Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos
Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos are a delicious, slow-cooked dish that combines tender chunks of pork shoulder with flavorful black beans, peppers, and a zesty citrus sauce. Made in the crockpot, this meal is perfect for busy days when you want to set it and forget it. Served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like guacamole, lime, and sour cream, these tacos will be a hit at any dinner table or party!
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Why You’ll Love These Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos
- Tender, Flavorful Pork: The slow-cooked pork absorbs all the delicious seasonings and juices, making it tender and packed with flavor.
- Protein-Rich Black Beans: Using black beans adds heartiness and depth to the dish while keeping it healthy and filling.
- Perfect for Crockpot Cooking: Minimal prep and easy to cook, making it a great hands-off meal.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and lime for a personalized taco night.
What You Need to Make Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos
- Boneless Pork Roast/Shoulder: 4 lbs, cut into large chunks.
- Seasonings: Badia complete seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and Magic Pork/Veal seasoning for a flavorful base.
- Veggies & Add-Ins: Sliced onion, chipotle peppers in adobo, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and bay leaves for a smoky, spicy taste.
- Black Beans: One 1-lb bag of Camellia brand black beans, rinsed and drained several times.
- Liquid Mix: A mix of chicken stock, fresh orange juice & zest, and lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Tortillas: For serving the tacos.
How to Make Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos
1
Prepare the Black Beans: Rinse and drain the black beans at least 6 times to remove excess starch. Optionally, soak them for 1-2 hours, but not much longer to avoid mushiness.
2
Season the Pork & Add to Crockpot: Cut the pork roast into large chunks and season generously with Badia complete seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and Magic Pork/Veal seasoning. Add the seasoned pork to the crockpot, followed by the rinsed beans, and layer with sliced onions, chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
3
Mix & Add the Liquid: In a bowl, mix together chicken stock, orange juice & zest, and lime juice. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Top with bay leaves.
4
Cook Low & Slow: Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. For firmer beans, opt for the high setting. Pro tip: Squeeze extra orange juice before serving to cut the spice if needed.
5
Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the pork and beans on tortillas with toppings like guacamole, lime juice, sour cream, and cheese. Enjoy your delicious, flavorful tacos!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black beans to save time. Be sure to rinse them well, and add them in during the last hour of cooking to avoid them getting too mushy.
Can I cook the carnitas on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the pork on the stovetop. Sear the pork chunks first, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer on low until the pork is tender and cooked through.
What toppings can I add to my tacos?
Popular toppings include guacamole, lime juice, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and pickled onions. Feel free to customize with your favorites!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers or diced jalapeños.
Black Bean & Pork Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
For the Pork & Beans:
- 4 lbs boneless pork roast/shoulder cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp Badia complete seasoning
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp Magic Pork/Veal seasoning
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 lb bag of Camellia black beans rinsed
- 7 oz can chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Bay leaves
- Tortillas for serving
For the Liquid Mix:
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 orange zested and juiced
- 2 limes juiced
Instructions
- Rinse and drain black beans at least 6 times. Optionally soak for 1-2 hours.
- Cut pork into large chunks and season with spices. Add to crockpot with rinsed beans, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and green chilies.
- Mix chicken stock, orange juice & zest, and lime juice. Pour over crockpot mixture. Add bay leaves.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Serve on tortillas with guacamole, lime, sour cream, and cheese.
