These Carnitas Tostadas with Pineapple Guacamole are about to become a new favorite. Crispy tostada shells are layered with refried beans, tender shredded carnitas, and melted cheese, then topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy pineapple-studded guacamole that adds the perfect sweet-and-savory twist.
Why You’ll Love This Tostadas Recipe:
- It’s an easy slow cooker carnitas shortcut. You might also like to try my slow cooker carnitas tacos recipe!
- It includes a fresh, bright pineapple guacamole.
- Hey, it’s fun to build-your-own dinner!
- It’s a great recipe for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients Needed:
For the Tostadas
- Pre-seasoned carnitas – Savory, tender pork with big flavor
- Corn tostada shells – Crispy base
- Refried beans – Creamy layer that holds everything together
- Mexican cheese blend – Melty, cheesy goodness
- Iceberg lettuce and tomatoes – Fresh crunch and brightness
- Cilantro – Fresh finishing touch
For the Pineapple Guacamole
- Avocados – Creamy base
- Sour cream – Extra smooth texture
- Fresh pineapple – Sweet contrast to savory pork
- Lime juice – Bright acidity
- Red pepper and salt – Subtle heat and seasoning
How to Make Carnitas Tostadas with Pineapple Guacamole:
Prepare the Carnitas
Prepare the pre-seasoned carnitas in the slow cooker according to package directions (about 6 hours on LOW with ½ cup water). When done, shred the pork.
Make the Guacamole
In a medium bowl, mix together the avocados, sour cream, pineapple, lime juice, red pepper, and salt. Stir in cilantro if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Add pickled red onions or jalapeños for extra punch.
- Swap pork carnitas for chicken or beef.
- Use black beans instead of refried beans if preferred.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, salsa fresca or chipotle crema for heat.
Assemble the Tostadas
Preheat your oven broiler. Spread each tostada shell lightly with refried beans. Top with shredded carnitas and sprinkle with cheese. Place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish
Top warm tostadas with lettuce, tomatoes, and pineapple guacamole. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Carnitas Tostadas
These tostadas go well with Fiesta rice, cilantro-lime rice, elote-style corn, or simple chips and salsa.
Here are a couple more recipes for tostadas that you might enjoy:
Carnitas Tostadas with Pineapple Guacamole
Equipment
Ingredients
TOSTADAS
- 2 pounds pre-seasoned carnitas
- ½ cup water
- 12 corn tostada shells
- One 15-ounce can refried beans (more, if desired)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- chopped fresh cilantro
GUACAMOLE
- 2 large avocados, mashed
- 2 teaspoons sour cream
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- ground red pepper and salt, to taste
- chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Instructions
PREPARE THE TOSTADAS:
- Prepare the carnitas in the slow cooker according to package directions (about 6 hours on low in the slow cooker with ½ cup water). When done cooking shred the pork.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Spread tostada shells lightly with refried beans, sprinkle some shredded carnitas on top of the beans, and then top with a sprinkle of cheese. Place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, watching to make sure they do not burn.
- Top warm tostadas with whatever you desire, lettuce, tomato, guacamole.
MAKE THE GUACAMOLE:
- Just mix all of the guacamole ingredients together to prepare and fresh cilantro if you'd like. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just discovered this recipe and would like to make it for dinner tonight. Can I put the carnitas into my instant pot instead of a slow cooker? What would the recommended settings be?
Hi Michelle, I haven’t done much in the Instant Pot yet… so I’m not quite sure I can give you accurate advice!
those look delicious!