Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili
Satisfy your cravings for chili but use pulled pork for variation! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili is full of classic flavor and can be assembled in the slow cooker in minutes. Try a twist on chili for a hearty meal that works for any time or season.
Ingredients Needed
Don’t be intimidated by a longer ingredient list! Once you have everything out on the counter and ready to assemble, it only takes a few minutes to get everything into the slow cooker.
- Boneless pork shoulder roast – This recipe uses about 2 pounds of pork shoulder roast and depending on your slow cooker size, you may need to cut it in half or thirds to fit. This roast is the perfect meat for slow cooking since it is so flavorful and shreds super easily when cooked until tender!
- Onion – Dice one small yellow or white onion.
- Garlic – Mince 2 cloves of garlic or use a premade jarred variety.
- Jalapeno peppers – Remove the ribs and seeds and finely dice 2 peppers for the perfect amount of flavor and heat.
- Pinto beans – Use one large can of pinto beans and be sure to drain and rinse.
- Diced tomatoes – Use regular canned diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes can also work for a smokier flavor.
- Tomato sauce – A can of plain tomato sauce adds to the thick, savory chili base.
- Seasonings – Use a few spices to make the best smoky chili flavor that complements the pulled pork. You’ll need chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro.
- Mexican beer – Choose your favorite variety of Mexican beer for a rich flavor that highlights the pulled pork. If you prefer to leave out the beer, chicken broth will also work as a substitute.
How To Make Pulled Pork Chili In The Slow Cooker
No extra sautéing or browning required! Follow these steps and your chili is set to simmer for the day.
- Once you’ve measured spices, opened cans, and diced peppers and onions, simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-9 hours. (Since you want the pork to truly cook low and slow for maximum tenderness, low is the preferred setting vs. high heat.)
- Remove the pork roast and shred it with forks on a plate or cutting board.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Serve a bowl of pulled pork chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream or as desired!
What To Serve With Pulled Pork Chili
Pulled pork chili is a pretty robust meal on its own, but there are plenty of complementary options to serve on the side. Cornbread (especially a cheesy one), or chips are great options for dipping and variation of texture. Saltine crackers are commonly served with traditional chili and you might like them here, too!
Since the chili is so hearty, a light, fresh salad would be another great side option. Try a simple garden salad or Tomato Corn Salsa.
If you’re planning to serve this chili for a party or large gathering, you may want some appetizers! Try serving fresh-mixed guacamole or Slow Cooker Spicy Queso alongside chips and a raw veggie tray.
Best Toppings For Pulled Pork Chili
Top off your bowl of pulled pork chili with any number of fresh toppings. Try one or a few to find your favorite combination:
- Shredded cheese (If you have time, fresh grated cheese is the best option!)
- Sliced green onion
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- Diced avocado
- Scoop of sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of hot sauce
Storing and Reheating
Pulled pork chili is great for making ahead! It stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer and tastes just as delicious as leftovers.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. To easily reheat from the freezer, freeze in individual portions and defrost in the fridge. I like to use Souper Cubes to divide up portions easily and only defrost what you need.
Reheat in the microwave or over the stove.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers diced, ribs and seeds removed
- 15 ounces pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 30 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 8 ounces Mexican beer chicken broth can be substituted
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker
- Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours
- Remove pork roast from slow cooker and shred with forks
- Return to slow cooker and stir to combine
- Serve with cheese and sour cream or as desired
Notes
- If desired, remove excess fat from pork before cooking or when shredding.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing in individual portions for convenience when defrosting and reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Top pulled pork chili with shredded cheese, green onion or freshly chopped cilantro, crushed chips, avocado, or sour cream.
- To make this chili spicier, increase the amount of chipotle chili powder.
Nutrition
Pulled Pork Chili FAQs
- What is the best meat for pulled pork? I prefer using boneless pork shoulder for the best flavor, but boneless pork butt (upper shoulder) can also work. Pork shoulder also typically includes a layer of fat that is easy to remove. When the meat cooks to 205 ℉, it will shred perfectly!
- Do you cut the fat off pulled pork before cooking? If you like, you can remove any excess fat before cooking. You can also easily remove excess fat when you remove the meat to shred before adding it back to the slow cooker.
- Is this pulled pork chili recipe spicy? This recipe is pretty mild with just a hint of spicy heat if followed just as written. To add more heat, increase the chipotle chili powder, and reduce it if you’d like it to be less spicy.
- Can I use leftover pulled pork to make pulled pork chili? Yes, this recipe also works well with leftover pulled pork and can be a great way to repurpose those leftovers! If you use leftover pulled pork, be sure to reduce the cooking time since the meat will essentially just need to heat through along with the other ingredients. The cooking time should be about 1-2 hours on high for 2-4 hours on low.
How do I substitute leftover smoked pulled pork? Add it at the end?
Yes I would reduce the cook time to about 3 hours and with an hour left add the cooked pork.