Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, slow-cooked pork swimming in a spicy, rich sauce with creamy pinto beans. This isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Crock Pot Spicy Pork and Pintos recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that requires almost zero effort but delivers maximum satisfaction!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the can of pinto beans.
- Take the pork shoulder and trim any excess fat if necessary. Cut the pork into large chunks for easier cooking and better flavor infusion.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Place the pork shoulder chunks into the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the salsa mixture over the pork, ensuring that the meat is well-coated with the spices and vegetables.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans on top of the pork and salsa mixture. This will allow the beans to absorb the flavors during cooking.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the pork and meld the flavors together.
- After 8 hours, check the pork for tenderness. It should easily shred with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, you can cook it for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the crock pot, mixing it with the beans and sauce.
- Serve the spicy pork and pintos hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Use pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth results. The marbling ensures rich flavor and incredible texture.
- Prep Ahead: For even more convenience, you can chop the onions and measure out spices the night before, making morning preparation a breeze.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot salsa. You can also add a diced jalapeño for extra kick or reduce chili powder for a milder version.
- Prevent Dryness: Always set your crock pot to low and avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain moisture and ensure the pork stays juicy.
- Enhance Flavor: For deeper flavor, consider browning the pork chunks in a skillet before adding to the crock pot. This extra step adds a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, in tortillas as a hearty taco filling, or with a side of cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Storage Pro Tip: This dish freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
