If you want tender, fall-apart pulled pork without babysitting a smoker all day, this Instant Pot pulled pork deliversl. It’s juicy, deeply seasoned, and shreds effortlessly when cooked properly under pressure.

I use a balanced smoky dry rub and a short pressure cook time that breaks down connective tissue so the pork pulls apart easily. No dry, stringy meat. And definitely no bland flavor.

It’s the fastest way to get classic pulled pork texture on a busy weeknight!

You’ll love these Instant Pot Country Style Ribs and this recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas if you’re a fan of tender, fall-apart pork.

How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot

Cook pork shoulder in the Instant Pot for 15 minutes per pound on high pressure.

For a 4-pound pork shoulder, that equals 60 minutes of pressure cook time, plus 8–10 minutes to come to pressure.

If the pork doesn’t shred easily with two forks, it needs more time. Add 5–10 additional minutes of pressure cooking.

Tender pulled pork is not about hitting 145°F. Pit experts recommend it needs to reach around 195–205°F internally so the connective tissue fully breaks down.

Using the Instant Pot means you can achieve that deliciously juicy, fall-apart-with-a-fork texture in a fraction of the time. You can make it into sandwiches piled high on a toasted bun with coleslaw or serve it in tacos, on top of salads, or as the protein for grain bowls.

Just like baked BBQ chicken thighs and crock pot bbq chicken, this recipe truly brings the BBQ experience to your table with less stress, less time, and tons of flavor.

Ingredients You Need

• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings in that smoky BBQ flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These add depth and warmth.
• Ground Mustard & Dried Oregano: Mustard adds a tangy undertone; oregano gives herbal balance.
• Salt, Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper: Just a hint of heat.
• Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): This cut becomes incredibly tender under pressure.
• Chicken Stock/Broth: Adds moisture to bring the Instant Pot to pressure and keeps the pork juicy.

How to Keep Pulled Pork Juicy

After shredding, stir some of the cooking liquid back into the meat before adding BBQ sauce.

This keeps the pork moist and flavorful, especially if you are meal prepping or reheating later.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store shredded pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze with some of the cooking juices so it reheats tender and juicy.

Recipe FAQs

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I pull out my Instant Pot at least one night a week to make Instant Pot Mongolian beef, Instant Pot Greek chicken and rice, or Instant pot coconut rice. It makes weeknight dinners so quick and easy!

How to Make Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

​Here are the simple steps to make Instant Pot country-style ribs. Skip to the recipe card for the full, printable recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe by: Molly Thompson of What Molly Made | Photography by: Kate Poskochil

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You can make these Korean beef tacos in the crock pot or instant pot! Cook the the beef in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and onion until it’s fall-apart tender then serve it with a spicy mayo and fresh cilantro. These will become a staple in your rotation!

We have some sort of tacos once a week in our house, whether it’s chorizo tacos, pork tenderloin tacos, or birria tacos. They’re a great weekly go-to for a dinner the whole family will love.

You’ll especially love these slow cooker Korean beef tacos because you can set them and forget them and come home to tacos made with rich and saucy shredded beef.

If you’re short on time, get tender beef in an hour in the Instant Pot! These tacos are a game changer in terms of flavor and texture. You’re going to love them!

This recipe was inspired by my sweet potato beef stew and my Mongolian beef because the meat just falls apart and it’s got a fun, Asian flair. Next taco night, step away from traditional tacos and mix it up with Korean beef tacos!

Ingredients You Need

Here are the simple ingredients for this Korean beef tacos recipe. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Chuck roast: cook low and slow for tender, fall-apart beef. You can achieve this in the Instant Pot quickly too!
• Fresh ginger gives the sauce an Asian feel.
• Coconut aminos (Or soy sauce) also gives the tacos their Korean flavors.
• Pure maple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness but you can definitely leave this out for a Whole30 option to this recipe.
• Tapioca flour thickens the sauce a bit so it really coats and sticks to the meat when it’s in your taco. (You can also use Arrowroot starch.)
• Onion is a great complimentary flavor and adds some depth to the sauce and beef.

How to Make Korean Beef Tacos

Here are the simple steps, with photos, to make a Korean taco in the slow cooker! Jump to the recipe card for full instructions.

1. Sear beef. Pat chuck roast dry and season both sides. Sear both sides and transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. Add seasonings and slow cook: Add the remaining ingredients, except the tapioca flour or cornstarch. Cclose the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Make the spicy mayo: combine the ingredients in a mixingbowl.
4. Shred and thicken: use two forks to shred the beef while it’s in the slow cooker. Mix the cornstarch with a splash of water then stir it into the beef. Close the lid and set the slow cooker to high for 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve and enjoy! Heat tortillas like you would enchilada shells to make them pliable. Add the shredded Korean beef, cilantro, onion, and spicy mayo.

What to Serve With Korean Beef Tacos

Serve them with corn, flour, or grain-free tortillas and your favorite toppings. Here are a few of my favorite toppings, sides, and drinks:

• Toppings: Kimchee, sriracha mayo, and sesame seeds add authenticity to these Asian tacos. If you like spicy flavors, try gochujang sauce. I also love shredded cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, chopped green onions, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
• Sides: Cilantro lime rice, easy healthy guacamole, or cabbage slaw to give the dish a fresh crunch.
• Drinks:  skinny margaritas are a delicious drink to pair!

Recipe by: Molly Thompson of What Molly Made | Photography by: Sierra Inn

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This Whole30 Zuppa Toscana is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of heat, and bursting with cozy flavors. It features Italian sausage and potatoes in a creamy broth. This Olive Garden inspired recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and the best whole30 soup you can make!

Featured Review

“One of our favorite go-to recipes!!! We don’t really eat soup in our household, but this has become one of our weekly meals. Super easy, quick, and so yummy! Plus, you feel 100% full afterwards.” – Taylor

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Quick Tips and FAQs

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

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If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

FAQs

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No pressure cooker at home? No problem. This fluffy stovetop coconut rice is the same recipe, made on the stove top. 

Coconut rice is a flavorful dish originating from Southeast Asia. It’s made with full fat canned coconut milk as the liquid rather than water. The fat and sweetness from the coconut milk gives the rice extra flavor and substance. You won’t make rice any other way! Just add some protein, like Hawaiian chicken or steak stir fry for a complete meal.

How to Make Instant Pot Coconut Rice

FAQs

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If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

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A carnitas burrito is a large flour tortilla stuffed with crispy shredded pork, rice, beans, and fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s hearty, flavorful, and layered with texture in every bite.

This version uses juicy, citrus-spiced pork shoulder that’s slow cooked until tender, then broiled until the edges turn golden and crispy.

That crispy pork combined with creamy toppings and warm rice is what makes this carnitas burrito so delicious.

If you love ordering carnitas at Chipotle, this homemade version gives you the same bold flavors with even better texture and full control over the ingredients. 

I’m sharing the best way to make crispy pork carnitas whether you want them in the slow cooker, pressure cooker, or Dutch oven.

Cover the pork shoulder in the best carnitas seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the pork. Slow cook them and broil them until crispy. Then take those crispy bits of pork shoulder and fill a burrito with your favorite toppings. You could also skip the tortilla and make a filling carnitas burrito bowl.

What Is In a Carnitas Burrito?

A classic carnitas burrito includes crispy shredded pork, rice, beans, salsa, cheese or sour cream, and avocado or guacamole wrapped in a large flour tortilla.

The balance of warm meat, tender rice, creamy toppings, and fresh vegetables creates contrast in both flavor and texture. The pork is the star, but the layering is what makes it a true burrito instead of just shredded meat in a tortilla.

1. Pork Shoulder (Boneless): Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is the star ingredient. It is a flavorful and well-marbled cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked. 
2. Onion and Garlic: Onions and garlic provide aromatic and savory notes. They add depth of flavor to the pork during the cooking process.
3. Orange and Lime Juice: classic carnitas recipes call for citrus juices, such as orange and lime, is a traditional way to marinate and tenderize the pork in Carnitas Burritos. The acidity of the juices helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in tender and succulent pork.
4. Spices: A blend of spices makes up the delicious carnitas seasoning. Ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add so much flavor.
5. Tortillas: similar to why you warm a tortilla for enchiladas, a warm tortilla is more pliable and easy to roll. We tested this recipe with flour tortillas and Siete grain-free tortillas and they were delicious. 
6. Rice: Adding cooked rice to the burrito provides texture and substance. It also absorbs some of the flavors from the other ingredients, making each bite more satisfying. You can use brown rice, cilantro rice, or Mexican rice.
7. Black Beans: this is a really common filling in Mexican cuisine and provides a good source of fiber. They add a creamy and slightly earthy taste to the burrito. You could also use refried beans (we like Siete) or pinto beans.
8. Toppings: the options are endless when it comes to toppings. We’re sharing oour favorite toppings below!

How to Make Carnitas Burritos

The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. These delicious burritos are really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure they turn out every time.

We’re sharing how to make them in the pressure cooker, but the recipe card below includes slow cooker and stovetop instructions.

Make the Carnitas

Combine the spices in a small bowl and rub all sides of the pork generously. Sear each piece of pork shoulder on saute mode with olive oil until crispy and brown.

Pro tip: Work in batches because overcrowding the pot results in the meat steaming rather than searing.

Assemble the Burritos

​When you’re ready to serve. Warm the burrito shells in the oven, microwave, comal, or over an open gas flame. We explain all of these options in this post about how to soften tortillas for enchiladas. The process is the same!

To roll the burrito, fold half of the burrito over the toppings and tuck it under, securing the toppings against the shell. Fold in both sides then finish rolling into a burrito. Serve whole or slice in half.

Do you love pulled pork? I have the best recipe for Instant Pot pulled pork too!

Recipe FAQs

Need another Mexican recipe? Make Mexican shredded beef is the tomato-based, chuck version of these carnitas. Make a double batch and freeze shredded beef enchiladas for a quick weeknight meal.

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

More Mexican Dinner Recipes

• Pork tenderloin tacos,
• Instant Pot pulled pork
• Ground pork tacos
• Carne asada tacos
• Cilantro lime chicken thighs.

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This shredded beef is such an easy recipe that takes minimal effort and gets rave reviews from the whole family. The meat is tender and juicy, oozing with bold spices and texture. You’ll be tempted to grab a fork and eat it straight from the pot!

Do you love Mexican recipes? Try Instant Pot carnitas, ground turkey enchiladas, or carne asada tacos.

Over the years, we’ve mastered how to prepare and diversify beef recipes. For a comprehensive guide to a good cut of beef for different recipes, bookmark our guide to different cuts of beef.

It lays out the most common portion cuts, best cooking method, and recipes for each cut of meat. Including chuck roast, which is the cut of beef for this shredded beef recipe.

Need another recipe with this cut of beef? Try Korean shredded beef tacos next.

Why This Recipe Works

• Easy dinner: It’s one of those easy meals that can be thrown together in just a few steps. Then you can go about your other business as it slow cooks and makes your kitchen smell incredible.
• Minimal cleanup: One of the best parts about this delicious beef recipe is how easy it is to clean up. Everything gets dumped into the same pot.
• Great way to meal prep: Cook it up when you have the time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and pull it out when you’re ready. Your favorite meals will be ready in a fraction of the time.
• Versatile recipe: One of my favorite things about this easy shredded beef recipe is using it as a base for new recipes. Read on for more ideas on how to incorporate it into different recipes.

• Chuck roast: The best cuts of beef for slow cooking are large, tougher cuts of beef like chuck roast. The low-temperature, slow-cooking process allows the fat to break down resulting in a rich, tender flavor. You can substitute any chuck roast for chuck eye roast. Other great cuts are round steak, blade steak, and topside and skirt steak.
• Seasoning: Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder
• Avocado oil: Use avocado or olive oil.
• Onion: We used white onion for this recipe, but sweet, yellow, or purple onion will all work.
• Garlic: Opt for fresh garlic cloves if possible.
• Beef broth: You can substitute with beef stock.
• Tomato paste: Helps to thicken the broth and add a little flavor to the beef.
• Crushed tomatoes: These add a little sweetness and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a slightly tangy flavor.

Bring it to a boil over high heat then turn the heat down low and simmer, covered for 3 – 3 ½ hours. The meat should gently fall apart with a fork when it’s done. Internal temperature for a rump roast, chuck roast, or round roast should be 170°.

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Instructions

This recipe is easy to prepare on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. The Slower cooker is ideal to “set it and forget it” during the day. Use the Instant Pot if you want Mexican shredded beef in an hour and a half or less.

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Follow the same instructions to season and sear the beef. Mix the beef broth with the tomato paste and tomato sauce in the Crock Pot. Add the beef and slow cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

It’s also an easy instant pot recipe if you have less time to prepare. If cooking with an instant pot or pressure cooker, follow the same seasoning instructions, then sear the beef on the saute setting. Add the cooking liquid. Close the lid, make sure the vent is in the sealing position, and pressure cook on high pressure for 50 minutes then natural release for 15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

Note: this is a very similar cooking technique to our Instant Pot Carnitas. Use those step-by-step photos to help. Then try that delicious recipe next!

RECIPE FAQs

Expert Recipe Tips

• Make sure you look for a boneless chuck roast. This recipe calls for a chuck roast that’s about 2.5 – 3 pounds. You’ll want one with lots of good marbling because that’s where all the yummy flavor comes from.
• When cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, the chuck roast gets so tender you can use just one fork and it will fall apart. The natural marbling from the meat gets melted down and adds so much flavor. 

How to Serve

The best part about this easy shredded beef recipe is how easy it is to as a base for new recipes. You can create so many different meals with it that the whole family will love:

1. One of my favorite ways to have it is in shredded beef tacos. Add taco seasoning during cooking time, wrap the flavorful beef in corn tortillas, and add your favorite toppings. We like pico de gallo, red onions, lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Serve it with a side of refried beans or black beans and Mexican rice. It’s one of those quick meals the whole family will enjoy. (If you’re not a fan of corn tortillas, swap them out and make taco salads, burrito bowls, or rice bowls with all of the same ingredients.)
2. Another shredded beef taco recipe that has some Asian flair is this one for Korean shredded beef tacos. It’s perfect for a fun weekend night in.
3. You must try these delicious shredded beef enchiladas. The gluten-free enchilada sauce is rich and bold and so easy to make.
4. Go simple and make your own classic roast beef sandwiches. If you’d like to season it differently for more of an Italian flavor, skip the paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Instead, use Italian seasoning. Serve the shredded, cooked beef on a hoagie and top with a slice of provolone cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and giardiniera.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place it in the slow cooker on medium heat to melt and warm.

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

More Beef Recipes

For sticking to chuck roast recipes, be sure to try this sweet potato beef stew or slow cooker beef ragu.

Our favorite shoulder roast recipe is these instant pot carnitas. For something cooked quickly over high heat, try cooking with beef plate, like in this braised short rib pasta or sheet pan steak fajitas.

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These instant pot carnitas are so tender they fall apart with one fork, while the outside is seared to a crispy golden brown. Serve this flavorful and juicy pork over rice or inside tacos with your favorite toppings.

Love tender, fall-apart pork recipes? Try these Instant Pot Country Style Ribs and this recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork.

Salt, fat, acid and heat (the cornerstone of a good recipe) are all happening in this pork carnitas!

You may think they have to be cooked low and slow for HOURS when you think of tender, juicy carnitas. But did you know the Instant Pot achieves the same result in less than half the time!?

Juicy, crispy pork carnitas you can cook from start to finish on a weeknight.

Top these pork carnitas with avocado crema, healthy guacamole, vegan cashew queso, or creamy jalapeño ranch dressing. Or put it all into one delicious carnitas burrito.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Carnitas

• The same tender shredded pork in a fraction of the time.
• Every bite tastes like traditional carnitas. 
• Tender juicy pork with crispy edges every time.
• Great for meal prep (carnitas bowls!).
• It’s an easy recipe to make a big batch and freeze for later.

• Seasoning: a mixture of cumin, oregano, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper give the carnitas the classic Mexican flavors. We have more tips on this recipe for carnitas seasoning.
• Citrus juices: a mix of fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice add acid and flavor to the cooking liquid.
• Pork shoulder: this is often called pork butt and you can find it in the meat section of the grocery store. It will either be in the pre-packaged section or behind the butcher counter. It’s the same cut of pork you use to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork. 
• Garlic and onion: these aromatic ingredients and a base flavor to build off of.

Tip: This recipe calls for about 3 lbs of pork shoulder, but you can cut it and freeze the pork to make carnitas another day or try these tacos al pastor too if you can only find a larger cut.

Making these for a crowd? You need 2/3 lb of raw pork shoulder for each person. Multiply your guest count by .66 to get the amount of pork shoulder to purchase then adjust this recipe.

Are carnitas healthy? While we’re on the topic of ingredients, let’s talk about just how healthy these crispy carnitas are! They’re whole30, gluten free, dairy dairy free, sugar free and and a great source of protein.

Similar recipes you’ll love:

• Carne asada tacos
• Sheet pan burrito bowl
• Healthy chicken enchiladas
• Instant pot salsa chicken
• Mexican beef and rice skillet

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