If you’ve ever found yourself craving that tender, flavorful Cafe Rio shredded chicken, you’re in the right place! This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to have those bold, zesty flavors right at home—without the takeout line. It’s family-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and honestly one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd.

This chicken dinner recipe is one of those life saver crock pot (slow cooker) recipes. I love that you can throw everything together in less than 5 minutes, let it cook all day and then feel like a hero as you serve it to your family for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Cafe Rio Chicken

• Hands-off crock pot recipe – take 5 minutes to throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it and walk away
• Just a few pantry ingredients – only 5 ingredients needed!
• Freezer-friendly & great for meal prep – freeze for another meal or eat it throughout the week
• Works in tacos, burritos, salads, and more – so versatile!
• Copycat flavor at a fraction of the price – restaurant prices are insane these days, so I try to make more restaurant copycats at home
• Great for a crowd or to share with a neighbor – It’s a great dinner idea to take to someone who may need a family friendly meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Chicken

You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious chicken recipe! And you literally toss it all in the slow cooker let it cook. Here is the ingredients list:

• Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing: Acts as the flavorful marinade base. The vinegar tenderizes the chicken while the herbs and spices infuse it with that bold, tangy punch Cafe Rio chicken is known for. Avoid the fat free dressing.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth and a hint of smokiness that balances the tangy dressing.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and layers of chili pepper flavor, making the chicken savory and robust without being overly spicy.
• Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and gives the chicken that aromatic, crave-worthy flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: The protein star of the recipe; they soak up all the marinade flavors and shred beautifully after slow cooking, just like Cafe Rio’s signature chicken.
• Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing: The famous Cafe Rio sauce! Creamy, tangy, and fresh, it ties everything together when drizzled over salads, tacos, or burritos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: The perfect base. Light, fluffy, and bright from the lime and cilantro, it balances the richness of the chicken and dressing, just like at the restaurant.

How to Make Copycat Cafe Rio Chicken at Home

With only 5 minutes of prep time, dinner couldn’t be easier! Here are the steps for making this recipe followed by a video so you can see it all come together.

1. Mix: Place the chicken in the crock pot. Stir all the rest of the ingredients together in a small bowl and pour it over the chicken.
2. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours.
3. Shred: Remove the chicken (leaving the juices in the crockpot) to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
4. Cook: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and combine with the juices. Let it cook on low for another hour.
5. Serve: Serve over copycat cilantro lime rice, as a burrito or salad with tomatillo cilantro ranch dressing.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cafe Rio Chicken

If you want to serve this chicken just like they do at Cafe Rio when you order a shredded chicken salad (my personal favorite), this is what you do:

1. Cook an uncooked flour tortilla (or better yet, make your own homemade flour tortillas) and place it on a plate or shallow bowl.
2. Add a scoop of the cilantro lime rice and a scoop of tasty black beans and spread them over the tortilla.
3. Top the rice and beans with the shredded chicken. Then top with chopped romaine lettuce, some pico de gallo (or your favorite salsa), a scoop of homemade guacamole, crispy tortilla strips, a piece of cilantro, some cotija cheese, a lime wedge and of course, the creamy tomatillo cilantro ranch dressing.

It is an absolute heavenly combination of flavors and textures! I’ve never met a person who doesn’t loved it. All my kids gobble it up and I get asked for the recipe all the time.

Don’t limit yourself to a salad. Load up a burrito with this chicken, spread it over nachos, add it to a Mexican rice bowl, use it as filling for chicken enchiladas or chicken tacos! It’s so versatile and fabulous!

FAQs

Instant Pot Cafe Rio Chicken (Quick Version)

This copycat Café Rio shredded chicken recipe could totally be made in an instant pot as well. To make chicken in an instant pot, add all the ingredients to the instant pot, set it to the poultry setting for about 6 minutes, do a quick release on the pressure and serve! If the breasts are frozen you’ll want to increase the time to 10 minutes.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Cafe Rio shredded chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 4-5 days. You can also store leftovers in the freezer. Let it cool completely and then place it in a ziploc bag or better yet, use a food saver to store it. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat it, use the slow cooker or place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Add a little water or chicken broth and heat it at 300 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

This Cafe Rio shredded chicken has been a staple in our home for years, and I love that it’s just as easy as it is delicious. Whether you pile it high on a salad, roll it into burritos, or scoop it into a big bowl of rice, it’s a recipe that never fails us. I hope it becomes one of your family’s go-to dinners too!

If you try this Cafe Rio shredded chicken, tag us on Instagram or leave a ⭐ rating below — I love hearing how you serve it and what you pair it with!

Watch the Full Video Here:

More Crock Pot Recipes:

• Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs
• Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
• Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
• All our CROCKPOT and SLOW COOKER recipes here!

If you’ve ever wished steak night could be easier but still just as delicious, this Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is your dream come true. Juicy, tender bites of steak slowly cook in a rich garlic butter sauce that fills your kitchen with the best smell ever!

It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort. We love serving these buttery steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles to soak up every bit of that garlicky goodness.

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Texture: The low and slow method of cooking in the crockpot makes this beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Flavor: The garlic and butter pack each bite with rich, bold flavor.

Easy: Only 5 minutes of prep and the crockpot does all the work!

Family friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this juicy beef recipe.

Perfect for any night: Cozy enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for busy weeknights.

What Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s what each ingredient brings to the recipe:

• Steak: Tender, juicy bites that soak up all the buttery garlic flavor as they slow cook.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
• Garlic: Adds bold, savory flavor that mellows into buttery sweetness as it cooks.
• Onion: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Keeps the steak moist and creates a flavorful base for the garlic butter sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture; finishing with butter makes the sauce glossy and irresistible.

How to Make Steak Bites

1. Set it and Forget it: Place all the ingredients with 2 tablespoons of garlic butter in the crockpot on low for 5-8 hours. Stir one time.
2. Broil: Remove the meat from the crockpot to an oven-safe pan with the remaining garlic butter and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up a bit.
3. Mix: Add the meat back to the crockpot and serve.

What to Serve with Garlic Steak Bites

I’m a meat and potatoes kinda gal, so I love serving these garlic butter beef tips with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy baked potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes. If you aren’t a potato fan, this is also great over rice or pasta.

Then I like to balance the meal out with some vegetable side dish like roasted veggies or a lighter spinach and strawberry salad.

And of course, you can’t have a cozy comfort food meal without some homemade potato rolls or a loaf of crust artisan bread!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 4-5 days.

This tender beef also freezes extremely well. Let it cool completely and then place it in a ziploc bag. Squeeze as much air out as you can and then place it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Let frozen steak bites thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stove top with a little beef broth until heated through.

There’s something so comforting about a dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites check all the boxes — tender, juicy, flavorful, and family-approved! Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, rice, or with roasted veggies, they make weeknight dinner feel special without the stress.

More Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes:

• Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
• Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
• Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
• All our CROCKPOT and SLOW COOKER recipes here!

Watch How These Easy Steak Bites are Made…

This Easy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is a family favorite! It’s a cheap, quick and easy dinner that comes together in a few minutes then cooks all day in a slow cooker!

You’ll love this tender chicken in the Hawaiian and Asian inspired flavors of teriyaki sauce and pineapple.

The first time I ever went to Hawaii I expected there to be beautiful pineapple trees every where. I couldn’t wait to feel so tropical and have the air smell as sweet as the sweet and tangy fruit.

They grow on the ground.

I literally had missed the memo for 18 years of my life. I know, I was ridiculous, but now it’s the flavor that’s ridiculous. This is one of our top 5 family favorite recipes for the crockpot!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

• Packed with flavorful protein
• Slow cooker does all the work
• Totally from scratch so you have control of the ingredients
• Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day
• Great for meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken Thighs: Provide a tender, juicy protein base that soaks up all the sweet and savory flavors from the sauce.
• BBQ Rub: Adds depth, smokiness, and seasoning that enhances the chicken’s flavor before it even hits the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken to add more flavor.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brings sweet, umami-rich flavor with a glossy texture that ties everything together.
• Soy Sauce: Balances sweetness with salty, savory depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Garlic: Adds bold aroma and a savory backbone that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Red Onion: Brings mild sweetness and a little bite for contrast against the rich sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness that brightens up the whole dish.
• Pineapple Chunks: Deliver that tropical sweetness and tang that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Green Onion: Finishes the dish with fresh, crisp flavor and a pop of color.
• Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that sweet and savory sauce — it’s how you turn this dish into a complete, satisfying meal.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Sprinkle BBQ rub all over both sides of the chicken and then sear it on both sides until golden brown.
2. Make the Sauce: Add all the sauce ingredients for the sauce to a small bowl and whisk together.
3. Cook: Add the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or on low for 3.5-4 hours.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Then return the chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken over rice and top with chopped green onions and serve.

FAQs

Variations for BBQ Pineapple Chicken

Double the batch: This freezes perfectly for easy future meals! Cooking time stays the same.

Add heat: Stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes to spice things up.

Make it tropical: Add coconut milk near the end for creamy Hawaiian vibes.

Thicken the sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water before serving.

Change the grain: Swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa or even mashed potatoes. You could even use cauliflower rice to make it lower carb.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers will last up to 4 days in an airtight container. It should be stored in the refrigerator. I prefer to reheat the chicken on the stove top with a little extra chicken broth to keep it from drying out.

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and then store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

We love this Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe because it’s everything a weeknight dinner should be — simple, flavorful, and feel-good. The sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki, and tender chicken make every bite comforting yet bold.

More Easy Crockpot Dinners You’ll Love

• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken
• Asian Slow Cooker Ribs
• Kalua Pork
• French Dip Sandwiches

Watch How This Recipe is Made…

You will LOVE these Sweet and tangy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs recipe made with pineapple, BBQ sauce, and frozen meatballs. Easy to make for weeknight dinner, as an appetizer for parties or for meal prep as an easy freezer meal recipe!

What to Make For Dinner Using Frozen Meatballs

If you’re looking for what to make for dinner tonight, something that’s easy and kid-friendly, these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs are perfect! You can have dinner prepped in 10 minutes and then just let it cook! Serve with rice and veggies to sop up that delicious sauce!

Why Readers LOVE Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

Our family have always been obsessed with my meatball recipe. But I tire of the same thing every month, so I’ve come up with a few new recipes for meatballs. Have you tried our juicy Chicken Meatballs with Orzo? Gosh, I could eat bowl after bowl!!

This time I’ve gone tropical and easy by combining meatballs, chunks of pineapple, and a sweet, tangy sauce for the best family-friendly Crock Pot recipe!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

• Frozen Meatballs: Fresh works too, we use ground beef meatballs but turkey meatballs would work too
• Pineapple: Fresh chopped or canned works too
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce
• Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of salt for flavor
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Acid to balance the sweet and salty
• Brown Sugar: A little sweetness
• Ginger: Adds a little bite and depth of flavor
• Garlic: Rounds out the sauce

How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

1. Dump: No need to thaw, just add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
2. Pineapple: Add the chunks on top of the meatballs.
3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients.
4. Pour: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and pineapple chunks. Stir gently.
5. Cover and cook: on low for 5 to 6 hours, on high for 2 to 3 hours
6. Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over white rice for the main dish for dinner.

Can You Use Frozen Meatballs?

Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. Just add the frozen meatballs straight to your slow cooker — no need to thaw. If you’ve only got fresh, use that too, but I recommend browning first in a skillet.

Can You Bake Hawaiian Meatballs?

Instead of using a slow cooker, you can bake frozen meatballs in the oven. Heat to 350 and bake for 30 minutes.

How to Store and Freeze Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop in a deep skillet or in the microwave until heated through.

Juicy, tangy, and full of flavor—these crockpot Hawaiian meatballs with pineapple make the ultimate easy family dinner.

More of Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes:

• French Dip
• Kalua Pork
• Mississippi Pot Roast
• Enchilada Soup
• All our Slow Cooker Recipes

Watch How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

Free up your oven by cooking your ham in the slow cooker! This slow cooker ham recipe includes a fabulous glaze and is perfect for Christmas, Easter or an easy Sunday dinner!

Every year I have the exact same issue, trying to prepare a holiday meal with one oven. I adore homemade rolls, perfectly cooked sides and a big, fat, juicy ham, so I don’t want to skip any of those recipes. The only problem is there just isn’t room to make everything and have it all hot and ready at the same time. Oven space is at a premium, people! So this year I am going to teach you how to make ham in a slow cooker.

I really don’t know why I didn’t do this earlier. And I have to beg you for just a moment to give this recipe a try. This recipe is super easy! All you do is prepare the ham like normal but then stick it in a slow cooker for 4 hours. That’s it! Juicy, tender ham ready to go and you’ve had your oven free the whole time!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham

This is a crockpot ham recipe and only uses a few ingredients for the glaze. Here is your shopping list:

• Crushed Pineapple: adds flavor and texture to the glaze
• Spiral Ham: Look for a 7-10 pound bone-in ham. If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, this recipe easily can be made with a 4lb boneless spiral ham as well, just half the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: adds richness and sweetness
• Honey: adds natural sweetness
• Dijon Mustard: adds flavor
• Sure Gel: My favorite thickener! It’s so easy to use and you can’t taste it at all!
• Ham Dipping Sauces: These are totally optional but we don’t eat ham without them!

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Glazed Ham in the Slow Cooker

Crockpot recipes should be simple, otherwise, what is the point?! This spiral cut ham recipe is as easy as it gets! It’s as easy as combining all the ingredients for the pineapple glaze and letting the slow cooker do its thing! Here are the steps:

1. Prep: Add half of the pineapple and pineapple juice to the slow cooker and then add the ham.
2. Combine: Add the brown sugar, honey and mustard to a small bowl and mix to combine. Rub the mixture all over the ham.
3. Cook: Add the rest of the pineapple and juice around the sides of the ham and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours). Make sure the lid is on securely!
4. Make Glaze: When the ham is done, remove it from the crockpot. Pour all the pineapple and juice into a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, whisk in the Cornaby’s Sure Gel.
5. Serve: Serve the ham slices with the pineapple brown sugar glaze and dipping sauces. If you need help carving a spiral ham, head to our how to carve a spiral ham post!

Cooking ham has never been easier! The complete recipe with all the instructions can be found in the recipe card down below. You can also print or save the recipe there.

What to Serve with Crockpot Ham

Whether you’re making this Crock Pot ham for Christmas or Easter or just a family dinner, here are some side dishes that go great with glazed spiral ham:

• Funeral Potatoes
• Easy Herb Focaccia Bread
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Southern Macaroni and Cheese
• Potato Rolls
• Green Beans and Potatoes

How Much Ham Per Person?

Depending on who’s eating, you’ll need about 3/4 pounds of ham per person. A little less for kiddos, obviously. If you want to have leftovers, bump that number up to 1 pound per person! I LOVE leftover ham. It can be used in so many ways! I’m including a section below for my favorite ways to use ham leftovers.

What Type of Ham to Buy

I prefer to buy a large bone-in spiral ham, but with our oldest off to college, we just can’t get through a large ham. I used a smaller boneless ham instead. You want a fully cooked and cured ham, which is what you’ll typically find at the grocery store. If the ham you buy comes with a glaze packet, just toss that baby in the trash!

What is Sure Gel?

I have become obsessed with Cornaby’s E-Z Gel! It is my absolute go-to for all my thickening needs. Whether it’s gravy, fruit sauces, jams, etc., I always go with Sure Gel. It is a gluten-free instant cornstarch that you can add to any liquid (cold or hot) and it will thicken instantly. It has no flavor, and is pretty much a miracle worker!

If you don’t have Cornaby’s Sure Gel, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and slowly whisk into the boiling sauce.

Missing Those Crispy Edges?

If you are missing those crispy edges that you get on a baked ham, like our brown sugar ham or our copycat Honey Baked ham, then move the cooked slow cooker ham to a baking dish, brush the glaze all over it and place it in the broiler for a few minutes.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days. It also freezes extremely well. Put it in a ziploc bag and squeeze out as much air as you can. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat cold ham, place it in a baking dish, add a couple tablespoons of water and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven preheated to 275 degrees F until heated through.

Learn how to make juicy and flavorful ham in your slow cooker. This easy slow cooker ham recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Say goodbye to dry and bland ham!

Recipes to Use Leftover Ham:

• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Sauce
• Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
• Secret to the Best Ham Fried Rice
• Ham and Cheese Scones
• Ham Hock Soup
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham Video

Warm up with this delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Meatball Soup made in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot. Loaded with flavor and perfect for a chilly day, this recipe includes a helpful video tutorial.

When you think of meatball soup, most people picture meatballs simmering a rich tomato broth like our parmesan cheese meatball soup. This creamy soup is unexpected and made with just a few pantry staple ingredients like carrots, potatoes, garlic, and corn, then we loaded it up with allllllll cheese!

This year we are making sure we are on top of slow cooker and instant pot meals in case you’re freezing and not feeling like spending hours in the kitchen. I’m going to include instructions for cooking this meatball soup recipe on the stove top as well.

Ingredients for Creamy Meatball Soup

I love a good hearty soup full of veggies, meatballs and cheese! This easy soup recipe checks all the boxes. Here is what you will need…

• Meatballs: We just buy a package at the store to keep it easy, but you can make meatballs at home if you want.
  • NOTE: If you make meatballs from scratch, you will need: garlic, basil, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, milk, an egg, and lean ground beef.
• Butter: used to sauté the veggies
• Vegetables: garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes and corn
  • PRO TIP: Feel free to change up the veggies if you want…spinach, kale, green beans, or peas would all be delicious too.
• Soup Base: beef broth, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco
• Salt and Black Pepper: adds flavor
• Cornstarch: thickens the soup
• Cheeses: sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post. You can also save and print the recipe there.

How to Make Cheesy Meatball Soup – Slow Cooker

While you can totally just dump this all in a crock pot and wait 8 hours to build the right texture and flavor it’s not the way I do it.

I know, you don’t want to dirty another pan, but it’s quick and easy and the flavor will be worth it.

1. Heat a dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat and add the butter. Once it’s melted add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the carrots, celery and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Throw in your frozen meatballs (unless you really want to go through the work of cooking homemade) just to get all of that flavor browning on them.
4. Dump everything but the cornstarch and cheese into a slow cooker and put it on low for 6 hours or high for 3.
5. Right before serving, combine the cheese and cornstarch in a separate bowl and then mix to combine.
6. Add the cheese mixture to the soup and stir until the cheese is melted and the soup has thickened.
7. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish and a good hearty bread!

How to Make Cheesy Meatball Soup – Instant Pot

1. Turn the instant pot to sauté and follow the beginning directions right in the instant pot.
2. Push cancel.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (except the milk and cream) and reset the instant pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Add the lid and turn the valve to seal.
5. Allow a 10 minute natural release and then push cancel.
6. Turn to sauté mode again and once boiling stir in the cornstarch, milk (or cream) and cheese.
7. Serve with bread!

How to Make Cheesy Meatball Soup – Stove Top

Out of all three cooking methods, this is the method that I actually prefer, but sometimes you just need options for the slow cooker and Instant Pot. I still use those options if the schedule for the day works better with a slow cooker or the Instant Pot. To cook it on the stove top, do the following steps:

1. In a large dutch oven, add the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onions and cook until tender.
2. Add the garlic, celery and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the meatballs and brown them on each side.
4. Pour in the rest of the ingredients (except the cornstarch and cheeses) and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Combine the cornstarch and cheeses and add just before serving stirring in until it is melted.

Slow Cooker Soup versus Instant Pot Soup

A slow cooker will allow more flavors to come out and the soup to be a little thicker.

Instant pots collect more steam and therefore water so you could end up with more liquid than you wanted.

If you make this soup, make sure you also try our instant pot chicken noodle soup. Our younger daughter is OBSESSED.

Also, if you go with the Instant Pot, add the milk in the last step (step 3 in the instruction). Adding milk before the pressure cooking can result in curdled milk.

Why Meatballs?

Meatballs make this cheesy soup a little more hearty and on a cold day that’s been busy with errands it’s kind of nice to get something more substantial in your soup.

Plus, the flavor and texture not only gives you something to bite while eating but it also brings more to the soup than just a plain, no seasonings added meat.

Can You Use Ground Beef or Stew Meat?

If you don’t have meatballs on hand you can cook up ground beef in a pan or use stew meat.

Because neither come flavored I’d add:

• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Now that I mention it, Italian sausage would would be delicious in this too!

Is It Okay to Put Raw Meatballs in Soup?

Surprisingly enough you can totally add raw meatballs to a soup. But that’s usually for a stove top method as you get the soup hot and boiling and drop in the meatballs.

How Do You Get Onion Smell Off Your Hands?

Ugh, I hate when your hands smell like onions and garlic all day and night.

Wet your hands with water and rub your hands all over a stainless steel sink faucet and the smell will go away. Or you can buy this stainless steel odor absorber that’s shaped like a bar of soap. It’s only $8 and totally worth it.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this soup will keep for up to a week stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

This is a really good soup to freeze because you can just wait to add the cornstarch and cheese. Make the recipe as written but don’t add the cornstarch and cheese. Wait for the soup to cool, add the soup to a freezer container or bag and freeze for up to 5 months.

Reheating frozen soup is not just dumping it in a hot pan. Instead, put the soup in the fridge or put the bag in a bowl of regular water-not hot or cold. Allow it to defrost and then reheat on the stove. Bring to a soft boil and add the cheese at this point.

Nothing says comfort quite like a creamy meatball soup loaded with veggies and cheese! Choose the cooking method that best fits with your schedule and it’s cheesy meatball soup for dinner tonight!

More Cozy Soups to Get You Through the Winter…

• Classic Instant Pot Chili
• Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
• French Onion Soup
• Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
• Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Meatball Soup
• Instant Pot Taco Soup
• Italian Meatball Soup
• Better Than Grandma’s Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• All of our soup recipes! 

Watch How This Cheesy Meatball Soup is Made…

One more prime rib recipe! We’ve done prime rib in every possible way, so we are rounding out our collection with this slow cooker prime rib! We couldn’t leave out the trusty slow cooker!

We’ve roasted prime rib, smoked prime rib, and cooked prime rib in the Instant Pot, so all we are missing is the slow cooker. You’ve asked, and we are answering! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or just a nice Sunday dinner, prime rib in the slow cooker is a great option!

I am a huge fan of making dinner in the slow cooker. Some days just call for a crock pot meal. I especially like them for Sunday dinner. I can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and then dinner is ready at mealtime. So easy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing quite like a prime rib roast that makes your kitchen smell irresistible and your dinner guests swoon. These simple, flavorful ingredients are all you need to turn a slow cooker into your personal gourmet chef.

• Prime Rib: Boneless, main protein for roasting.
• Kosher Salt: Season all over the meat and into the slits.
• Black Pepper: Cracked, adds spice and depth to the crust.
• Butter: Softened, mixed with herbs and garlic for basting.
• Rosemary: Fresh and chopped, adds aromatic flavor to the butter.
• Garlic: Minced, incorporated into the butter for savory richness.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re set to create a prime rib that’s as effortless as it is impressive. Get ready to wow everyone at the table!

How to Make Slow Cooker Prime Rib

Making a prime rib in a slow cooker is about as easy as it gets. It just takes a little prep on the roast itself, and then the slow cooker does all the rest.

1. Prep: Cut slits into the fat pad on top of the meat. First cut diagonally, then cut the opposite way to form a diamond pattern. See the video below!
2. Season: Rub salt and pepper all over the roast and down into the slits.
3. Chill: Place the roast in a baking dish and refrigerate uncovered for 12–24 hours to dry the surface.
4. Rest: Remove the roast from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
5. Reverse Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear all sides of the roast until golden brown.
6. Butter: Mix together butter, rosemary, and garlic.
7. Crockpot: Place the browned roast fat-side up in the slow cooker and rub the butter mixture over the top.
8. Cook: Cook on the low setting for 3–5 hours, depending on desired doneness. See FAQ for temperature ranges.
9. Rest: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil. Let rest 20 minutes to 1 hour.
10. Serve: Slice and serve with horseradish sauce if desired.

What Do You Eat with Slow Cooker Prime Rib?

You’ve just cooked the perfect slow-cooker prime rib, and now comes the fun part: deciding what to serve with it. The possibilities are endless. Roasted or mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, herby bread, or a medley of seasonal vegetables all work beautifully.

Prime Rib FAQs

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, they store for 5 to 7 days in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer in an airtight container.

To reheat it, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F, place the sliced prime rib in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of beef broth, cover tightly with foil, and let it heat for about 10 minutes. Using this slow cooker method, you can serve a juicy, tender prime rib that will impress everyone at the table.

Prime rib does not have to be intimidating. The trick is to season it and let it rest uncovered in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. This dries out the surface and sets you up for a gorgeous, flavorful crust when it cooks.

Who knew something so fancy could be this easy? The slow cooker does all the work, and you still get that melt-in-your-mouth, restaurant-quality prime rib. Serve it up with your favorite sides, soak up the compliments, and enjoy every juicy bite. This is one of those recipes that makes you look like a pro without even breaking a sweat.

More Slow Cooker Main Dishes:

• Chicken Carnitas
• Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
• Shredded Sweet Pork
• Asian Sticky Ribs
• Pot Roast

Watch How This Prime Rib is Made…

Our chili recipes are some of the most popular out there, so it was time to share our mega tasty Traeger smoked brisket chili! And we are sharing 5 different ways to make it – stove top, oven braised, smoker, slow cooker or Instant Pot.

The smoky flavor of the brisket with those bold chili flavors and spices makes for an outrageously good bowl of chili. I love to top my bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and some sour cream.

I mean, where do I even start? This smoked brisket chili recipe has been living in my brain for probably the past 5-6 years and it has taken me all this time to get it down on “paper”. How weird that we rarely use paper anymore. Remember all those calendars on walls and sticky notes of reminders?

5 Different Ways

Anyway, I always have leftover brisket, those things are huge and my children don’t eat much. Therefore, brisket chili. And you don’t need a ton for this recipe…just 1.5 lbs.

I want to help you out so there will be five different versions explained. Please don’t get bugged! I will get questions about making it different ways so I’m just trying to anticipate that and help. The five different ways are stove top, oven braised, smoked, slow cooker and Instant Pot. Then there will be instructions for both uncooked brisket and leftover brisket for each method. Make sense? Sheesh, I hope so! Here we go…

First, I will start by explaining how to brown uncooked brisket if you’re going to go that route…

How to Brown Brisket for Chili

1. Cube the pieces of raw brisket meat – Trim any hard fat as that will not melt away in the cooking process. Remember, the size of the meat is what you’ll be eating so we want no bigger than 2″ pieces (these will break down so you can smash them a bit, creating smaller pieces once cooked).
2. Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in the bottom of a cast iron dutch oven or large pot until shimmering. Cook the brisket in batches, never at once or it will end up cooking in liquid, aka boiled meat. Remove to a plate and proceed with the recipe of your choice, oven braised, smoked, or stove top. 

 Using Leftover Brisket for Chili

If you have leftover brisket either from our smoked brisket recipe or our slow cooker brisket, your steps will be fewer…

1. Because your meat is already prepared, start by cooking the veggies and seasonings first. 
2. Add cubed brisket and all remaining ingredients to the pot and proceed with your cooking method of choice – stove top, oven braised, smoked, slow cooker or instant pot. 

Brisket Chili – 5 Different Methods

Let’s walk through each cooking method. Keep in mind that your cooking time is going to vary depending on cooking method and whether you start with previously cooked brisket.

• {NOTE} If you are starting with uncooked brisket, your cook time will be longer.

1. You will start by cooking the bacon until it is crisp and then moving it to a paper towel lined plate. Then add the onions and peppers and cook until tender.

{Uncooked Brisket}

  2. If you’re using uncooked brisket, add the cubed meat that has been seasons with salt and pepper. Brown in batches according to the instructions above.

  3. Then add all the beef back to the pot and all the remaining ingredients.

{Leftover Cooked Brisket}

1. If you’re using previously cooked brisket, add it to the pot along with all the rest of the ingredients. Then you decide which method you are going to use…

Stove Top Brisket Chili

1. Prep the chili with either leftover or raw meat (browning the meat according to the instructions above). Once you’ve got everything in the pot, stir to combine.
   • Freshly Browned Brisket – Bring the chili to a simmer for 30 minutes over medium high heat, then set the heat to medium low and allow to continue cooking for 4-5 hours. Don’t be tempted to stop at hour 3 even though the meat is looking tender, 4-5 hours is the key.
   • Already Smoked Brisket- Bring the chili to a simmer for 10 minutes over medium high heat, then simmer on medium low for an additional 30-60 minutes or even all afternoon is fine- the preferred method for the best flavor.

Oven Braised Brisket Chili

1. Create the recipe following through the stove top method for the initial 10 minutes of a simmer.
   • Freshly Browned Brisket – Heat the oven to 350 and place the lid on the dutch oven or oven safe pot. Bake for 1 ½ hours, remove the lid and cook for an additional 3 hours or until brisket is tender and falling apart. 
   • Already Smoked Brisket – Proceed per above and then add the lid and bake for 1 hour, remove the lid and bake for an additional 1 ½-2 hours. 

Smoked Brisket Chili

1. Here’s where we bust out the Traeger smoker chili recipe. Using apple, or your preferred pellet mixture, heat the smoker to 275 degrees with the lid closed.
   • Freshly Browned Brisket – Begin as stated above, simmering on the stove for 30 minutes. Move the pot with a lid on it to the smoker and place directly on the grates, closing the lid and cooking for 45-60 minutes. Then turn the heat up to 350 degrees and remove the lid. Cook for another 3- 4 hours. 
   • Already Smoked Brisket – Prepare the chili and simmer for 10 minutes. Place in a 275 degree smoker with the lid on for 30-45 minutes. Turn the heat up to 350 degrees, remove the lid and cook for another 1-2 hours for ultimate flavor.

Slow Cooker Brisket Chili

1. Sometimes the slow cooker just fits the schedule better than any other cooking method. Pull it out and set it to low temperature.
   • Freshly Browned Brisket – Begin as stated above, simmering on the stove for 30 minutes. Pour everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
     
   • Already Cooked Brisket – Prepare the chili as written allowing it to simmer for 10 minutes on the stove top. Move everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
     

Instant Pot Brisket Chili

1. If you’re in a time crunch and want brisket chili fast, then the instant pot is your answer! Our original instant pot chili recipe is one of our most popular posts, so you for sure need to know how to how to make this brisket version in the IP.

• Freshly Browned Brisket – Brown the brisket first either on the stove top or in the Instant Pot on saute mode. You can also cook the bacon and veggies either on the stove top or Instant Pot. Then add all the ingredients to the IP and cook on high for 70-75 minutes. Perform a quick release.
• Already Cooked Brisket – Add all the ingredients to the Instant pot, close the valve, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Perform a quick release.

Does Chili Have To Have Beans?

Traditional red chili does not contain beans. But, other chilis are made with beans and in the end it’s 100% up to you. I like beans in my chili to make it a little more hearty and filling so we can stretch it into leftovers. Plus I just like ’em. 

What to Serve with Brisket Chili?

I love to add some crunchy chips into my chili! Fritos or crushed up tortilla chips work great! I also rarely make chili without making a batch of our favorite cornbread. They just belong together!

How Long Will Chili Keep?

Leftover brisket chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It should be stored in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Chili?

Chili can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Cool completely, place in a freezer safe container or heavy duty freezer bag and freeze.

How Do You Reheat Chili?

Reheat chili on the stove, in the oven or in the microwave until hot clear through.

Brisket is so flavorful and tender. It is such a bold and brilliant addition to a chili recipe. If you end up with leftover brisket, make this brisket chili recipe! With instructions for making it 5 different ways, you can pick which method fits your schedule the best. Save a bowl for me!

Here are some more CHILI RECIPES that you’ll love:

• Instant Pot Chili
• Instant Pot Turkey Chili
• Best Stove Top Chili
• Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
• Pumpkin Apple Cider Chili
• White Chicken Chili
• Surprise Chili
• White Bean Turkey Chili
• Dr Pepper and Chocolate Chili
• Healthy One Pot Chili Mac
• All our Chili, Soup, and Stew Recipes here!

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Looking for a delicious and easy rib recipe? Look no further than these Asian sticky slow cooker ribs, complete with a helpful video tutorial. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

These Asian-style slow cooker ribs fall off the bone as you eat them. They’re seasoned with a homemade dry rub and a sticky glaze that’s impossible to beat! Make a batch of simple white rice and fresh Asian cucumber salad, and you have a flavor-packed dinner.

The Best Slow Cooker Asian Ribs

We’ve had a slow cooker for a few years now, and yet I really don’t ever use it for slow-cooked baby back ribs. I use it for everything else, though, like breakfast, meats, soups, vegetables, casseroles, dips, and even dessert, but I haven’t really played around with ribs too much. They always seem a little intimidating as I’ve eaten many a dry rib in my day, and no one wants to be chewing on meat for an hour. 

Cade does his fall-off-the-bone ribs, but that recipe is made in the oven, and it’s a little more of a process. They are not too much, but they are still awesome. I wanted some good and sticky pork ribs that I didn’t have to think about. I feel like this sticky Asian ribs recipe is one of those recipes I want to shout from the rooftops, it’s honestly that good. The sauce is just killer. I’m so excited to be working with McCormick to share this recipe!

Asian Ribs Recipe in Our First Cookbook

This recipe appears in our first cookbook, Our Sweet Basil Cookbook, and has been a reader favorite for years. If you’d like to have this recipe in cookbook form, you can grab it on Amazon. That cookbook is loaded with so many of our family favorites! You’ll love it!

High Quality Spices

One of the things that I get asked a lot is what ingredients do you buy, which brand is your favorite, and what ingredients do you stick with the most?

Well, butter, cheese, and eggs for sure, as those basics can totally change a recipe, but spices are another big one. Stop buying the cheapest ingredients at the store. If you want cheap long-grain rice, go for it. I’m sure you’ll survive, but spices? You need good quality and a brand that is in it for their love of food. No, really, they aren’t paying me to say that part, that’s all me.

You guys, one simple change can make your food taste better. Who wouldn’t want that? We also try mixing up the kinds of spices we use in our recipe. For example, this pork rib rub recipe uses smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. It adds a new depth of flavor that totally transforms the dish. 

Slow Cooker Asian Ribs Ingredients 

The ingredients list for this CrockPot ribs recipe is fairly simple, but there are quite a few herbs and spices on the list. 

Dry Rub

• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and subtle molasses flavor that balances savory spices.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a deep, smoky warmth and vibrant color to the dish.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and earthy, peppery notes.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor without added moisture.
• Pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a sharp, slightly spicy bite.
• Kosher Salt: Coarse salt that intensifies and elevates overall taste.

Sticky Sauce

• Ground Ginger: Lends a warm, zesty kick with slight citrus undertones.
• Ground Pepper: Adds a finer, more even distribution of spice than cracked pepper.
• Onion Powder: Offers a subtle onion flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, it brings bold, savory depth.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: A tangy-sweet condiment with a gentle heat, often used in Asian cuisine.
• Soy Sauce (Reduced Sodium): Brings umami depth and saltiness with less sodium.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich tang and slight sweetness that enhances other flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper molasses flavor and helps with caramelization.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that also adds a sticky texture and slight floral note.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken sauces and give a glossy finish.
• Water: Helps blend and adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): A finishing touch that adds crunch and nutty flavor.

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Ribs

These slow cooker baby back ribs require some prep work, but once the ribs are in the CrockPot, you can walk away! Here are the basic steps to making slow cooker pork ribs: 

1. Mix: Whisk together the sticky sauce ingredients. Pour half the mixture into a saucepan and cook until thickened.
2. Trim: Trim the membrane off the ribs (see section below), then rub all over with the slow cooker rib dry rub.
3. Layer: Place the ribs into the slow cooker. Pour half the runny sticky sauce mixture over the ribs (the half that didn’t get cooked in the saucepan).
   

4. Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the ribs on low for 8 hours.
   

5. Glaze: Once cooked, place ribs on a broiler pan and brush with reserved sticky sauce mixture.
   

6. Broil: Broil the ribs for a few minutes, until the top looks sticky. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
   

The instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Remove the Membrane From Ribs

Never removed the membrane from ribs before? Don’t worry, it’s easy! Here’s how you should remove the silver skin from pork ribs before putting them into the slow cooker: 

1. At one end of the rack, slide a dinner knife under the membrane and over a bone.
2. Lift and loosen the membrane until it tears.
3. Grab the edge of the membrane with a paper towel and pull it off.

The membrane may come off in one whole piece, or you may need to remove it in smaller pieces.

Can I Make Pork Ribs in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you want to make these slow cooker ribs in an Instant Pot, follow the instructions for our Smoky BBQ Ribs but use the dry rub recipe listed in this post instead. 

Can I Make Asian Sticky Ribs on the Grill?

Yes, grilling ribs is an excellent option! We have a recipe for cooking ribs on the grill. Using the dry rub and the sticky sauce recipe in this recipe, follow the instructions for the grilled recipe for all the cooking instructions.

Can I Use Boneless Ribs Instead of Bone-In?

You likely can, but boneless ribs won’t need to be cooked as long as bone-in. Also, boneless ribs tend to be less juicy and tender than bone-in. 

Can I Use A Different Rib Rub? 

Yes, but we really love how this homemade rib rub pairs with the Asian sticky slow cooker ribs. Homemade is always better than store-bought! 

Tips for Making the Best Asian Slow Cooker Ribs

We prefer cooking our slow cooker ribs low and slow for 8 hours, but technically, you can cook them on high for less time. We’ve found that patience is a virtue when cooking ribs, though — nobody wants to eat tough meat! 

Note that you’ll have leftover sweet sticky sauce after broiling the ribs. Our family likes slathering the ribs with more sauce as we eat them, which is why the sticky sauce recipe makes extra. 

Slow cooker pork ribs reheat well the next day and can easily be pulled off the bone and made into sandwiches, thrown atop salads, and more. 

Watch How These Asian Sticky Ribs are Made… 

I know ribs can be a little intimidating, but making them in the slow cooker makes them easier than ever! These slow cooker ribs with Asian sticky sauce are so tender and bold in flavor! You’ll be lickin’ your fingers clean!

More Crock Pot Recipes:

• Cheesy Chicken and Rice in a Crock Pot
• Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
• Crock Pot Cafe Rio Chicken
• Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Chicken Carnitas
• All our CROCKPOT and SLOW COOKER recipes here!

This pork carnitas recipe is so flavorful and moist and the best part? They are crazy easy to make with only a few ingredients and a slow cooker!

We had a little Mexican Pot luck in my neighborhood the other night. It was tons of fun and so nice to have everyone out together and just enjoy each others’ company. Everyone brought a dish to share and it turned out perfect. I decided to go with carnitas. I looooooove this pork. It is one of the most simple ways to make carnitas, but it is so juicy and flavorful. I love that you just throw it in the crockpot and don’t think about it all day. You may wonder if with so few ingredients it’s really that delicious, but it is.

I made one big fat error this time around. You may not think it’s that big of a deal, but for me it is. At about 12:30 in the afternoon I realized that I had not placed the pork in the crock. DANGIT!!!! I am a huge, huge believer in letting roasts, and all kinds of pork cook for 8 hours in the crock on low. It is soooooooooo much more juicy, tender and flavorful. I promise. This pork still turned out well, but it would have been 1 million times better if I had been more on top of things. SO, when you try this, don’t forget to slooooooow cook it.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

The ingredients for crockpot pork carnitas are simple and pack so much flavor. You will need a few ingredients for a dry rub and then a few items for cooking the pork in the slow cooker. The orange juice and lime juice add the punch of citrus you want in carnitas! This is what you will need:

• Corn Tortillas
  • NOTE: If you want to make carnitas burritos, use our homemade flour tortillas!
• Queso Fresco
• Cilantro

For the Rub

• Seasonings: Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt and Pepper
• Garlic
• Oil

For the Pork

• Pork Shoulder/Butt
• Onion
• Garlic
• Jalapeno
• Fresh Black Pepper
• White Vinegar
• Kosher Salt
• Oranges
• Limes

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post so keep scrolling for all the details!

How to Make Pork Carnitas

Now we come to my favorite part of this slow cooker carnitas recipe…the simplicity! Here are the basic steps:

1. Combine: Add all the ingredients for the dry rub together in a small bowl and then rub it all over the outside of the pork. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add: Juice the oranges over the pork and leave one of the oranges in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 10-12 hours or until the meat falls apart.
4. Shred: Using two forks, shred the pork and leave it in the juice in the crockpot. Pull out the orange peels.
   • OPTIONAL: If you crave those crispy edges on your carnitas, place the pork on a baking sheet and stick it in the oven to broil for a few minutes.
5. Serve: Dish up the pork into warmed corn tortillas with some cilantro, diced red onions and queso fresco on top. Avocado slices also make a great addition!

These instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

What are Carnitas?

Carnitas are the Mexican version of pulled or shredded pork and can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, tostadas or just to eat plain. The meat is cooked low and slow and is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.

The meat is usually braised or roasted in lard until it is super tender. We have a roasted pork carnitas recipe that is super popular on the blog if you want to go the traditional route. We also have an Instant Pot Carnitas recipe that gives you carnitas in a fraction of the time.

What is Queso Fresco?

Queso Fresco is a semi-soft cheese, white in color. It is often used in Mexican cuisine. It is mild in flavor and slightly tangy.

What Can You Substitute For Queso Fresco?

Cotija cheese is the best substitute for queso fresco, but usually if you can’t find one, you won’t find the other. A mild feta cheese is your next best substitute for queso fresco.

Can I Use Pork Loin to Make Carnitas?

You really want to use pork shoulder or pork butt because they have a higher fat content which makes them super tender and juicy. Pork loin is a little too lean for carnitas, but if you have a pork loin that you want to use up, try our rosemary pork tenderloin! It’s fabulous!

What to Serve with Pork Carnitas

Homemade crockpot carnitas can be topped with pico de gallo, fresh salsa or guacamole. If you are looking for delicious side dishes, here are some ideas:

• Best Black Beans
• Refried Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Spanish Rice
• Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing
• Mexican Roasted Zucchini

Storing and Reheating

Pork carnitas should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for 3-4 days.

Carnitas also freeze extremely well. Allow them to cool completely and then place them in a freezer safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat carnitas, I prefer to sauté them on the stove top to recreate those crispy edges. Add a little oil to a skillet and heat them up until warmed through.

Learn how to make delicious and tender pork carnitas in your slow cooker with this easy recipe. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and more, this is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared ahead of time.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try:

• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Asian Slow Cooker Ribs
• Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
• Chicken Stew
• Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
• Chicken Carnitas in the Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Smothered Beef Burritos
• All our SLOW COOKER RECIPES!

Watch How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas