Carnitas Breakfast Bowls

One of my lifestyle goals is to eat breakfast every day, and thankfully breakfast does not have to be boring. The key to my routine is keeping it fun by changing the menu often. In particular, breakfast bowls have become a favorite, right alongside my asparagus, goat cheese and mushroom frittata and my pancake platter.

For this recipe, I used the AdapTable Meals Carnitas Pork Roast, which comes already seasoned. I like to put mine in the slow cooker, because that method brings out the flavor and the convenience is hard to beat. As a result, I can walk away and come back to a meal, the same way I do with shredded pulled pork two ways and easy chicken thighs with wild rice.

What’s more, the carnitas stretch into other meals through the week. With this in mind, this bowl is not only hearty but also practical, and it is just as welcome at brunch beside a spinach and bacon quiche or a French toast board.

What Are Carnitas Breakfast Bowls?

In essence, they are a build-your-own breakfast in a bowl. Slow-cooked, shredded carnitas are served with crispy breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, avocado, cheese and salsa.

Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)

• AdapTable Meals Carnitas Pork Roast (1 package). Already seasoned and ready for the slow cooker.
• Beef broth (4 cups). Should cover the carnitas as they cook.
• Yellow onion (1/2, diced) and minced garlic (2 tablespoons). Flavor for the slow cooker.
• Salt and pepper (1 teaspoon each, divided). Half for the carnitas, half for the potatoes.
• Packaged hash brown potatoes (4 cups). The crispy base.
• Butter (2 tablespoons). For the potatoes.
• Garlic powder (2 teaspoons) and cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon). Season the potatoes.
• Eggs (4, scrambled). One per bowl.
• Avocados (2), shredded cheddar (1 cup) and salsa (4 tablespoons). The toppings.

Everything I Love for This Recipe

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Slow Cooker

Cooks the carnitas while you do something else.

Non-Stick Skillet With Lid

For crisp breakfast potatoes.

Meat Shredding Claws

Make quick work of the carnitas.

Mixing Bowl

For seasoning the potatoes.

Silicone Spatula

For soft scrambled eggs.

Wide Breakfast Bowls

Room for every topping.

Chef’s Knife

For the onion and avocado.

Cutting Board

A sturdy prep surface.

Measuring Spoons

For the seasonings.

Avocado Slicer

Neat slices every time.

Glass Storage Containers

For leftover carnitas.

Small Salsa Bowl

For serving at the table.

How To Make Carnitas Breakfast Bowls

Step 1: Slow Cook the Carnitas

Place the carnitas in the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth and half of the salt and pepper. Make sure the broth covers the carnitas. Cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat is completely shredded.

Step 2: Start the Potatoes

Season the potatoes with the garlic powder, cayenne and the remaining salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet, add the potatoes and stir to coat. Cover and cook for ten minutes.

Step 3: Crisp the Potatoes

Remove the lid and cook for an additional ten minutes, turning frequently, until brown and crisp on all sides.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

Cook the eggs to your preference. I recommend scrambled.

Step 5: Build the Bowls

Assemble each bowl with carnitas, scrambled eggs, potatoes, avocado, cheese and salsa.

KEEP HOSTING

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Variations

Add Greens

I like to add spinach or arugula to my bowl.

Change the Eggs

Prepare them however you like.

Add More Seasoning

The roast comes seasoned, but I love extra.

Make It Handheld

Try the bagel sandwich or an open face breakfast bruschetta sandwich.

When I Love Serving These Bowls

Weekend Brunch

Start the slow cooker early and brunch makes itself.

Meal Prep

Furthermore, the carnitas cover several meals.

Overnight Guests

Everyone builds their own bowl.

Game Day Mornings

Hearty enough to last through kickoff.

Busy Weekdays

Equally important, the potatoes and eggs take 20 minutes.

Breakfast for Dinner

Always a good idea.

What To Serve With Them

Something Sweet

Chocolate chip muffins or cinnamon rolls.

Something Fresh

A Greek yogurt board or yogurt parfait breakfast popsicles.

A Cold Drink

My strawberry smoothie or a pomegranate berry smoothie.

A Make-Ahead Side

Apple cinnamon overnight oats.

Another Pork Favorite

Grilled pork loin with Dijon honey mustard for dinner.

Shelf Life & Storage Tips

• Leftover carnitas. Refrigerate in a covered container and use for other meals.
• Potatoes. Best crisp from the skillet.
• Build to order. Assemble bowls just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the carnitas cook?

6 to 7 hours in the slow cooker, until completely shredded.

Does the roast need seasoning?

It comes already seasoned; I add onion, garlic, salt and pepper.

How do I get crispy potatoes?

Cook covered for ten minutes, then uncovered for ten more, turning frequently.

How should I cook the eggs?

Any way you like. I prefer scrambled.

How many does it serve?

Four.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, this bowl makes breakfast something to look forward to. Without a doubt, the slow cooker does the hard part. Enjoy!

SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!