Pulled Pork Tacos made with my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tacos are mildly spicy, mouthwatering pork served taco-style with my Creamy Coleslaw.
This delicious spin on a Taco Tuesday dinner idea will become a favorite in your meal rotation. And, even better. If you already have leftover pulled pork in the fridge or freezer, it will work perfectly in this recipe and save you time on a busy weeknight.
It’s easy to make Pulled Pork Tacos with leftover pulled pork, (Use a recipe like my popular 2-ingredient Pulled Pork -OR- you can set your slow cooker when you get up in the morning and use this Pulled Pork for Tacos recipe from the bottom of this post.
Either one will be a hit for lunch, for dinner, for tailgating and football parties or just for impromptu weekend snacking.
I fill flour tortilla shells (I like crispy, but David uses soft tortillas.) with creamy homemade coleslaw, minced red onion, freshly grated cheese, leftover pulled pork or taco pulled pork and my secret mildly spicy BBQ sauce.
And to finish off this tasty meal, you’ll need an equally simple but tasty dessert. Be sure to check out our Raspberry Crumble Cookies or try Heidi’s Lacy Oatmeal Cookies on the Real Life of Lulu blog.
The Ingredients
Ingredients To Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tacos
- Pork Loin
- Taco Seasoning and/or Southwest Seasoning
- Bay Leaves
- Fresh Oranges, cut into thick slices
- Fresh Lime, cut into slices
Choose a pork loin, NOT a pork tenderloin. They are two different cuts and a tenderloin will not work in this recipe.
Also, I used 1/4 cup of my homemade taco seasoning, plus 2 teaspoons of my Southwest seasoning to add a little spice to our pulled pork for tacos. You could try this recipe with one packet of commercial taco seasoning. If you like spicy, add your favorite powdered chilies (i.e. chipotle powder, chili powder, cayenne) or again, my Southwest seasoning.
Use ripe citrus with the thickest skins you can find. They give the best hint of citrus in your finished Pulled Pork Tacos.
Ingredients For Assembling Pulled Pork Tacos
- Pulled Pork for Tacos, recipe below. (Use pulled pork leftovers or make my Pulled Pork for Tacos recipe at the bottom of this post.)
- Coleslaw with Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
- Red Onion, minced
- Cheese, freshly grated (Use your favorites. We love Extra Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack or even Smoked Gouda.)
- BBQ Sauce, I blend our favorite BBQ with my Creamy Southwest Salad Dressing. See the NOTES section of the recipe card.
- Tortillas I used flour tortillas, this time. But, corn tortillas are delicious for Pulled Pork Tacos, too.
Other Ways to Serve Pulled Pork for Tacos
- This delicious taco flavored pulled pork still makes excellent sandwiches on your favorite buns.
- Or substitute it for the ham in my ham and cheese sliders recipe! Add some slaw on the side for a meal that can’t miss.
- Make a fabulous Pulled Pork Taco Salad with this succulent and flavorful pork loin. Use your favorite toppings and my creamy Southwest Salad Dressing for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- An ultimate Pulled Pork Taco Rice Bowl will be a hit with young and old. Top my 10-Minute Mexican Rice with pulled pork for tacos, black beans, corn, sliced black olives, diced avocado, minced jalapeno, sour cream, and my Southwest Salad Dressing/ Sauce.
- We went BBQ style with this delicious Pulled Pork Tacos. But, you could definitely make them more Mexican-American with your favorite taco toppings and my delicious Pineapple Salsa.
- Make street tacos using corn tortillas instead of flour. Top with some red onion, crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese and chopped cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime will make them sing!
- You could even sub this scrumptious pulled pork for tacos into my Walking Taco Casserole recipe, in place of the ground beef. What a delicious sensation!
FAQs About Pulled Pork Taco Leftovers
Throughout the posts and recipes on this blog, I have mentored and coached you to take the time you already spend cooking a meal, and maximize it, by making intentional leftovers.
Making a recipe that will serve you and/or your family more than once, makes financial and time-saving sense. This Pulled Pork Tacos recipe and my Mexican Shredded Beef recipe are both great candidates for planning ahead and creating leftovers.
They’re slow cooker simple and absolutely delicious!
Any airtight freezer-safe container will work. I prefer zip-top freezer bags, because they are designed to protect food in the freezer and take up less space, since I can lay them flat, or stand them on end like files in a file cabinet. Fill the bag and then carefully press out all the air as you seal the bag. For extra protection, you can double bag, if you like. Be sure to label the freezer bags and include the date.
The USDA says all leftovers that are properly stored in air-tight containers will last in the fridge for up to four days. The same leftovers, properly sealed, can be kept in the freezer up to four months. Use this as your guide for storing or freezing leftover pulled pork for tacos. Then, simply thaw it and reheat in a skillet or the microwave to make a quick meal of Pulled Pork Tacos on a busy weeknight.
There are more ways to create brand new and delicious meals from leftovers than I could possibly count. For Pulled Pork Taco meat I offer several ideas in the Other Ways to Serve … section. Sign up for my FREE Making Homemade Easy Newsletter, too. Be updated with new recipes and meal ideas, every Friday morning. And receive my Leftovers Cheat Sheet absolutely FREE for signing up. It has 40+ dinner ideas for using up leftovers.
How to Cook the Pork Loin
- You can use leftover pulled pork and skip this step, altogether. Just go straight to assembling your tacos. But, I highly recommend making Pulled Pork Tacos with the flavor-packed pulled pork recipe at the bottom of this post. It’s juicy and full of taco flavor!
- Remove the pork loin from it’s packaging and lay it out on a cutting board. Score the fat cap on the pork loin in a criss-cross pattern. Cut all the way through the fat cap until you hit meat.
- Use the taco seasoning you have chosen and rub it all over the pork loin. Be sure to rub the taco seasoning into the crisscross grooves you cut so the flavor will permeate the whole roast. (I mix 2 teaspoons of my homemade Southwest Seasoning into my taco seasoning to give a mildly spicy kick to this recipe. You can choose to add spice, or have none. Chili powder, Chipotle powder or Cayenne Pepper would be good ways to get that extra heat. Just be sure you adjust amounts appropriately. Cayenne is much more spicy than the other chili powders, so you would only need a very small amount, in comparison.)
- Add the bay leaves on top of the taco-seasoned pork loin.
- Slice each orange into 4 thick slices and the lime into 4 slices.
- Lay the orange slices and lime slices on top of the pork loin.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW, and cook for 6 to 10 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily with two forks.
- I start checking at the 6-hour mark. It’s easy to overcook pork. When the internal temperature reaches 145°, remove the loin from the slow cooker and wrap it loosely in foil. Let the meat rest for at least an hour before shredding. (Be sure to save the drippings in your slow cooker.)
- Before shredding, remove the fat cap and discard. Then shred the pork and toss with the drippings left at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings or the suggested toppings in the recipe card, below.
How to Assemble Pulled Pork Tacos
- Choose hard or soft tortillas, as you prefer and warm them before assembly.
- Add Creamy Coleslaw to the tortilla first.
- Next, sprinkle on a few minced red onions.
- Then add freshly grated cheese. I used Colby Jack, this time. But we also love them with Extra Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack or Smoked Gouda.
- Top the cheese with Pulled Pork and drizzle with your favorite BBQ or the special sauce I recommend in the recipe card.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro and you won’t be able to resist that first bite into a delicious Pulled Pork Taco. Enjoy!
The Recipe
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Pulled Pork Tacos with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tacos
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
Pulled Pork Tacos made with my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tacos are mildly spicy, mouthwatering pork served taco-style with my Creamy Coleslaw. There are tons of possible variations and uses for leftovers. You’ll want to make this easy, delicious pork loin recipe over and over again.
Ingredients
To Make Slow Cooker Pork for Tacos:
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) pork loin
- 1/4 cup homemade taco seasoning or 1 envelope of store-bought taco seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large oranges, cut into 4 thick slices each
- 1 lime, cut into 4 slices
- optional: 2 teaspoons Southwest Seasoning
To Assemble the Pulled Pork Tacos:
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 2/3 cups Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tacos
- 1 recipe of Creamy Coleslaw with Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
- 1/2 cup red onion, minced
- 2 cups cheese, freshly grated (Cheddar, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack or Smoked Gouda)
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce or my Southwest BBQ Sauce (see NOTES)
- optional, fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
To Prepare Slow Cooker Pork for Tacos:
- Remove the pork loin from it’s packaging and lay it out on a cutting board. Score the fat cap on the pork loin in a criss-cross pattern. Cut all the way through the fat cap until you hit meat.
- Use the taco seasoning you have chosen and rub it all over the pork loin. Be sure to rub the taco seasoning into the crisscross grooves you cut so the flavor will permeate the whole roast. (I mix 2 teaspoons of my homemade Southwest Seasoning into my taco seasoning to give a mildly spicy kick to this recipe. You can choose to add spice or have none. Chili powder, Chipotle powder or Cayenne Pepper would be good ways to get that extra heat. Just be sure you adjust the amounts appropriately. Cayenne is much more spicy than the other chili powders, so you would only need a very small amount, in comparison.)
- Add the bay leaves on top of the taco-seasoned pork loin.
- Slice each orange into four thick slices and the lime into four slices.
- Lay the orange slices and lime slices on top of the pork loin.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW, and cook for 6 to 10 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily with two forks.
- I start checking at the 6-hour mark. It’s easy to overcook pork. Every slow cooker is different. When the pork’s internal temperature reaches 145°, remove the loin from the slow cooker and wrap it loosely in foil. Let the meat rest for at least an hour before shredding. (Be sure to save the drippings in your slow cooker.)
- Before shredding, remove the fat cap and discard. Then shred the pork and toss with the drippings in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings or the suggested toppings below.
To Assemble Pulled Pork Tacos
- Choose hard or soft tortillas, as you prefer and warm them before assembly.
- Add Creamy Coleslaw to the tortilla first.
- Next, sprinkle on a few minced red onions.
- Then add freshly grated cheese. I used Colby Jack this time. But we also love them with Extra Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack or Smoked Gouda.
- Top the cheese with Pulled Pork and drizzle with your favorite BBQ or the special sauce I recommend in the recipe card.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro, and you won’t be able to resist that first bite into a delicious Pulled Pork Taco. Enjoy!
Notes
Southwest BBQ Sauce recipe
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, (use your favorite)
- 1/4 cup Southwest Salad Dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon Southwest Seasoning
Mix all three ingredients together and drizzle on Pulled Pork Tacos, Sliders or Rice Bowls.
NUTRITION INFO IS FOR PULLED PORK RECIPE ONLY – Not for Individual Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Mexican, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
More Mexican Recipes to Try
About Glenda
I believe cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated and that YOU can do it. My simple recipes, tutorials, and cooking tips will help you get weeknight dinners on the table with less stress. Forget takeout or the drive-thru. Let me show you how to make homemade easy. Read more...
What a delicious recipe! We used it to make quesadillas and with barbecue sauce and that cilantro on top, I couldn’t resist. I love how versatile this recipe is, so we will be trying it to make your Walking Tacos recipe soon!
Thanks, Heidi! I’m happy that you’re getting lots of good out of the recipe and yay! for Walking Taco Casserole!
I only came here to make your pork tacos as they are now a favorite but ended up making your creamy coleslaw too – a match made in heaven – they were SO good!
Mandy, I’m thrilled to hear it! Thank you!
I found a great price on a pork loin and tried out this recipe. We all really loved it and will be making it again soon!
I love how affordable pork loin is for family meals. It really is so versatile. Glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
Oh my word, this went over like GANGBUSTERS for my entire family! Thank you SO SO much!
Lisa, you’ve made my day! Thank you! I’m so glad you and your family love them.
The pork was so tender and juicy! YUM!
Thanks, Addison! I’m happy you enjoyed it!
These pulled pork tacos were so easy to make and a great way to satisfy my family’s cravings. Packed with flavors and is fun to eat. Our new addition to our meal rotation.
They are a nice twist in the meal rotation, aren’t they? So happy you are enjoying the recipe, Journa!
Can’t get over these flavorful tacos! They were so delicious and pleasing, my new favorite taco recipe!
Yay! Thanks, Sharina!
This recipe makes such versatile leftovers. We did tacos one night and then easily assembled delicious taco salads the next. Perfect for busy weeknights!
I love it for that, too, Dana! So glad you’re enjoying it!
Loved the subtle orange flavour in the pork! Never thought to do that myself! Overall, great recipe – 10 out of 10!
Thanks, so much, Leva!
This gave me total comfort! Such delicious food!
We love them, too! Thanks, Cam!
This pork looks so delicious and I love the idea of adding the oranges to the mix too.
You’ll never look back once you try it, Amanda! There’s something about roasting off citrus that adds a whole new dimension of flavor. Thanks for stopping by, today!
Pulled pork is total comfort food and cooking it in the slow cooker looks amazing.
It’s tender and succulent, for sure. My kind of easy cooking. Hope you get a chance to try it, Dannii!
Love all of the spices and flavors you added to these tacos!! They were delicious!
Thank you, Anjali!
Can’t wait to make this on Sunday! I’m 100% sure my family will love it. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
You’re very welcome, Fred! I hope they love it as much as we do!
Too long to cook but it’s worth it. So yummy and delicious. But instead of using Tacos, I used hotdog buns and topped it with sautéed mushroom and serve it as dinner for my family. They love it. Thanks for the recipe.
Roxie, so happy you made the recipe your own and that your family is loving it!