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    Home » Recipes » Pork » Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos

    Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted August 5, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos have an amazingly rich flavor. That crispy texture will make you want more. Just add your favorite salsa.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Slow cooker guajillo pork tacos served on a decorative plate next to the toppings.
    Slow cooker guajillo pork tacos served on a decorative plate next to the toppings.

    Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos are simply delicious. 

    I love how easy this recipe comes together. It’s very similar to carnitas and just as tasty.

    I serve them as tacos because we are HUGE taco fans at my house, but you can also serve as a tostada or filling for a burrito. 

    The meat is not spicy, super flavorful, and super yummy. 

    Ingredients

    The ingredients necessary to make the slow cooker guajillo pork tacos labeled and spread out on a wooden table.

    FYI: The water is only for reference. You will need more water than shown in the picture. 

    Use either pork shoulder or pork butt. Both cuts are fatty and are easy to shred. 

    For a leaner cut, you can also use pork loin. Just be sure to CHOP IT UP finely when it’s cooked. 

    Many Mexican home cooks will use chicken bouillon instead of salt. That’s totally up to you. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker? Yes! Pork can be put raw into the slow cooker. Some recipes like Slow Cooker Birria de Res ask for the meat to be seared before placing it in the slow cooker, but that is optional. Searing helps develop the flavors of the meat. 

    What cut of pork is best for tacos?  The best cut of pork for tacos is pork shoulder or pork butt because of the fat content. Higher fat helps the meat stay juicy when it’s cooked. 

    Can you slow cook pork too long? Yes. However, it’s hard to do in a slow cooker if it’s on the low setting. If left on the high setting for longer than needed, the texture of the meat will be mushy. 

    Does the pork in slow cooker need liquid? Yes, but not a lot. It can go up about ¼ of the way. Don’t cover the pork as it will make more as it cooks. Make sure to leave room for the extra liquid. 

    How to Make the Guajillo Sauce

    A collage showing how to make the guajillo sauce.
    • Rehydrate the guajillo chile. 
    • Place the chile, onion, garlic, salt, water, and cumin in a blender. 
    • Strain the sauce. 

    This is your basic Guajillo Sauce. 

    To make cooking easy on yourself, make the sauce ahead of time. 

    It freezes for up to 6 months. Simply defrost and use as normal. 

    Raw pork covered in guajillo sauce in a slow cooker.
    • Rinse the pork and place in the slow cooker. 
    • Add the guajillo sauce. 
    • Place the cover on the slow cooker and cook. 

    Do you see how it makes for a great dump and go recipe? Especially if you have the sauce already made. 

    Here we’re making this recipe with pork, but you can also make it with chicken or beef. 

    This recipe is also similar to Slow Cooker Ancho Pork. 

    Tongs shredding pork inside a slow cooker.
    • Once the pork is ready, remove from the slow cooker. 
    • Shred the meat. 

    It should shred easily. Chop the meat up, if necessary. 

    Keep in mind when shredding and chopping that the meat should fit inside a tortilla. 

    Cooked and shredded pork on a sheet pan lined with foil paper.
    • Line a sheet pan with foil paper. 
    • Brush with oil. 
    • Add the shredded pork. 

    Be sure to REMOVE as much liquid as possible. 

    You want the same crispy effect as carnitas, and liquid will prevent the meat from doing just that. 

    Crispy shredded pork on a sheet pan lined with foil paper.

    Broil for 7 minutes. Mix the meat and broil for another 7 minutes. 

    Pro Tips: 

    • If the meat is not crispy after 14 minutes, place under the broiler for 2 more minutes, or until it is crispy. Watch it, though, because it can BURN. 
    • Skip the broiling, and heat up oil in a pan. Fry the meat to get it crispy. 
    A hand holding a pork taco over a plate with more tacos.

    Ideas for Taco Toppings 

    • Diced onion
    • Radishes
    • Lime 
    • Cilantro

    Some of my favorite salsas: Chipotle Salsa (pictured here), Chile de Arbol Salsa, Salsa de Aguacate. 

    All that’s left is to warm up tortillas and add the filling. Round up the family as it’s time to enjoy these yummy Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos.  

    Hungry for More?

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Slow cooker guajillo pork tacos served on a decorative plate next to the toppings.

    Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos

    Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos have an amazingly rich flavor. That crispy texture will make you want more. Just add your favorite salsa.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 tacos
    Calories: 242kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 4 lbs pork shoulder
    • 6 guajillo chiles
    • 1 tbsp salt
    • 1/2 onion
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1/8 tsp cumin (ground or whole)
    • 2 cups water (to rehydrate the chile)
    • 2 cups water (to make the sauce)
    • 12 corn tortillas

    Toppings:

    • chopped cilantro
    • diced onion
    • radishes
    • lime

    Instructions

    • Remove the stems off the chiles.
    • Cut lengthwise and remove the seeds.
    • Place in a stock pot and cover with 2 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat.
    • Let sit for 5 minutes, or until pliable.
    • Discard the water.
    • Place the rehydrated chiles, salt, onion, garlic, cumin, and 2 cups water in a blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Strain the sauce.
    • Rinse the pork and place in the slow cooker.
    • Cover with the guajillo sauce.
    • Cook on low for 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.
    • Remove the pork and shred.
    • Chop meat up if necessary.
    • Line a sheet pan with foil paper.
    • Brush oil on the foil paper.
    • Add shredded pork.
    • Place the pan under the broiler for 7 minutes.
    • Take out of the oven and toss the pork around using a spatula.
    • Return the pan under the broiler for an additional 7 minutes, or until crispy.
    • Heat tortillas and add pork filling.
    • Serve with salsa and enjoy.

    Notes

    Be sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the shredded pork when placing on the foil paper. 
    The liquid will prevent the pork from getting crispy. 
    Another way to crisp up the meat is by frying it on a stove. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 803mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Mexican, Pork

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anaiah

      August 12, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      5 stars
      This was so flavorful and came out perfect. It was a delicious dinner recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

        That’s awesome. Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Amanda

      August 12, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      These were so good, especially the vitou parts! My new fav for taco Tuesday

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

        YAY! Couldn’t agree more. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!

        Reply
    3. Megan Ellam

      August 12, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

        Glad you liked them. They are DELICIOUS!

        Reply
    4. Jerika

      August 12, 2021 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I’m craving a Guajillo Pork Tacos now! I will try this over the weekend. Thanks!:)

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

        Hope you try them. They are super tasty.

        Reply
    5. Jeannie

      August 13, 2021 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      this is so tempting recipe, tacos are my fave

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

        Yours and mine!

        Reply
    6. Nora

      August 13, 2021 at 12:34 am

      5 stars
      Yum Tacos! Love that you are making them in the slow cooker!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

        In the slow cooker is my favorite way. Less fuss.

        Reply
    7. Oscar

      August 13, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      The crispy pork in these tacos were amazing. I only want tacos like this from now on. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:51 am

        Yes, I love crispy pork too! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Amy

      August 13, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      These were yum! Always looking for fun taco recipes.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:57 am

        We are big fan of tacos at my house too. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kayla DiMaggio

      August 13, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      Oh! These pork tacos were absolutely delightful! A new favorite for sure!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 18, 2021 at 11:56 am

        That’s great to hear. Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    10. Addie

      August 13, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      These tacos are so flavorful! Loved them!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:56 am

        That is great to hear. Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    11. Roselynd Lopez

      April 16, 2023 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved it and it was easy to follow as usual. Thanks Maggie. These tacos were a hit.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 17, 2023 at 7:54 am

        Thank you! I’m glad to hear that your family loved the Slow Cooker Guajillo Pork Tacos and that you found the recipe easy to follow. It’s always rewarding when a recipe is a hit with the family.

        Reply

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