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Home » Recipes » Pork and Lamb

Slow Cooker Al Pastor Tacos

Published: Jul 6, 2022 · Modified: Aug 18, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 7 Comments

Tender, savory pork tacos are full of flavor, but so easy to make in the crockpot! If you're looking for an easy meal for taco Tuesday, this is it! Everyone loves these tacos!
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Making this easy recipe for Tacos Al Pastor starts with your slow cooker and lots of authentic Mexican spices! Savory tender pulled pork tacos made in the slow cooker topped with diced fresh pineapple salsa.

Next time try Crockpot Crack Chicken - filled with bacon, tender chicken and cheese!

Tacos Al Pastor on platter.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Taco Recipe
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Serving suggestions
  • Related Recipes
  • Tacos al Pastor
  • Recipe backstory

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  

Tacos al Pastor is super easy to make in your crockpot. This simple meal is one that will have the family heading back for seconds. It makes the most tender meat for taco night and will quickly become a family favorite!

It makes the BEST leftovers! This traditional al pastor meat is and can be used for BBQ Pork Pizza, quesadillas and pulled pork sandwiches!

Pastor Taco in corn shell with pineapple salsa.
Be sure to toast your corn tortillas to give the al pastor tacos even more flavor!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements for the crockpot al pastor recipe, please refer to the bottom of this post. 

  • boneless pork shoulder roast - you can also substitute pork tenderloin or pork loin
  • yellow onion or red onion
  • tomato sauce or enchilada sauce
  • fresh lime juice or lemons - orange juice would also work!
  • salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, chili powder
  • fresh pineapple slices or canned juicy pineapple slices (be sure to save the juice)!
  • corn or flour tortillas

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Slow cooking the pork makes it fork tender! For the complete directions for crockpot al pastor just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Place the roast in the crockpot.
  2. Pour over the al pastor marinade.
  3. Sprinkle all of the seasonings overtop.
  4. Place the slices of sweet pineapple or the peel of a pineapple on top of the pork rind side up.
  5. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours until the pork is fork tender.

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • This is the 6 quart Crockpot that I use. It's really simple to use and it's portable as well. I love that!
  • These meat claws make it easy to shred the pork.

FAQ's

What are Tacos al Pastor?

Tacos al Pastor roughly translated means pork that has been marinated, roasted and thinly sliced. Often times marinated with citrus and that's where the pineapple comes in. Shredded pork is perfect for tacos, quesadillas and pizza!

Where did they come from?

The story of these tacos might surprise you! They originated from Mexico, but the method is actually from Lebanon and originated in the early 1900s. To learn more, click here!

What cut of meat is used for al pastor?

Pork shoulder is best. It's an inexpensive cut of meat that gets super tender and succulent as it slowly cooks in the crockpot.

How to make Tacos al Pastor - tacos on blue platter with salsa.
Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor Recipe.

Tips

When the meat is cooked, use two forks or meat claws to shred the cooked marinated pork.

Variations

If you use a fresh pineapple use the remaining pineapple to make homemade salsa!

Top with your favorite salsa. Pineapple Salsa would be the traditional choice, but Mango, Strawberry or Salsa Verde would also be delicious!

Spice up the pork by adding minced chipotle peppers to the crockpot as it simmers and cooks all day. Go light! They can be spicy!!

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days.

The cooked pork can be frozen up to three months.

Serving suggestions

How do you enjoy tacos? We love shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onions and a little salsa. Tacos are one of my favorite meals!

Enjoying your tacos with Cilantro Garlic Sauce is another tasty topping.

Here are some recipes that go really well the pork al pastor!

  • Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - everyone loves these!
  • Black Beans - perfect with this meal! Get step-by-step directions how to cook black beans here!
  • Southwest Salad Recipes - light and easy to make this is a delicious salad!

Serve the slow cooker tacos topped with chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges and plenty of pineapple salsa.

Related Recipes

  • Baja Fish Tacos - easy to make and completely delicious!
  • Barbacoa Beef Taco Recipes - these tacos are slowly roasted in the oven for a delicious flavor!
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos - another easy weeknight meal!
  • Dirty Rice and Black Bean Tacos - great flavor, these are a wonderful vegetarian option!
  • Easy Shrimp Tacos - topped with a spicy slaw these are delicious tacos!
  • Vegetable Tacos - Simple to make and roasted in the oven - yum!
  • Veggie Tacos with Avo Lime Sauce - Creamy sauce tops these cauliflower tacos - one of my favorites!

And if one of those didn't tickle your tastebuds, be sure to try the Taco Salad Casserole next!

If you're looking for a taco recipe.... pretty sure I have it here on the blog! 🤣 and for that matter check out this post with 50+ Mexican Food Recipes!

This is such a great meal, I hope you give it a try soon! What's your favorite tacos?

Pork tacos topped with pineapple salsa.
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5 from 5 votes

Tacos al Pastor

Tender, savory pork tacos are full of flavor, but so easy to make in the crockpot! If you're looking for an easy meal for taco Tuesday, this is it! Everyone loves these tacos!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Total Time8 hrs 5 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $14
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 4.5 lb. pork shoulder roast
  • 1 yellow onion cut into thick slices
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 3 limes juiced
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 20 ounces pineapple slices along with pineapple juice from can
  • flour or corn tortillas

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place pork roast into the crock pot.
  • Pour the tomato (or enchilada) sauce over the roast.
  • Sprinkle the spices over the roast, top with the sliced pineapple skin
  • Cover and slowly roast for 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
  • When the meat is cooked, use shred the meat with forks. Serve with tortillas and salsa.

Notes

Cook at 8 hours on low, 4-5 hours on high.
If you don't have pineapple skin, use sliced canned pineapple.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 817mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 10.2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3.1mg
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Recipe backstory

My love hate relationship with pineapple continues with this How to make Tacos al Pastor Recipe!

You remember that, right? The story behind my pineapple salsa recipe? For many, many years (all of my life actually!) pineapple has not been my thing.

Ain't no way, ain't no how!

BUT just when you think you know exactly how things are you get a big surprise and that's where this recipe came about!

The pork shoulder is sprinkled with spices, onions - topped with the rind of the pineapple, then slowly cooked all day long until succulent and tender!

More Pork and Lamb Recipes

  • Crockpot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe
  • Unstuffed Egg Roll
  • Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandra Shaffer

    July 15, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    Slow cooked to perfections! This came out nice and tender and we intended to share with my neighbor who just came home from the hospital, but we ate the whole meal ourselves in two days! On to making another batch of tacos al pastor!

    Reply
  2. Michaela Kenkel

    July 14, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    5 stars
    YOu said the magic word "TACOS!" I am making these Tuesday!! I can't wait!

    Reply
  3. debi at Life Currents

    July 13, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    My husband has been making carnitas in the slow cooker & Instant pot lately. It'll be nice for him to have a bit of a change and try these tacos al pastor. I think he'll really like the flavors. Forwarding your recipe to him.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      July 14, 2019 at 6:37 pm

      Fabulous! I think he will love these tacos!!

      Reply
  4. Healing Tomato

    July 13, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    5 stars
    What a great recipe to make for Taco Tuesday! I love the idea of making it using the slow cooker.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      July 14, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      Thank you so much, we just love this recipe and leftovers were transformed into more meals!!

      Reply
  5. Liza

    July 10, 2019 at 8:14 am

    5 stars
    What a great recipe! My kids love Mexican but it seems to hard to make it! You made it so easy and simple! Thanks!

    Reply

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