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Carnitas Burrito copycat Recipe

Carnitas Burrito Recipe

When it comes to creating flavor-packed burritos, nothing beats a well-made Carnitas Burrito. Just picture this
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 1282 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients
  

Carnitas

  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder cut into 3-inch chunks
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 small white onion quartered
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 orange cut into quarters
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano

Burrito

  • 4 cups drained canned pinto beans
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled queso fresco
  • 4 cups fresh pico de gallo
  • 8 large flour tortillas warmed
  • 4 cups creamy guacamole
  • 4 cups cilantro-lime rice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Carnitas

  • Start by placing the pork shoulder chunks into a slow cooker. This magical machine will help us render the meat into its tender glory. Add in the quartered onion, ground cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, and cinnamon sticks. These spices will infuse the pork with flavor that’s hard to resist.

Step 2: Add Citrus

  • Next, toss those orange quarters right on top. The citrus not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a subtle sweetness. If sweetness were a hug, here it is – cozy and comforting.

Step 3: Cooking Time

  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for about 8 hours on low. You’ll be tempted to peek, but resist the urge! Trust the process. The smell will be enchanting.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

  • Once the time is up, take the pork out and allow it to cool slightly. Then, use two forks to shred the meat. It should fall apart effortlessly. You can also reserve some of the juices from the slow cooker to keep the meat moist.

Step 5: Prepare the Rice and Beans

  • While the pork is cooking, go ahead and prepare the cilantro-lime rice and heated pinto beans separately. For the rice, mix cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro. This bright addition complements the richness of the carnitas beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Burrito

  • Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and layer it with a generous scoop of carnitas, rice, beans, pico de gallo, and a dollop of guacamole. Feel free to add sharp cheddar or crumble queso fresco on top to elevate the flavors.

Step 7: Wrap and Roll

  • Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it from the bottom up. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. You want it to hold together without squeezing out the delicious contents.

Step 8: Serve

  • Slice your burrito in half to reveal the colorful highlights of fresh ingredients. Serve it warm with additional salsa or guacamole on the side if you're feeling indulgent.

Notes

  • Use Bone-In Pork: Bone-in cuts can add extra flavor and moisture to your carnitas.
  • Sear the Pork First: For added depth of flavor, sear the pork chunks in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skimp on the cilantro – it adds a vibrant freshness that ties everything together.
  • Level Up the Guacamole: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of lime juice for an extra kick in your guacamole.
  • Perfectly Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas on a skillet for a few seconds before wrapping to make them flexible.

Nutrition

Serving: 690gCalories: 1282kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 95gFat: 62.9gSaturated Fat: 18.5gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 204mgSodium: 2879mgFiber: 24gSugar: 12g
Keyword Carnitas Burrito Recipe
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