el pastor crock pot recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best el pastor crock pot recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite el pastor crock pot recipe. This delicious dish has become a staple in our household, and I know it will be a hit with your family too. The el pastor is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in Mexico City, where it’s been a popular street food for decades. The name ‘el pastor’ translates to ‘the shepherd,’ which refers to the vertical spit used to cook the meat, resembling a shepherd’s staff.

The flavor profile of el pastor is amazing – the combination of the spicy chipotle peppers, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the savory flavor of the pork makes for a truly unforgettable taste experience. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in a crock pot. Simply layer all the ingredients in the pot, set it on low, and let the magic happen.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course, or use it as a topping for tacos or grilled meats. And don’t even get me started on how great it smells – like a fiesta in your kitchen! My kids can’t get enough of this dish, and I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does.

As for storage and reheating ideas, I always make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within an hour of cooking, then reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop when we’re ready for another meal. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months – just thaw and reheat when needed. In terms of health benefits, this recipe is actually quite impressive. By using lean pork and plenty of veggies, you’ll get all the protein and fiber your body needs without overloading on calories or fat.

Plus, who can resist all those antioxidants from those beautiful bell peppers? So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy this incredible el pastor crock pot recipe with your loved ones!

Crock Pot El Pastor

4.8 from 1660 votes

This slow cooker version of the classic Mexican dish delivers tender, flavorful pork with a smoky, slightly sweet pineapple kick. Simmered low and slow, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls with minimal effort.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained with juice reserved
3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium white onion, chopped
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons achiote paste
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth

For Serving

Corn or flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced white onion
Lime wedges
Salsa verde or your favorite salsa

👨‍🍳Directions

1Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, pressing flat with a spatula until they become fragrant and slightly puffed.
2Transfer the chiles to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 15 minutes until softened.
3While the chiles soak, place the pork cubes in the slow cooker and top with the drained pineapple chunks.
4In a blender, combine the soaked chiles (drained), minced garlic, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice; blend until completely smooth.
5Pour the blended chile mixture over the pork and pineapple in the slow cooker, then stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
7Once the pork is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking liquid and softened pineapple.
8If desired, for a slightly caramelized finish, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
9Serve the el pastor immediately in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
10Pair with your favorite salsa for an authentic and satisfying meal.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Skillet or small saucepan
Blender or food processor
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra depth, you can add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the blender. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot El Pastor Works

This el pastor crock pot recipe is always a good idea because it delivers big flavor with minimal work, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get togethers. I love that I can prep it in the morning and have a delicious meal ready by evening with almost no cleanup.

The leftovers store well in the fridge for a few days, and you can reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then broil it for a minute to bring back the crispy edges. For serving, I like to set up a taco bar with warm corn tortillas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime, so everyone can build their own.

It also works great over rice or in burrito bowls, and the pineapple adds a nice sweetness that kids enjoy. This recipe has become a staple in my home because it brings people together around the table with something that tastes like it took hours of effort, even though the crock pot did most of the work.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot El Pastor

Q: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using boneless pork shoulder or butt. It’s more tender than other cuts and will fall apart easily after slow-cooking.

Q: Can I substitute chicken or beef for pork?

A: While you can use chicken or beef if you prefer, keep in mind that these alternatives will change the flavor profile significantly.

Q: How do I store leftover el pastor crock pot meat?

A: Refrigerate leftover meat within an hour of cooking and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze individual portions?

A: Yes! Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months – just thaw and reheat when needed.

Q: What if I want to add some heat to my el pastor crock pot recipe?

A: If you prefer a spicier el pastor crock pot recipe, add more chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or use hot sauce to taste.

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