Classic fall flavor meets family-favorite weeknight meal in this Pumpkin Spice Pork Tacos recipe. Hearty, slow-cooked pork shoulder combines with a savory pumpkin spice seasoning blend for a dish that's both comforting and unique. Rubbed with aromatic spices and cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, the pork becomes irresistibly tender and flavorful. Serve it up with warm tortillas and an array of taco toppings for a dinner that's as easy as it is crave-worthy. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive autumn gathering, these Pumpkin Spice Pork Tacos are sure to be a hit. You’ll want to savor every single bite!
Dry rubs are a blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings that are often used in grilling, roasting, and slow cooking to add depth and enhance the flavors of a dish. The dry rub is applied directly to the surface of meat, poultry, or fish before cooking. Unlike a marinade, which uses liquid to infuse flavor, a dry rub relies on the dry ingredients to create a flavorful crust. Dry rub ingredients typically include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, sugar, or other spices. In this slow cooker pumpkin pork tacos, we use a mix of salt, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar.
Pumpkin spiced tacos pair wonderfully with soft flour tortillas topped with red onions, cilantro, and salsa, but the toppings can be totally customizable. You can easily complete the meal by adding a side dish or two. Cilantro-lime rice, creamy cabbage coleslaw, seasoned black beans, or even roasted fall veggies are all excellent choices. Serving a crowd? Use the ingredients and sides to turn your table into a build-your-own taco bar.
This flavor-packed meal makes excellent leftovers! Simply place the remaining pork in an airtight container and store for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to serve it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For longer storage, keep the pork in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in a skillet or microwave. Any leftover toppings can be placed in separate airtight containers and stored in the fridge for up to three to four days. Place leftover tortillas in a resealable plastic bag and keep those in the fridge for up to one week.
We love this recipe not only for its flavors but for how easy it is to put together. Plus it serves 8-10 hungry family members or guests. The pork does take some time to cook, but that’s where the beauty of the slow cooker comes in! The dry rub is a quick mix of salt, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar. Once the pork has been seasoned and refrigerated overnight, into the slow cooker it goes with pumpkin puree and beef stock for six to eight hours or until tender. This is where all the fantastic flavor seeps in. Before serving, shred the pork and serve with your tortillas and toppings. It’s a low effort, big reward type of recipe that you won’t soon forget! And if you like these Pumpkin Spice Pork Tacos, be sure to check out this collection of delicious Slow-Cooker Recipes.
