Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos

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

Tender pork simmered in a vibrant tomatillo and green chili sauce, perfect for a festive Cinco de Mayo dinner. This Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipe, ready in about 440 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tomatillos, husked and quartered, jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped 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: 420 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden and caramelized. Transfer browned pork to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine 1 pound quartered tomatillos, 1 chopped jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 1 medium chopped white onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
  3. Step 3: Pour the tomatillo sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos?

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 white onion, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos?

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 Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos 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 Slow-Cooked Chile Verde Pork Stew with Tomatillos?

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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