Welcome to your new go-to recipe for effortless yet incredibly flavorful weeknight dinners: Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde. This hearty and satisfying dish practically cooks itself, making it a perfect solution for busy schedules, holiday preparations, or simply when you crave a deeply comforting meal without the fuss. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of tender pork slow-cooked in a vibrant, zesty green chili sauce – that’s the magic of this Crock Pot Pork Chili Verde.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde Recipe
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our cravings naturally lean towards warm, soul-satisfying dishes. While the holiday season brings joy and festive cheer, it often comes hand-in-hand with a hectic pace. Juggling gift shopping, holiday parties, and family gatherings can leave little time or energy for elaborate meal preparation. That’s where the trusty slow cooker becomes your best friend, transforming simple ingredients into a spectacular meal with minimal effort.
This Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer. It allows you to prepare a delicious, home-cooked dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. By having staple ingredients like pork shoulder readily available in your freezer, you’re always just a few steps away from a stress-free and incredibly satisfying dinner experience. Our goal this year has been to maintain a well-stocked pantry and freezer, making it easier to whip up wholesome meals at home and reduce the temptation of eating out.
Chili recipes, especially during the colder months, hold a special place in our hearts. There’s something uniquely comforting about a thick, rich, and hearty meal that truly fills you up from the inside out. This Pork Chili Verde is no exception, delivering a burst of flavor that will warm you on even the chilliest evenings. It’s a perfect dish to share with family or to prepare for convenient leftovers throughout the week.
What is Pork Chili Verde?
Pork Chili Verde, often simply called Chili Verde, is a classic Mexican-American stew renowned for its robust flavor and tender chunks of pork in a vibrant green sauce. Unlike its red chili counterpart, chili verde gets its signature hue and tangy, spicy profile from green chiles and tomatillos. While traditional versions can be quite labor-intensive, involving roasting chiles and making fresh salsa verde, this slow cooker recipe simplifies the process without compromising on authentic taste. The slow cooking method is ideal for transforming tougher cuts of pork, like pork shoulder, into fork-tender perfection, allowing all the rich flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Chili Verde?
The slow cooker is an invaluable kitchen appliance, particularly for dishes like Pork Chili Verde. Its “set it and forget it” nature makes it perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without being tied to the stove. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice for this recipe:
- Unmatched Tenderness: Pork shoulder, a cut rich in connective tissue, benefits immensely from long, slow cooking. The low heat gradually breaks down these tissues, resulting in incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s easy to shred.
- Deep Flavor Infusion: Hours of simmering allow the spices, salsa verde, and pork juices to combine and intensify, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Convenience: Minimal hands-on time is required. After a quick browning of the pork and aromatics, simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This frees up your time for other tasks or relaxation.
- Cost-Effective: Pork shoulder is generally a more affordable cut of meat, and slow cooking makes it taste gourmet, maximizing your grocery budget.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for meal prepping on a Sunday, or starting dinner before you head out for the day. You return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Pork Chili Verde
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the robust flavors derived from a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde:
- Olive Oil: Essential for browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics, building a foundational layer of flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onion provides a sweet and savory base. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is crucial for chili.
- Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down to create incredibly tender, flavorful meat. Cube it into 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking.
- Green Salsa (Salsa Verde): The star of the show! Use a good quality store-bought salsa verde for convenience, or try your hand at homemade if you have extra time. Look for one with a flavor profile you enjoy – mild, medium, or hot.
- Diced Jalapenos: These add a lovely kick and authentic flavor. You can adjust the quantity based on your preferred spice level. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes. For more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Canned diced jalapenos are a convenient option.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds acidity and a slight sweetness, balancing the richness of the pork and the tang of the salsa verde. They also contribute to the overall texture of the chili.
Recommended Kitchen Tool: Your Slow Cooker
For this recipe, we highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring your Pork Chili Verde cooks perfectly without overcooking, giving you peace of mind throughout the day. Investing in a reliable Crockpot makes slow cooking even more enjoyable and stress-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pork Chili Verde
Making this Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and tender meal:
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Pork: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the cubed pork shoulder to the skillet and brown it on all sides. Browning the pork is a crucial step as it adds deep, caramelized flavor (Maillard reaction) to your chili that you wouldn’t get if you simply added raw pork to the slow cooker. You don’t need to cook it through, just get a nice sear on the exterior.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned onions, garlic, and pork into your slow cooker. Then, pour in the green salsa, diced jalapenos (including their liquid for extra flavor), and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything gently to ensure the pork is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours. After 3 hours, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. The total cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork pieces, but generally, 7-8 hours is sufficient. The longer, slower cooking time ensures maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- Shred and Serve: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker (you can do this right in the pot or transfer to a bowl). Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the chili verde sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Garnishes
This Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Classic Sides: Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice, with warm corn or flour tortillas for scooping up the rich sauce, or alongside a simple green salad.
- Hearty Options: It’s also excellent over baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even polenta. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice.
- Essential Garnishes: Don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a handful of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese truly complete the experience. Sliced avocado or guacamole also adds a creamy, refreshing contrast.
- Creative Twists: Use leftovers to make delicious chili verde tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even a flavorful nacho topping.
Tips for Success and Storage
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapenos or remove their seeds. For extra spice, add a pinch of chili powder, a dash of hot sauce, or even a few serrano peppers.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili towards the end of cooking and adjust seasonings as needed. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors.
- Thickening the Chili: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the pork and vegetables against the side of the pot, or by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the hot chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Freezing for Later: This Pork Chili Verde freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. Once cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of the convenience and incredible flavors that slow cooking offers, especially when it comes to pork, you’ll love exploring more of our favorite slow cooker recipes. Here are some recommendations for your next culinary adventure:
- Crock Pot Mole Pulled Pork
- Crock Pot Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce
- Pork Bone Broth
- Creamy Rosemary Pork
- White Chicken Chili
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Be sure to check out our extensive collections of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and an entire section dedicated to our favorite Crock Pot Recipes.
Stay connected with us for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde Recipe
Delicious Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde Recipe from TammileeTips.com
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 290 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ cup Onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- Green salsa (your preferred amount/heat)
- 4 oz Diced Jalapeno
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add in cubed pork and brown on all sides.
- Transfer the browned onions, garlic, and pork to the slow cooker. Add green salsa, diced jalapenos, and diced tomatoes.
- Cook on high for 3 hours, then reduce to low and cook for another 4-5 hours, or until pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the pork within the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 (Calories from Fat 153)
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 4g 25%
Cholesterol 92mg 31%
Sodium 113mg 5%
Potassium 666mg 19%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 2%
Protein 27g 54%
Vitamin A 285IU 6%
Vitamin C 31.2mg 38%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 2.4mg 13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared on December 6, 2017. Updated and optimized October 2020.