Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty pork stew simmered with green chilies and regional spices, capturing the bold flavors popular in Colorado’s mountain towns. This american-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the pork to the pot along with 1 cup chopped roasted green chilies, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring stew to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Denver-Inspired Green Chili Pork Stew?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes