Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew with Tender Shoulder
A comforting Mexican-inspired stew featuring tender chunks of pork shoulder simmered with green chiles, bell peppers, and jalapeños in a savory tomato-based broth. The combination of cumin and chili powder adds authentic southwestern flavor, while the cornstarch thickening creates a satisfying consistency. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot meal delivers bold, warming flavors with minimal prep work. Serve over steamed rice and top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a complete, hearty meal that brings Mexican comfort food to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb pork shoulder, diced
- 1 can diced petite tomatoes with green chiles, mild
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water, cold
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Add diced onions, bell pepper and jalapeños and cook 3-4 minutes until onion begins to soften and become translucent
- 3
Add garlic and cook for additional 2 minutes
- 4
Add diced pork and cook until exterior is no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes
- 5
Add canned tomatoes, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt and chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up anything sticking to bottom
- 6
Bring mixture to boil then immediately reduce heat to low
- 7
Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally
- 8
Combine cornstarch and water in small bowl and stir until well incorporated
- 9
Stir cornstarch mixture into stew and allow to return to simmer
- 10
Continue stirring for one minute while mixture thickens
- 11
Remove from heat and serve
Tips
Use pork shoulder for the most tender results, as it becomes fork-tender during the long simmer
Make the cornstarch slurry smooth before adding to prevent lumps in your thickened stew
Let the stew rest 5 minutes after thickening to allow flavors to meld before serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead, reheat gently on stovetop
Serve hot over steamed rice with shredded cheese and cilantro
Common Mistakes
Don't skip searing the pork to avoid bland flavor
Mix cornstarch slurry completely to avoid lumpy gravy
Keep heat low during simmering to avoid tough meat
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork stew meat works well, though shoulder gives the most tender results due to its marbling and connective tissue.
What if I want more heat?
Add an extra jalapeño or include some seeds, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The stew will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated in a covered container and reheats well on the stovetop.