Easy Carnitas Tacos

Ground pork stands in for slow-cooked pork shoulder in this Easy Carnitas Tacos recipe that incorporates all the spicy, citrusy flavors of traditional carnitas without all the work. This quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or for feeding friends and family. Here's how to make carnitas tacos.
Prep 30 Minutes
Total Time 30 Minutes
Servings 8

Ingredient List

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 packet (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 package (6.7 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Soft Tortilla Bowls (8 Count)
  • 1 cup from 1 can (16 oz) Old El Paso™ Traditional Refried Beans, heated
  • 1/2 cup diced tomato
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recipe Continues Below

Preparation

  1. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and onion; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until pork is no longer pink.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning mix, garlic, cumin, cinnamon and oregano; stir in orange juice. Cook over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in lime juice.
  3. Meanwhile, heat bowls as directed on package. Spread refried beans in bottoms of bowls. Divide pork mixture among bowls. Top with tomato, queso fresco cheese and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Expert Tips

  • Like your Easy Carnitas Tacos hot? Top with sliced jalapeño chiles or a few drops of hot sauce.
  • It's fine to use bottled orange juice for this recipe, but when it comes to lime juice, freshness really makes a difference. So if at all possible, opt for fresh-squeezed lime juice to make your pork carnitas tacos extra delicious.

Nutrition

  • 1 Serving Calories 300 (Calories from Fat 140);  Total Fat 16g (Saturated Fat 6g ,Trans Fat 0g);  Cholesterol 45mg;  Sodium 600mg;  Potassium 330mg;  Total Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 2g ,Sugars 3g);  Protein 15g
  • % Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%;  Vitamin C 8%;  Calcium 10%;  Iron 10%
  • Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch;  1 1/2 Very Lean Meat;  3 Fat
  • Carbohydrate Choice: 1 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ratings and Reviews

You may also like...

Advertisement