Bring the flavor of tacos al pastor home with this easy slow cooker recipe. Juicy pork, smoky adobo, and fresh pineapple combine in your crock-pot for a simple, tasty dinner.
There are two things this busy mama relies on regularly: taco nights and my slow cooker! For real though, they are both lifesavers. As you know, I’m no stranger to slow cooking taco meat. From Gloria’s famous pork tacos to my Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, you name it, I’m slow cooking it and throwing it in a corn tortilla.
In fact, over the last six years I’ve probably shared hundreds of slow cooker recipes and for good reason! Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and the end result is always tender and juicy. For a sweet and savory spin on pork tacos, I decided to create a Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor. An easy set it and forget version of the Mexican classic!
Ingredients
- Pork: The best pork for al pastor tacos is pork shoulder, but you could use a pork loin as well.
- Pineapple: While I’m usually all about the fresh produce, in this instance, canned pineapple is the way to go.
- Dried chiles: You can use guajillo, mulato, ancho, arbol, or any other dried chile your local store has.
- Lime juice: Bright, fresh acidity that helps cut through some of the rich flavors.
- Onion:White onion adds mild flavor to the sauce, and makes a great taco topping as well.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, fresh garlic, and achiote paste flavor the al pastor sauce, and in turn the pork as it cooks!
How to Make Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor
Step 1. Remove the dried seeds and stems from your dried chiles, then cover in boiling water to soften.
Step 2. While chiles are softening, trim your pork shoulder and place in the bowl of your slow cooker.
Step 3. Add the pineapple chunks to the slow cooker as well, and set aside.
Step 4. In a large food processor or blender, add the softened chiles, onion, pineapple, vinegar, lime juice, and spices.
Step 5. Puree on high until sauce is fully combined and smooth.
Step 6. Strain in a fine mesh strainer into the slow cooker with the pork, pushing all the liquid through with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 7. Put on the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8. When pork is cooked through, shred the pork with your preferred method.
Step 8. Assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings like onion, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and additional pineapple.
I prefer to use the street taco classic of a corn tortilla, but al pastor pork tastes great on flour tortillas as well. Serve alongside fresh lime wedges, and enjoy your Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor!
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Arroz con Pollo
- Easy Slow Cooker Beef Chili
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
- Pulled Pork Sliders with Cabbage Slaw
- Slow Cooker Pho Inspired Chicken Soup
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Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker and top with 1 cup of the diced pineapple and the diced onion; set aside.
- Remove seeds and stems from dried chilis and place in a large bowl. Cover with boiling water and let steep to soften, about 15 minutes.
- Place softened chilis along with 1 cup of the reserved steeping liquid in a large food processor. Add the remaining 1 cup diced pineapple, quartered onion, lime juice, achiote paste, vinegar, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Puree on high for 60 seconds.
- Drain mixture over a fine mesh strainer placed directly on top of the pork shoulder in the slow cooker insert. Use a rubber spatula to press out all of the liquid and discard what’s left in the strainer.
- Cook pork on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- To serve, shred pork with two forks discarding any large pieces of fat. Serve in warmed corn tortillas with cilantro, minced onion, minced pineapple and any other toppings of choice.
Liz’s Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the amount of meat can affect how long your slow cooker takes to reach and maintain the proper temperature. A larger roast or additional pounds of pork will typically need more time to become tender—usually an extra 30–60 minutes per pound. Always check that the meat easily shreds with a fork before serving.
Red achiote paste is a traditional Mexican seasoning made from ground annatto seeds, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It gives al pastor its signature red color and earthy, slightly tangy flavor. You can find it in the Latin section of most grocery stores or online, and it’s an essential ingredient for achieving authentic tacos al pastor flavor.
The secret lies in the marinade! Made with achiote paste, pineapple juice, chipotle peppers, and aromatic spices, this combination creates a balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. In a slow cooker, letting the pork simmer low and slow allows those ingredients to soak in and mimic the taste of traditional spit-roasted al pastor.
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