How to Make Colorado Style Pork Green Chili Recipe

Make this Colorado-style pork green chili recipe with tender pork, salsa verde, and bold spices. Perfect for smothering burritos or enjoying as a hearty stew!

Pork green chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that blends the mild heat of roasted green chilis with savory pork. This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting bowl of chili, used as a topping for burritos, enchiladas, dipping for tortilla chips or even spooned over eggs for a spicy breakfast. 

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Made with simple ingredients like roasted green chilis, tender pork, and tomatoes, this pork green chili recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for those who love a little spice in their meals.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of making this dish, offer variations to change it up, and provide tips on how to store or make it ahead. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the top reasons you’ll love this pork green chili recipe is its rich, savory flavor that combines perfectly with the roasted green chilis. The chilis give the dish a mild to moderate heat, depending on how many seeds you leave in, making it customizable to your taste. The pre-cooked shredded or ground pork adds a tender, juicy texture that complements the spice, while tomatoes and seasonings like garlic powder and chicken bouillon round out the flavor profile. It’s a hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort, especially during cooler months.

Another reason to love this recipe is the versatility of this dish. Not only can you enjoy it as a classic chili dish, but you can also use it in a variety of different ways. Spoon it over tacos, nachos, or quesadillas for added flavor, or serve it with rice for a complete meal. The fact that this recipe is easy to make, with minimal prep and cook time, means it’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s made in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. You’ll definitely keep this recipe on repeat! It’s one of my favorite ways to feed my family or a crowd.

Ingredients for Pork Green Chili Recipe

Before getting started head to the grocery store and grab ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious pork green chili recipe:

• 5-7 large roasted green chilis
• 2 lbs pre-cooked shredded pork or ground pork (lightly seasoned)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chicken “Better Than Bouillon” (I like this best, but chicken broth or chicken stock bouillon work too)
• 4 cups water, divided
• 1 – 15 oz can diced tomatoes (Rotel or crushed tomatoes work great)
• ¼ cup flour (for thickening the sauce)

These simple ingredients come together to create a chili full of rich, robust flavors that you can easily make at home. Bonus this recipe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

How to Make Pork Green Chili Recipe

Making this pork green chili recipe is easy and doesn’t require much hands-on time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large stockpot, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Pork: Once the oil is hot, add your pre-cooked shredded pork or ground pork (remove excess fat before adding). Stir it occasionally and let it heat through.
3. Season the Pork: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper over the pork. Stir the meat so that the spices coat it evenly.
4. Add Flour: Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour over the pork mixture. The flour will absorb the oils and help thicken the sauce later on. Stir until combined, then remove the pot from heat.
5. Prep the Green Chilis: To handle the roasted green chilis, it’s recommended to wear gloves. Remove the stem and charred skin from the chilis, and for a milder flavor, remove the seeds. Place the cleaned chilis in a blender with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the blended chili mixture, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of “Better Than Bouillon,” and the remaining 3 cups of water to the stockpot with the pork.
7. Cook the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer for 1 hour or until it reaches your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the chili has thickened to your liking, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy a warm bowl on its own, or use it to top your favorite Mexican dishes.

Places to Take or Use This Recipe

This pork green chili recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas for where you can take or use it:

1. Potluck Dinners: If you’re headed to a potluck, this dish will be a hit. You can make it in advance and reheat it at the event. Its bold flavors and versatility make it a great option for gatherings.
2. Tailgating Parties: Bring this pork green chili to your next tailgating party. Serve it with chips for dipping or use it as a topping for nachos or tacos. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
3. Family Dinner: This recipe is ideal for family dinners, especially during cooler months. It’s a comforting, filling dish that everyone will enjoy, and since it makes 12 servings, there’s plenty to go around.

Variations for Pork Green Chili Recipe

Looking to switch things up a bit? Here are some variations you can try with this pork green chili recipe:

1. Swap the Meat: If pork isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with shredded chicken or beef. Both options add a new flavor while still keeping the dish hearty and delicious.
2. Add Beans: For added texture and protein, you can toss in a can of pinto beans, black beans, or white beans. This will also stretch the recipe further, making it great for feeding a crowd.
3. Use Fresh Tomatoes: Instead of canned diced tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Simply chop up 3-4 ripe tomatoes and use them in place of the canned version. This gives the chili a fresher taste.
4. Spice It Up: If you love extra heat, leave the seeds in the green chilis or add a diced jalapeño to the mix. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne for an even spicier kick.

Can This Recipe Be Stored or Made Ahead?

Yes! This pork green chili recipe is great for making ahead of time or storing for later. Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Refrigerator: If you have leftovers or want to make the chili ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: This chili also freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove until warmed through.
• Make Ahead: Since the flavors develop over time, making this chili a day in advance can actually enhance its taste. Just store the green chili pork recipe in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

Common Questions About Pork Green Chili Recipe

What type of green chilis should I use? 

​Roasted Hatch green chilis are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use Anaheim peppers or poblano peppers. If you want a milder chili, opt for Anaheim, while Hatch chiles provide more heat for this Colorado pork green chili.

Can I make this chili without pork? 

​Yes, you can substitute the large chunks of pork with shredded chicken, ground beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili? 

​The flour in this recipe helps thicken the sauce, but if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let the chili simmer for longer or add a cornstarch slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? 

​Absolutely! After browning the pork and preparing the chili mixture, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How do I roast the chilis?

I roast hatch chile peppers in the oven following these instructions for making the green chile recipe.

What cut of pork work best and how do you cook it?

A pork butt roast, pork tenderloin, boston butt, tender pork shoulder, or other pork roast can work for this recipe. I will put a pork shoulder roast into the crock pot on low for 8 hours during the day and then finish up the rest of the chile verde recipe as listed in the recipe and then adding to the slow cooker. Alternatively you can cook a pork roast in the oven on a baking sheet at 350 fahrenheit for 2-4 hours until the roast reaches 205 degrees fahrenheit. Another option is to purchase pre cooked shredded pork for busy days.

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Pork Green Chili

This easy green chili recipe combines roasted green chilis, tender pork, and flavorful spices for a rich and hearty dish. Perfectly thickened and simmered to perfection, it’s great for serving over burritos, eggs, or enjoying on its own!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: chili, green chiles, pork, pork green chili

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 5-7 large roasted green chilis
• 2 lbs pre cooked shredded pork or ground pork lightly seasoned
• 3 T olive oil
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1 t salt
• ½ t pepper
• 1 T chicken better than bouillon
• 4 c water divided
• 1 – 15 oz can diced tomatoes Rotel or crushed tomatoes

Instructions

• In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add in the pre cooked shredded pork or ground pork and heat until warm.
• Sprinkle it with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir occasionally.
• Add in the ¼ c of flour to the pot to soak up the oils and thicken the sauce later.
• Remove from the heat.
• We highly recommend wearing gloves when handling the chilis – remove the stem and the charred skin from the chilis. The seeds hold some heat, so if desired, remove the seeds as well. Place into a blender with a cup of water. Blend until smooth.
• Add the blended chili mix, the tomatoes, better than bouillon and remaining water to the stock pot meat mixture.
• Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
• Cook the chili until it reaches the desired consistency. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will get. Stir often.

Notes

Storage: Green chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Conclusion: Try This Pork Green Chili Recipe Today!

This pork green chili recipe is a fantastic way to bring some warmth and flavor to your meals. Whether you’re enjoying it as a bowl of chili, using it as a topping for your favorite dishes, serving with warm tortillas or bringing it to a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Easy to make and full of so much flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this savory, comforting Colorado green Chili dish! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!

More Easy Dinners:

• Taco Rice Skillet
• Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings
• 30 Minute Chicken and Rice Soup
• Yogurt Marinated Chicken

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