Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas for Budget #SundaySupper

My life has taken a very busy turn and due to this, I have not been cooking as much. When I do have more time to cook at home, I always make sure we eat healthy, affordable and delicious. Things are starting to calm down some on the home front and I made a goal this week - I will only cook using products I currently own. I am shopping in my pantry / fridge! Luckily, I had a few veggies left from my last trip to the store.

When I saw this weeks #SundaySupper was being hosted by my friend Lane (Supper for a Steal) and the theme was a budget supper, I knew I had to participate. Since I am not going to the grocery store this week, I had to make do with what was in my freezer. I found a nice 2.5lb Pork Loin and decided to make my version of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas. I do not make carnitas the traditional way with frying the pork in oil. This is just as delicious and very healthy.

I also buy the majority of my meats in bulk. A10lb pork loin cost me anywhere from $15-$20 and I divide it into 8 pieces. I vacuum seal the meats so they stay good in the freezer for 4-6 months. This entire meal would have cost me less than $10.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Boneless pork loin - I used a 2.5lb roast
Seasonings to sear meat - onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, corriander, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
1 medium onion
32oz of low sodium chicken broth
Juice of one lime
1/2 a jar of salsa verde
tortilla shells and toppings (sour cream, cheese, jalapeno)

Season the pork loin with the above dry ingredients. I do not have a specific measurement to it. Enough to give it a good dry rub. In a hot skillet, sear the meat, about 3 minutes each side. This will lock in the juices during the slow cooking process.

Slice the onion and place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the pork loin on top and pour the broth and lime juice around the meat. Set on high for 10 hours. After your meat has cooked for 10 hours, drain the juices out of the slow cooker and shred your meat. Combine the shredded meat with the salsa verde and put back into the slow cooker for 30 minutes.

Check out these other delicious Budget recipes from the #SundaySupper family!

Starters, Soups, and Salads

• Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
• Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

• Salmon Lasagna from Blueberries and Blessings
• Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
• Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
• Chicken and Brown Rice with Veggies and Mushrooms from Daily Dish Recipes
• The Cod Puffs War  {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
• From the Pantry Peanut Noodles from Supper for a Steal
• Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
• Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from I Run For Wine
• Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
• Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
• Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
• Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
• Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
• Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons from The Lovely Pantry
• Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

• English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
• Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
• Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

• Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Portuguese Rice Pudding  {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie