Slow Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices

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

Slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with smoky and spicy Southwestern flavors, perfect for an easy meal that brings comfort and variety to the table. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over 3 lbs of pork shoulder chunks.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chunks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely seared. Transfer the pork to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies and 1 cup chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, shred the pork in the slow cooker and stir to incorporate the juices. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices?

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 Slow Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices?

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 Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices 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 Cooker Southwestern Pork with Spices?

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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