Easy & Flavorful Slow Cooker Pork Pozole: A Hearty Mexican-Inspired Soup
Warm up your soul with a bowl of this incredibly easy and deeply flavorful Slow Cooker Pork Pozole. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a comforting, rich, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even lively game-day gatherings. Featuring tender ground pork, chewy hominy, and vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, this Mexican-inspired stew is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
What is Pozole? Unpacking This Mexican-Inspired Delight
You might have heard the name “pozole” floating around, but what exactly is it? At its heart, pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew, renowned for being both incredibly hearty and profoundly comforting. While there are many authentic regional variations, often featuring slow-simmered pork or chicken and dried chiles, this particular recipe offers a simplified, yet equally delicious, adaptation.
One fascinating aspect of pozole is its rich history, tracing back to Aztec times, long before Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The original versions were often ceremonial and deeply significant. Today, it remains a beloved dish across Mexico and beyond, evolving into countless delicious forms.
Our Slow Cooker Pork Pozole is a unique take on this classic, modified to simplify the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. We won’t call this an authentic, traditional bowl of pozole, but we promise it’s exceptionally good. The magic of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did most of the work.
Honestly, this version is so incredibly satisfying, I often find myself unable to stop at just one bowl! It’s become a go-to in my home, and I highly recommend making a double batch to freeze half for future quick meals. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
This Pork Pozole is a fantastic addition to your soup rotation, pairing wonderfully with other flavorful dishes like Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde, Easy Pork Chili, and even a Zesty Bean Posole Soup for a meatless option.
Key Ingredients That Make This Pozole Shine
The stellar flavors in this soup are built upon a foundation of specific ingredients that, when combined, create something truly special. The primary flavor contributors are the ground pork, the distinctive white hominy, rich fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic ancho chile powder. These elements marry together to deliver that warm, complex taste profile you’ll absolutely love.
If you haven’t cooked with hominy before, now is the perfect time to try it! Hominy is a type of corn kernel that has been treated in a process called nixtamalization, which gives it a unique puffy texture and distinct flavor. It’s usually found canned in the Mexican section of most grocery stores, or alongside other canned beans and vegetables. It’s truly what gives pozole its characteristic heartiness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pork Pozole
Crafting this delicious slow cooker pork pozole requires a handful of simple, yet impactful, ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this comforting meal. For exact measurements and printable instructions, be sure to jump to the detailed recipe card below.
- Ground Pork: The star protein of this soup, providing a rich and savory base. Its mild flavor readily absorbs the Mexican spices. Feel free to substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even a flavorful ground sausage if you prefer a different profile, or ground beef for a heartier option.
- Hominy: These plump, chewy corn kernels are a signature ingredient in pozole. They absorb the broth’s flavors beautifully and add a wonderful texture that differentiates this soup from a standard chili. You can usually find canned hominy in the international or canned goods aisle. If you can’t find hominy, regular canned corn or sweet corn can be used in a pinch, though the texture will be different.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These add a smoky depth and sweetness that elevates the broth. Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute, but the fire-roasted variety truly enhances the overall flavor.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): The foundational flavor builders. Sweet onion and minced garlic create a fragrant base that permeates the entire soup. Don’t skip these for maximum flavor!
- Diced Green Chiles: Milder than jalapeños, these canned chiles add a subtle heat and authentic Mexican flavor without overwhelming the dish. They contribute a nice tang and pepperiness.
- Spices (Mexican Oregano & Ancho Chile Powder): These are crucial for the pozole’s distinctive taste. Mexican oregano has a more earthy, citrusy flavor than common Mediterranean oregano; however, regular oregano can be used if Mexican is unavailable. Ancho chile powder provides a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet heat, distinct from regular chili powder. Salt and black pepper are also essential for seasoning.
- Chicken Stock: The liquid base for the soup. Opt for a good quality low-sodium chicken stock or broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics, building the first layer of flavor.
- Bay Leaves: Added to the slow cooker, these impart a subtle, herbaceous note to the broth as it simmers, enhancing its depth.
Effortless Preparation: How to Make This Slow Cooker Pork Pozole
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Pork Pozole recipe is its sheer simplicity. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to achieve rich, complex flavors with minimal hands-on time. The process is straightforward and yields incredibly delicious results.
Prepping the Pork and Spices
Before everything goes into the slow cooker, a quick initial step ensures maximum flavor. You’ll start by browning your ground pork in a large skillet. This only takes about 5-6 minutes. As the pork cooks, it develops a deeper, more savory taste. Towards the end of the browning process, you’ll add the Mexican oregano, ancho chile powder, salt, and pepper. Sautéing these spices with the pork for another 1-2 minutes is crucial; this “blooming” process awakens their aromatic oils, making them far more fragrant and flavorful in the finished soup.
Slow Cooker Assembly and Simmering
Once your pork is beautifully browned and the spices are fragrant, the hard part is over! Simply transfer the seasoned meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add in the remaining ingredients: the bay leaves, diced green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, rinsed and drained white hominy, and chicken stock. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Then, cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for about 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together perfectly, creating a deeply flavored broth and tender pork. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible as it simmers!
Serving Your Delicious Pozole
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and ladle the hearty pozole into individual soup bowls. This soup is naturally robust and comforting, yet it maintains a lighter feel than a thick chili, making it a versatile option for any time of year. While I often find myself making this during the crisp days of fall and the cold depths of winter – especially for game days or to combat a chilly evening – it’s equally enjoyable in the spring when the weather is milder or during a rainy afternoon.
This Slow Cooker Pork Pozole is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also serves as a fantastic starter to any Mexican-themed dinner. Imagine pairing it with Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas or classic Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas for a truly satisfying spread. Don’t forget the garnishes – they add a burst of freshness and texture that truly completes the experience!
Customizing Your Slow Cooker Pork Pozole
While this recipe is delicious as written, it’s also highly adaptable! Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor with extra vegetables. Consider adding diced zucchini, carrots, bell peppers (red or green), or corn kernels (if not using hominy) during the last hour of cooking.
- Vary the Protein: As mentioned, ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded cooked pork loin (if you prefer larger chunks of meat) can be used. For a vegetarian option, replace the pork with extra beans and vegetables.
- Spice It Up: If you like more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño (added with the onion), or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at serving time can elevate the spice level.
- Bean Boost: Beans make a wonderful addition to pozole, adding extra protein and fiber. Try stirring in a can of black beans or kidney beans (rinsed and drained) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Smoky Flavor: For an even deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the other spices.
The Magic of Hominy: Why It’s Irreplaceable in Pozole
Hominy is a truly unique ingredient that sets pozole apart from other soups and stews. It’s not just regular corn! Hominy is made from dried maize (corn) kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution, a process called nixtamalization. This process removes the hull and germ of the corn, making it more digestible and enhancing its nutritional value. More importantly for cooking, it causes the kernels to puff up and develop a distinct, slightly earthy, and subtly chewy texture that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
This unique texture is what gives pozole its characteristic hearty feel. When simmered in the rich broth, hominy absorbs all the wonderful flavors, becoming tender yet still substantial. You can typically find it in large cans in the ethnic foods aisle (Mexican section) of your supermarket, or sometimes next to other canned vegetables. If you haven’t tried it before, it’s definitely worth seeking out for this recipe.
Serving & Garnish Ideas for Your Perfect Bowl
While the Slow Cooker Pork Pozole is fantastic on its own, the right garnishes can elevate it from delicious to extraordinary. They add freshness, crunch, and contrasting flavors that brighten up each spoonful. Here are some of my favorite ways to top this hearty soup:
- Fresh Cilantro: A must-have! Finely chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous, bright flavor.
- Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a delightful peppery crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
- Queso Fresco: Crumbled Queso Fresco offers a creamy, slightly salty counterpoint to the rich broth. Cotija cheese is another excellent option.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating adds a vital tang and acidity that brightens all the flavors.
- Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado contributes a creamy texture and healthy fats, balancing the warmth of the soup.
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of sour cream or crema adds a cool, tangy creaminess.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips: For extra crunch, add some homemade or store-bought crispy tortilla strips.
- Chopped White Onion: For those who love a bit of sharpness, finely diced white onion can be a great topping.
Don’t be shy about mixing and matching your favorite garnishes to create your ideal pozole experience!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This Slow Cooker Pork Pozole is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Once cooled, pour the pozole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the pozole on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling, which can overcook the hominy.
Having a batch of this delicious pozole ready to go in the fridge or freezer means you’re always just minutes away from a warm, comforting, and wholesome meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Pozole
Here are some common questions you might have when making this Slow Cooker Pork Pozole:
- Can I use a different type of pork?
- Yes, while ground pork is used here for ease and quick cooking, you can use other cuts. Pork shoulder (boneless) cut into 1-inch cubes works wonderfully, but will require longer cooking time in the slow cooker (e.g., 6-8 hours on low, or until fork-tender). You would sear the cubes before adding to the slow cooker.
- Is this soup spicy?
- This version is mildly spiced, primarily relying on ancho chile powder for flavor rather than intense heat. Diced green chiles are also mild. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- What if I can’t find hominy?
- Canned hominy is quite common in most supermarkets, often in the ethnic or canned vegetable aisle. If you absolutely cannot find it, you can substitute with regular canned corn or sweet corn, but be aware that the texture will be different – hominy is much chewier and more substantial.
- Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can! After browning the pork and blooming the spices, add all ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for at least 30-45 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded. The slow cooker method is preferred for maximum convenience and flavor development.
- How can I make this vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Increase the amount of hominy, and consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or a can of black beans or kidney beans for more substance.
More Hearty Soup & Pork Recipes You’ll Love
Soups
Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde
Beef
Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe
Chicken
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Lime Soup
Sausage
Italian Sausage Soup
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Slow Cooker Pork Pozole
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoon Mexican oregano , {or regular oregano}
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 can diced chiles
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes , {or diced tomatoes}
- 1 can white hominy, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken stock
- cilantro, Freshly chopped, to garnish
- Radishes, sliced, to garnish
- Questo Fresco, crumbled, to garnish
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the chopped sweet onion, minced garlic, and a dash of salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the Mexican oregano, ancho chile powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices become fragrant (this is called “blooming” and enhances their flavor).
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Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add the bay leaves, diced green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, rinsed and drained white hominy, and 4 cups of chicken stock. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 5 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly based on your slow cooker model.
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Once cooking is complete, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the hearty Slow Cooker Pork Pozole into soup bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, and crumbled Queso Fresco for added flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can easily add additional vegetables to this soup: zucchini, carrots and bell peppers.
- Beans would also be a nice addition: try black beans or kidney beans.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of chicken stock and beef broth.
- Leftover pozole tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.