Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Braised Cabbage & Onions
Hands-off, winter-perfect pulled pork with tender cabbage and onions. Uses a sale pork option and keeps flavors savory-sweet (no citrus). Great for bowls, tacos, or sandwiches.
Back to full listIngredients
- Kroger® Seasoned Pork Carnitas 1 package (16 oz) $8.99 (sale) / 16 oz
- Organic Green Cabbage ~1 lb (about 1/2 medium), thick-sliced $1.69/lb
- Organic Jumbo Yellow Onions 1 medium, sliced $1.49/lb
- Organic Ginger Root (optional) 1 tsp, grated (optional) $3.99/lb
- Pantry: chicken broth or water 1/2 cup
- Pantry: apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Pantry: brown sugar or honey (optional) 1 tsp (optional)
- Pantry: black pepper to taste
- Optional: Organic Romaine Lettuce for serving as wraps (optional) $3.50 (sale) / 6 oz
- Optional: Kroger® Fuji Apples 1 apple, diced (optional, stirred in at the end) $3.99/3 lb
Instructions
- Layer: Add sliced onion and cabbage to the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with black pepper (go light on salt; carnitas are seasoned).
- Add pork: Place the seasoned carnitas on top. Add broth/water around the sides, then add vinegar. (Optional: add 1 tsp honey/brown sugar and/or a little grated ginger.)
- Cook: Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours, until pork is very tender.
- Shred + finish: Shred pork in the cooker. If you want it less fatty, skim excess fat from the surface. Optional: stir in diced apple for a lightly sweet contrast.
- Serve (2 people): Serve in romaine leaves, over rice, or on buns. Spoon some of the cabbage/onion mixture and juices over the pork.
Health notes: ~650–900 kcal per serving depending on serving style. High protein; cabbage adds fiber. Sodium can be high—choose lower-sodium broth/seasoning and skim fat.
Drink pairing: Beer: porter or amber ale. Wine: WA Merlot or Syrah for rich pork.