If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week, this pork chili verde recipe slow cooker is exactly what you need. Slow cooker meals are the ultimate game-changer for busy home cooks—they allow you to come home to a warm, comforting dish with minimal effort.
This pork chili verde features tender chunks of pork simmered slowly in a vibrant green chili sauce made from fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, and a blend of aromatic spices. The slow cooking process ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s tangy, mildly spicy, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for a casual get-together with friends, this slow cooker pork chili verde is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or even as a topping for nachos.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your spice tolerance or available ingredients. Ready to dive into this comforting, flavorful stew?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pork chili verde recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and bold flavors. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your day while the magic happens inside the pot.
The pork comes out tender and juicy, soaking up the tangy, slightly spicy green chili sauce that bursts with fresh tomatillo goodness.
It’s also a great recipe for meal prepping—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various diets.
The fresh herbs and spices pack a punch without relying on heavy cream or cheese, keeping the dish light yet satisfying. Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores or local markets.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded for less heat or kept whole for spicier chili
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity recommended)
- Large skillet (for searing the pork)
- Blender or food processor (to puree the tomatillo mixture)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatillo sauce: Place the rinsed tomatillos and jalapeños in a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 5 minutes until softened. Drain and transfer to a blender. Add half the chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Sear the pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds great flavor and texture to the final dish.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Add the seared pork to the slow cooker. Pour the tomatillo sauce over the meat. Add the remaining chopped onion, minced garlic, and the rest of the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Finish the dish: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the pork chili verde into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a milder chili verde, remove the seeds and membranes from jalapeños before blending. If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapeños or substitute with serrano peppers.
To add depth, consider roasting the tomatillos and peppers under the broiler before boiling for a smoky flavor.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer the pork and sauce in a heavy pot on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Swap pork shoulder with pork tenderloin for a leaner version, but be mindful it cooks faster and can dry out.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This pork chili verde is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to try:
- Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Use as a filling for warm corn or flour tortillas topped with fresh diced onions and cilantro for tasty tacos.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado for a hearty burrito bowl.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- For a fun twist, spoon it over crispy tortilla chips and sprinkle with queso fresco for loaded nachos.
Conclusion
This slow cooker pork chili verde is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors combined with the convenience of slow cooking. The tender pork and vibrant green chili sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests with minimal fuss. The best part?
You can tailor the spice level and garnishes to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Once you’ve mastered this pork chili verde, be sure to explore other delicious slow cooker meals like our slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, slow cooker beef stew, or slow cooker vegetarian chili for more hearty, comforting dishes.
Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Pork Chili Verde Recipe Slow Cooker
Description: A flavorful and tender pork chili verde made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This recipe combines pork shoulder with tomatillos and green chilies for a spicy, tangy stew.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown pork cubes on all sides, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until pork is tender.
- Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 8 g
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