Crockpot Pork Chili Verde with Jar Sauce and Tomatillos
If you’re craving bold, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal fuss, a Crockpot Pork Chili Verde is the perfect answer. This slow-cooked classic blends melt-in-your-mouth pork with the bright, zesty flavor of green chili sauce and tomatillos, creating a rich, comforting dish that practically cooks itself. With the convenience of jarred salsa verde and the earthy tartness of fresh tomatillos, this version delivers restaurant-quality taste with a home-cooked heart.
Whether you’re feeding a family, planning a meal prep session, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner with leftovers to spare, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.
🌿 What Is Chili Verde?
Chili Verde—Spanish for "green chili"—is a Mexican-inspired stew traditionally made with pork and a green chili sauce, usually based on tomatillos, green chiles, garlic, and cilantro. Unlike its red chili cousin, Chili Verde has a tart, tangy brightness that comes from the tomatillos and green peppers. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fresh twist.
While authentic versions often involve roasting peppers, simmering fresh sauces, and hours of stovetop stirring, this Crockpot version cuts down on prep time without compromising flavor—thanks to jarred salsa verde and the magic of slow cooking.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is built for ease. By using a jarred verde sauce, you simplify prep without sacrificing that rich, roasted flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed and cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 cups jarred salsa verde (your favorite brand, mild to hot depending on preference)
6–8 fresh tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and halved or quartered
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, sliced (optional, for added heat)
Juice of 1 lime, added at the end for brightness
🥣 Optional Add-Ins
Diced green chiles: Add for even more depth.
White beans: Stir in a can toward the end for a heartier stew.
Potatoes: Cubed Yukon golds work well if you want a filling one-pot meal.
Zucchini or corn: For a veggie-packed variation.
🔥 Directions
1. Brown the Pork (Optional But Flavorful)
If you have an extra 10–15 minutes, sear the pork chunks in olive oil in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. This step adds a deeper flavor through caramelization. Transfer the seared pork to your crockpot.
2. Layer the Ingredients
Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Then pour in your jarred salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine. Add the fresh tomatillos over the top. If you like it spicy, toss in sliced jalapeños or serranos.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook:
On low for 8–10 hours (best for tender, shreddable pork), or
On high for 4–5 hours if you're short on time.
The pork will become fork-tender and the tomatillos will melt into the sauce, adding a natural tang.
4. Shred the Pork
When the pork is done, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Stir everything to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lime juice for brightness and a fresh finish.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and slices of avocado or radishes if desired.
🍽️ How to Serve Pork Chili Verde
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
In warm flour or corn tortillas as tacos or burritos
Spoon it into a bowl with tortilla chips
Served over mashed potatoes or quinoa
With beans and shredded cheese in a hearty chili bowl
Or simply with warm cornbread on the side
It’s also excellent for meal prep—store in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.
🧊 Leftovers and Freezing Tips
Pork Chili Verde gets even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
🏆 Why Use Jarred Salsa Verde?
While homemade salsa verde is wonderful, jarred versions save time and come in a variety of flavor profiles—from smoky to tangy to fiery. Look for a jar with:
Tomatillos listed as a main ingredient
No added sugars or preservatives
The heat level you prefer
Brands like Herdez, Frontera, or Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde are popular and widely available.
You can also combine the jarred sauce with fresh tomatillos for a semi-homemade version that balances brightness with depth.
🧄 Flavor Tips and Tricks
Add roasted garlic or fire-roasted green chiles for complexity.
Stir in crema or sour cream at the end for a creamy twist.
Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for added greens that melt into the sauce.
Use bone-in pork shoulder if available—the bones add flavor and can be removed before shredding.
💬 Final Thoughts: Easy, Tangy, and Irresistible
This Crockpot Pork Chili Verde is the perfect blend of bold flavor, ease, and comfort. It honors traditional Mexican flavors while offering weeknight practicality. With jarred sauce and fresh tomatillos, it hits the sweet spot between convenience and homemade freshness.
Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s a flavorful way to feed a crowd, meal prep in advance, or just cozy up with a warm bowl of green goodness.
Helpful Reading
Phyllo Dough Breakfast and Dessert Recipes and Meatloaf Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllo-Dessert-Breakfast-Recipes-Meatloaf-ebook/dp/B0DMKZF4ZD/
Salad Magic: Growing Delicious Tomatoes, Cucumbers, & Lettuce 🥬 🍅
https://www.amazon.com/Salad-Magic-Delicious-Tomatoes-Cucumbers-ebook/dp/B0F1WZ7KK8/
Keyhole Gardening
https://www.amazon.com/Bountiful-Beds-Mastering-Lettuce-Eco-Friendly-ebook/dp/B0FBRQ6S4X/
Regenerative Tomato Gardening
https://www.amazon.com/Regrow-Earth-Beginners-Regenerative-Gardening-ebook/dp/B0FBN8C3YT/
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