Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe

This Cafe Rio Sweet Pork recipe is the real deal—juicy, tender, and packed with that sweet, savory flavor everyone loves. The secret? Low and slow cooking in a crockpot with a can of Coke (Dr. Pepper/Root Beer work too). I’ve tested this recipe in the Instant Pot—twice—and both times were a major letdown. The flavor just doesn’t develop the same, and the meat isn’t nearly as melt-in-your-mouth tender.

If you’re looking for an easy and foolproof way to make sweet pork at home, stick with the slow cooker (or even the oven if that’s better for you). I’ll also share a few ideas for modifying this recipe if you’re trying to avoid soda, though I truly believe this version is the best!

Be sure to check out these other Cafe Rio copycat recipes:

• Cafe Rio Queso Recipe
• Cafe Rio Horchata Recipe
• Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing Recipe
• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad Recipe

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (Crockpot Style) | Make this easy and flavorful Cafe Rio sweet pork at home using your slow cooker. Perfect for salads, burritos, or tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like Cafe Rio (or maybe even better!) – This sweet pork is bursting with bold, crave-worthy flavor.
• Perfectly tender – Thanks to the slow cooker, the meat practically falls apart and soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce.
• Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and use it all week in salads, burritos, tacos, or rice bowls.
• Customizable – Prefer Dr Pepper or root beer over Coke? Want to try a version without soda? I’ve got substitution tips to help.
• Crowd-pleaser – Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a group, this sweet pork is always a hit.
• Easy to make – Just a few ingredients and a crockpot are all you need for a no-fuss dinner that feels restaurant-level.

Best Crockpot Sweet Pork – Cafe Rio Copycat | Slow cooked to perfection, this sweet pork recipe tastes just like Cafe Rio! Great for burritos, salads, and more.

Ingredients and Substitution Notes

Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt)

• This cut has the perfect fat content for tender, juicy results.
• Substitution: You can use pork loin for a leaner option, but it won’t be as moist or flavorful.

Coke (not Diet)

• Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat during the slow cook.
• Substitutions: Dr Pepper or root beer also work great. If avoiding soda entirely, try 1 cup pineapple juice + 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (note: flavor will vary).

Brown Sugar

• Deepens the sweetness and caramelized flavor of the pork.
• Substitution: Coconut sugar or honey in a pinch.

Green Enchilada Sauce

• Adds mild heat and tangy depth to the sauce.
• Substitution: Salsa verde or a blend of green chilies and broth.

Red Taco Sauce

• Provides that signature sweet-piquant balance.
• Substitution: Mild red enchilada sauce or your favorite red salsa.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

• Bring savory flavor without needing to sauté anything.
• Substitution: Minced fresh garlic and onion if desired—about 1 tsp each.

Salt & Pepper

• To enhance and balance the overall flavor.

Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe | Skip the Instant Pot—this crockpot sweet pork is the real deal. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor with a can of Coke or Dr Pepper!

This Cafe Rio Sweet Pork recipe is a must-try if you’re craving that sweet, savory flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen. Made with tender pork shoulder, a can of Coke (or Dr Pepper or root beer), and a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is best cooked low and slow in the crockpot for maximum flavor. Whether you’re building a loaded salad, rolling up a burrito, or meal-prepping for the week, this sweet pork is versatile, family-friendly, and unbelievably delicious. 

Continue to Content

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Love Cafe Rio salads? Make your own at home with this sweet pork slow cooker recipe—easy and crowd-pleasing!

Print

Ingredients

• 6 pound bone in pork butt
• 12 ounces Coke, Root Beer, or Dr. Pepper
• 10 ounce can green enchilada sauce
• 2 ten-ounce cans red enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• Dash of chili powder
• 2 cups brown sugar

Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt and cut it into 3–4 large chunks.
2. Place pork in the crockpot and pour 1 can of regular (not diet) Coke over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours, or until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Remove pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard excess fat. Drain the remaining liquid from the crockpot.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup green enchilada sauce, ¾ cup red taco sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return shredded pork to the crockpot and pour the sauce over the meat. Stir until evenly coated.
7. Cover and cook on low for 1–2 additional hours to allow the flavors to soak in.
8. Serve warm in salads, burritos, tacos, rice bowls, or your favorite dish.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 777Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 195mgSodium: 963mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 1gSugar: 38gProtein: 53g

Related Articles

Cafe Rio Pork Salad Recipe

Cafe Rio Queso Recipe

Cafe Rio Horchata Recipe

Copycat Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing Recipe

Nordstrom Cafe Tomato Basil Soup Recipe