When the calendar fills up and the weeknights blur together, it can be a challenge to get a delicious, homemade dinner on the table—especially without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve been leaning on my Instant Pot more than ever lately, and let me tell you, these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas were a total game changer!

This recipe is fast, full of flavor, and makes the whole house smell incredible. If you’re trying to cut back on eating out but still want something that feels like a treat, this is the dinner for you.

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🕒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Ready in under 45 minutes

• ✅ No complicated prep—just set it and forget it

• ✅ Kid-approved and budget-friendly

• ✅ Perfect for tacos, nachos, or rice bowls

• ✅ Includes bonus guacamole recipe!

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👩‍🍳 My Experience Making These Carnitas

As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for fast, affordable meals that don’t compromise on taste. I picked up a package of Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas and made them in the Instant Pot using just a handful of ingredients. The result? Tender, flavorful pork that felt like a restaurant-quality meal—without the cost or hassle.

While the meat was cooking, I whipped up my family-favorite guacamole and even revived a bag of stale tortilla chips with one of my favorite kitchen hacks (more on that below!).

📋 Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Smithfield Seasoned Carnitas

• 1 cup of water

• 1 small onion, chopped

• Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, lime wedges, tortillas

Instructions:

1. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot liner.

2. Place the rack inside the pot, then layer your pork carnitas and chopped onion on top.

3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 40 minutes.

4. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before venting and opening.

5. Shred the pork with two forks. It will be fall-apart tender!

Optional:

If you prefer crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Pork Carnitas in the Instant Pot Recipe

 

This really needs smell o vision. Because it smells amazing. You’ll want to make these this week. One thing about carnitas is that people put this on a pan and put it in the oven to crisp up the meat. You can do that if you’d like. However, I love how tender and delicious it is without putting it in the oven. So I did not do that part. My hubby loves the edges crisped up so he would have put them in the oven for sure. 

I added my pork carnitas to my whole wheat tortilla and added guacamole to it. You can add salsa, sour cream, cheese whatever you like. They are delicious simply by themselves. Scrumptious is the word I was looking for. The kids and the entire house was happy that I made this quick and easy meal for dinner. You can even turn this into nachos I did a test run for you and it was just as delicious as having it as a taco. So so good! 

 

 

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🐢 Slow Cooker Option

Prefer the slow cooker instead? Just place the pork, onion, and 1 cup of water in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours (depending on your model). The flavor will be just as amazing!

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🍴 How to Serve Your Pork Carnitas

These carnitas are incredibly versatile! Try them:

• In soft or crispy tacos

• On a nacho platter

• In a burrito bowl with rice and beans

• Over a fresh salad

• Or even on a slider bun for a quick sandwich

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🥑 Easy Homemade Guacamole

This guacamole is a hit every time. It’s fresh, flavorful, and makes the perfect topping for carnitas or a simple dip with chips.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• ½ can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained

• ¼ cup chopped onion

Directions:

1. Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop into a bowl.

2. Mash with a fork until smooth or chunky—your choice!

3. Add garlic, tomatoes and chilis, and chopped onion.

4. Mix well and serve immediately. (Optional: Add a squeeze of lime and pinch of salt.)

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🔥 Kitchen Hack: Revive Stale Chips

Don’t toss that bag of stale tortilla chips! Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 8–10 minutes. They’ll come out warm, crispy, and as good as new.

Check out my most popular recipes for the Instant Pot! Easy Instant Pot Pho, Instant Pot Lava Cakes, and Instant Pot Egg roll.  Then see my must have accessories for the Instant Pot here. Join my facebook page to see all my articles and join in on the fun we have there.  Don’t forget to follow me on pinterest, twitter and instagram for more diy and cooking adventures.

🍽 More Quick Instant Pot Recipes

If you loved this one, check out these crowd-pleasers:

• Easy Instant Pot Pho

• Instant Pot Lava Cakes

• Instant Pot Egg Roll in a Bowl

And don’t miss my must-have Instant Pot accessories guide!

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– Dina 💛