Slow Cooker Pork Verde
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork that's juicy and full of green chili flavor. This easy Slow Cooker Pork Verde is a versatile dish that makes a great base for so many meals like tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or simply over rice.
Pork Verde Recipe
Another family favorite in my home! Slow Cooker Pork Verde is flavorful and easy to prepare using just a few ingredients---pork roast, onions, garlic, seasonings, wine, and salsa verde. This mixture simmers in the slow cooker for hours until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Pork verde is also super versatile. It makes the best filling for enchiladas and tacos, and can be used to create so many other meals. It's also great for meal prepping. I love to make this over the weekend to use for fast weeknight meals.
What is Pork Verde?
Also know as Chili Verde. This Mexican stew is a simple pot of tender meat cooked with green chili peppers and tomatillos. For this recipe I take a short-cut and use a quality store-brand salsa Verde. It is still absolutely delicious and makes the process that much easier!
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Pork Verde
- Olive oil
- 3 lb boneless pork loin, cut in 4 pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Small yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Seasonings- ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper, divided
- Wine (Pinot Gris or dry Riesling) or chicken stock
- Salsa Verde
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime juice
Why I use Pork Loin for this recipe
Pork Verde can be made with pork shoulder, country pork ribs, or pork loin. To keep this recipe super easy with minimal work I use a boneless pork loin. This cut of meat usually has a thin layer of fat on the outside of the roast that cooks down perfectly with the meat. I love this because I don't have to fish out lumps of fat. The thin layer of fat on a pork loin also gives this dish flavor without it being too greasy or oily. Boneless country pork ribs are also a great option here.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pork Verde:
Step 1. Season pork pieces on all sides with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then dust all sides with a thin layer of flour.
Step 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high heat with olive oil. Sear meat on all sides until it forms a deep golden crust. Place browned pork in a 6 Qt or larger slow cooker.
Step 3. To the same hot skillet soften onions, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in wine with a few more seasonings, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen brown bits.
Step 4. Pour the onion mixture over the top of the pork, then add salsa Verde. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5. Meat should easily break apart with a fork.
Step 5. Shred meat right in the pot with two forks, then add fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Ang's Helpful Tips
- Searing the meat- While this is an optional step, it does make a big difference in the overall results. It only takes a few extra minutes and it's worth it. The caramelized crust on the outer layer of the meat will give the dish a deep, rich flavor.
- Wine is another flavor booster for this recipe. Even if you don't drink wine, I promise you won't taste it in this recipe, nor will there be any traces of alcohol at the end of the cooking time. I like to use a slightly sweeter wine like a Pinot Gris or dry Riesling to balance out the acidity from the salsa Verde. As I noted above in the ingredients, chicken stock can definitely be used in place of wine.
- Shred pork right in the slow cooker. If using a leaner cut of pork like I did, save yourself the time and dishes and shred the meat right in the pot with the sauce. If you're concerned about any bits of fat, or if you're using a pork shoulder (which has bigger sections of fat) transfer the meat to a plate to separate the meat from the fat.
How to serve Slow Cooker Pork Verde
As I mentioned above, this Pork Verde makes the best enchiladas and tacos. You could also make nachos, burritos, burrito bowls, serve over Mexican rice or mashed potatoes. This pork would also make a great base for a simple soup---add some beans and chicken stock, then top with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla chips, and sour cream.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Enjoy more flavors like this with these simple recipes. If you love soups, try my popular Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Soup, or my easy Green Chicken Chili Sheet Pan Nachos. For a heartier meal serve up this easy Creamy Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Skillet meal.
Slow Cooker Pork Verde
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 6 Qt Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 lb boneless pork loin cut in 4 pieces
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blend also works
- 1 small yellow cut in half and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves sliced thin
- ½ teaspoon cumin, plus more for seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- garlic powder to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup white wine, such as Pinot Gris or Dry Riesling
- 1 (16) oz jar mild salsa Verde
- chopped cilantro optional
- ½ lime juiced
Instructions
- Season pork pieces on all sides with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, then dust all sides with a thin layer of flour.
- Heat a large skillet to medium high heat and add olive oil. Sear meat on all sides until it forms a deep golden crust. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Place browned pork in the bottom of a 6 Qt or larger slow cooker.
- With the skillet still on medium high heat add sliced onions. Cook just until softened and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic slices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine or chicken stock, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Scrap the bits from the bottom of the pan and cook another 2 minutes.
- Pour the onion mixture over the top of the pork, then add the jar of salsa Verde. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 4-5. Meat should easily break apart.
- Shred meat right in the pot with two forks. Add fresh cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve over rice, as a filling for tacos or enchiladas, or simply enjoy as is.
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra charge to you.
