted, then serve for a fun and tasty dish.
- Quesadillas: Use leftovers by stuffing tortillas with pulled pork and cheese, then cook until crispy and melty for an easy meal.
- Sliders: Pile pulled pork onto buns and top with coleslaw or pickled onions for a twist on traditional tacos.
- Taco Salad: Finally, toss the pulled pork with lettuce, beans, and crushed tortilla chips, then top with your favorite dressing for a crunchy, flavorful salad.
Substitutions
Making these slow-cooked pulled pork tacos is easy to adjust for what you have:
- Pork Roast Substitute: If you don’t have pork roast, you can easily swap it for pork loin. Just be sure to add an extra ⅓ cup of water to the slow cooker to prevent dryness and keep the meat tender.
- Oil Substitute: In case you’re out of avocado oil, you can use olive oil or refined coconut oil instead. Both of these work well for searing the pork and won’t affect the flavor much.
- Broth Substitute: Additionally, if you don’t have chicken broth, you can opt for beef broth or vegetable broth. Alternatively, water with a splash of soy sauce can work in a pinch, ensuring the pork stays juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
Variations
Kid-Friendly Pulled Pork Tacos
- For easy eating, use soft tortillas or mini taco shells.
- Additionally, stick to mild toppings like shredded cheese or mild salsa.
- If you prefer, serve the ingredients deconstructed so kids can build their own tacos, making it even more fun!
Sweet & Tangy Pulled Pork Tacos
- For a slightly different flavor, add a bit of pineapple or orange juice to the broth. Then, top your tacos with BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks, and red onion for a sweet and savory combination.
Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps
- If you're looking for a lighter option, swap tortillas for butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Top with creamy avocado and shredded cabbage for a satisfying crunch, keeping it low-carb but full of flavor.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
- For those who love BBQ, simply add your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Then, serve with coleslaw and pickled jalapeños to enhance the smoky, tangy flavor.
Breakfast Pulled Pork Tacos
- Turn leftovers into a morning delight by reheating the pork, then adding scrambled eggs and cheese. Top with salsa or hot sauce for a flavorful breakfast taco everyone will enjoy.
Pulled Pork Nachos
- For a fun and easy option, layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings like guacamole and sour cream. It’s perfect for a quick appetizer or a game-day treat.
Equipment
- Crock pot – to slow cook the pulled pork tacos
- Large Knife – to chop or shred pork finely
- Cutting Board
- Taco Plates - these make serving and eating tacos fun and easy to handle! Kids love them!!!
Storage
Refrigerator:
- First, store the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep it fresh.
- Additionally, keep tortillas and toppings separate to avoid sogginess and maintain the best texture.
Freezer:
- To freeze, make sure the meat cools completely before placing it in the freezer.
- For convenience, freeze the pork in portions using super cubes, which makes reheating much easier. Then, store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months once the cubes are fully frozen.
To Reheat:
- When ready to eat, warm the pork in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the pork in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure even heating.
Instant Pot Directions
- Season the Pork: Place the pork roast on a plate and season both sides with Lori’s Pulled Pork Taco seasoning packet.
- Sear the Pork: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add avocado oil to the pot. Once hot, add the pork and sear until browned for about 1 minute on each side.
- Deglaze the Pot: After searing, turn off the "Sauté" function. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot, scraping off any browned bits stuck to the bottom using a spatula. This will add extra flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 60 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to mix with the juices. If the pork is not tender, cook 10 minutes longer and test the meat again for tenderness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork in tortillas or taco bowls with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, avocado, and hot sauce.
Make-Ahead Tip: Skim the Fat for a Lighter Pulled Pork
Pork roast naturally contains fat, which adds great flavor but can sometimes feel heavy. To lighten the dish, I recommend cooking the pork the day before. Afterward, let the meat and juices chill in the fridge overnight, allowing the fat to rise and solidify. The next day, simply scrape off the fat layer. As a result, your pulled pork will still taste rich, but without the greasiness.
Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
When I created my seasoning packets, I knew they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. This is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With my seasoning packets, you can enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives found in store-bought mixes. Every blend including these tacos is crafted to bring out the best in your dishes, making home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. If you love high protein meals, consider also trying my delicious Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup!
FAQ's
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! Pork shoulder or butt gives the most flavor, but pork loin works too. Just add extra water or broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Cooking ahead makes it easier to remove fat and is a time-saver.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. Lori’s pulled pork taco seasoning is mild and perfect for kids.
Can I skip searing the meat?
Yes. Searing adds flavor but it’s okay to skip if you're in a rush.
The main difference is carnitas has a tangy, crispy texture, while pulled pork is sweeter and more moist without the crisp.
Tortillas, rice, black beans, sour cream, avocado, cheese, salsa, cilantro, lime juice, Corn Salsa, and Cole Slaw are all tasty options.
You can also transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes for extra crispness.
Looking for other delicious recipes?
Try these:
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork roast can use pork loin but you need to add an extra ⅓ C water to the slow cooker
- 1 T avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 T chicken broth
- Lori’s pulled pork tacos seasoning packet
Instructions
- Place the roast on a plate and season both sides with Lori’s Pulled Pork Taco seasoning packet.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the roast in the pan and sear on both sides until slightly browned (apx 1 minute).
- Turn off the heat and move the roast into the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and using a spatula scrape off any seasonings that are stuck to the pan. Then pour the liquid from the skillet into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Shred pork with a fork or chop with a knife on a cutting board and enjoy.
Notes
- Season the Pork: Place the pork roast on a plate and season both sides with Lori’s pulled pork taco seasoning packet.
- Sear the Pork: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add avocado oil to the pot. Once hot, add the pork and sear until browned for about 1 minute on each side.
- Deglaze the Pot: After searing, turn off the "Sauté" function. Add 1 C chicken broth to the Instant Pot, scraping off any browned bits stuck to the bottom using a spatula. This will add extra flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 60 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to mix with the juices.
- Serve & Enjoy
