Chill Crock Pot Carnitas

Taco night. Do you have that friend that always suggest taco night? Are you that person?  Oh, it'll be soooo easy. We'll just have to get three different kinds of tortillas, make up the fillings (ground beef AND turkey, obvs), and then chop a gazillion things and put them in their individual bowls. Lettuce! Tomatoes! Jalapenos! Avocado! Onions! Olives! Cilantro! Salsa! OMG we forgot cheese, someone go to the store and get the cheese!

But this recipe can change that, you guys. This recipe can make taco night more chill. 

"But Laura, what if people like different kinds of tortillas??"
I don't care. Eat these with corn tortillas. You can get 400 for I think 75 cents.

"OMG Laura but the toppings? I want all the toppings in the little bowls?"
Shut up! Just make lazy girl guac and put some cilantro on top! Maybe Greek yogurt and a wedge of lime if you're being ambitious! Let the toppings go!

"Laura you're being really aggressive about taco night."
You're right - this is getting intense. I may be overreacting. But I digress.  

beauty pageant tacs

SO - what makes these good? 
1. They are easy. You dump five ingredients in a crock pot, go away, and return to them as some sort of carnitas genius. 
2. This is way more interesting that normal ground meat with taco seasoning. We're talking HERBS, people. SPICES! 
3.  The carnitas are so good, you don't even need a bunch of toppings! More chill!

Enough rambling- on with the recipe!

You'll need:
2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed (also knows as pork butt)
2 T dried oregano
2 T chili powder
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t garlic powder
1 jar of salsa (anywhere between 8 and 16 oz is fine) 
1 can of corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (drained)
 For the tacs:
Small corn tortillas
lime (cut in wedges)
Chopped fresh cilantro
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Lazy Girl Guac (recipe at the end!)

Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot, and generously season with salt and pepper. Smother the oregano, chili powder, cocoa powder, garlic powder, and salsa on the pork. This is NOT photogenic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

bay leaves optional

Like a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, so you shall become DERELICT!

After the crock pot has done all of the work, take two forks and shred the heck out of that pork. It should be really easy. Add the drained beans and corn to the crock pot, and a little salt to taste (duh!)

Okay, you're done! It's taco time! Serve in warm corn tortillas and top with cilantro, guacamole, a squeeze of lime, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream of course).

These got crazy with corn salsa

 If you're still reading this, now it is time to learn about Lazy Girl Guac. This is basically what I make if it is a week night and I need delicious guacamole immediately, with the least amount of effort required. 

You'll need:
2-3 ripe avocados
Juice of 1 lime
Garlic powder
Salt

Mash avocados in a bowl with 2 forks. Add a healthy pinch of salt and a healthy sprinkle of garlic powder (I never measure this so apologies for the ambiguity - start with 1/4 t and add more to taste!). Squeeze in the lime and mix it all together. Adjust seasonings to taste. DONE! Enjoy!