Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde

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

Tender pork chunks slow-cooked in a tangy tomatillo and green chili sauce, perfect for warming up any meal with vibrant Mexican flavors. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 175 minutes pairs pork shoulder, tomatillos, jalapeño peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 10 rinsed tomatillos, 2 stemmed and seeded jalapeño peppers, 1 quartered medium white onion, and 4 peeled garlic cloves in a large pot with 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatillos soften.
  2. Step 2: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the mixture until smooth; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the pork to the pot in batches, searing until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
  5. Step 5: Return all pork to the pot and pour the tomatillo sauce over it.
  6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde?

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 Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde 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 Low-Simmered Mexican Pork Chili Verde?

Mexican 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.

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