Craving a deeply flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further than this Crock Pot Chile Verde Pork recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This vibrant and healthy dish is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming humble pork shoulder into a succulent masterpiece. Get ready to experience the best of easy recipes and healthy meals all in one!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Toppings of your choice: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped onions
Instructions:
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Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended): For extra depth of flavor, begin by browning the pork cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set aside. This step isn’t strictly necessary but significantly elevates the flavor profile.
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Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the browned pork (or un-browned pork if skipping this step), diced green chilies, Rotel, chicken broth, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred and Simmer: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Allow to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Chile Verde Pork hot with warm corn tortillas. Top with your favorite fixings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and chopped onions for a truly satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chile Verde:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For a spicier kick, add more!
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it the day before and reheat it gently before serving.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Chicken Chile Verde: Substitute 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. Reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Chile Verde: Omit the meat and add 1 (15 ounce) can of your favorite beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spice it Up: Add a few jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra fiery kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Crock Pot Chile Verde Pork recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas that are also healthy meals. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!