Smoky Roasted Pork Stew

This Mexican Pork Stew is a deliciously easy recipe that brings bold Southwestern flavor to your table in just 15 minutes. Made with shredded roasted pork, salsa verde, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s the perfect mix of hearty stew and spicy warmth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to serve friends, this one-pot wonder hits all the right notes. It’s a great way to use leftover pork, and with endless options for toppings—from creamy avocado to crunchy tortilla strips—each bowl can be customized to your heart’s content. This dish is a life-saver on busy days, and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound shredded or cubed roasted or smoked pork (about 2 cups)
1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde
2 cups chicken stock (or substitute vegetable broth)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese (queso fresco, cotija, cheddar), fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, avocado, radishes, pico de gallo, jalapenos, tortilla strips, sour cream

Directions:

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients except salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust with kosher salt and ground black pepper as needed.
Serve hot, topped with your choice of garnishes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 292 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Smoky Roasted Pork Stew with Salsa Verde and Black Beans

This hearty, flavor-packed Smoky Roasted Pork Stew with Salsa Verde and Black Beans is a dream come true for busy home cooks, comfort food lovers, and anyone who appreciates bold, zesty flavors in a nourishing one-pot meal. Made with pre-cooked pork, salsa verde, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this stew is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy notes. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest satisfying dinners you’ll ever make—without sacrificing flavor.

A Southwestern Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Stews have been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries. From Hungarian goulash to French beef bourguignon, slow-cooked meals full of meat and vegetables have long brought comfort to the table. This stew, however, gives the traditional formula a bold Southwestern twist. It embraces the earthy richness of roasted pork, the tangy brightness of salsa verde, and the deep, fire-kissed taste of roasted tomatoes.

While it isn’t an authentic Mexican recipe, it draws on key ingredients and flavor profiles commonly used in Tex-Mex and Mexican-American kitchens. Salsa verde (a tomatillo-based green sauce), black beans, cumin, and chiles are all familiar players in Mexican cuisine, and they blend seamlessly with the hearty texture of pulled pork.

Why This Stew is So Popular

Smoky Roasted Pork Stew with Salsa Verde and Black Beans stands out because it hits the sweet spot between simplicity, taste, and versatility. Here’s why so many home cooks and food lovers fall in love with this dish:

Quick Cooking Time: It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, thanks to the use of pre-cooked pork and canned ingredients.
Bold, Layered Flavor: Salsa verde adds tang and spice, while fire-roasted tomatoes offer smokiness. The pork brings in richness, and cumin ties it all together with a deep, earthy note.
Minimal Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find grocery store items.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out the meat, or even make it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: This stew stores well in the fridge or freezer and tastes even better the next day.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Every component in this stew serves a purpose, both for flavor and nutrition:

Roasted Pork: Ideally from pork shoulder or pork butt, this cut is tender and flavorful, especially when smoked or slow-cooked. It provides the stew with a meaty, satisfying base and plenty of protein.
Salsa Verde: This green sauce made from tomatillos, garlic, lime, and chiles gives the stew its signature tangy kick. It adds brightness to balance the heaviness of the pork.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness while imparting a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the broth.
Black Beans: These legumes add creaminess and fiber. They also make the stew more filling and nutritionally dense.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The base liquid that brings everything together and ensures a soupy, stew-like consistency.
Cumin, Salt, and Pepper: A simple seasoning trio that boosts all the other flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Health Benefits of This Stew

You don’t have to compromise your health goals to enjoy this comforting dish. In fact, Smoky Roasted Pork Stew has several nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: With pork and black beans, each serving delivers a solid dose of protein, supporting muscle health and sustained energy.
Rich in Fiber: Black beans help promote digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
Low in Sugar: Unlike some ready-made soups, this stew has no added sugar.
Antioxidants: Tomatoes and tomatillos contain vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which support immune and heart health.
Customizable for Dietary Needs: You can easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian depending on your preferences.

Tips for Choosing the Best Pork

The type of pork you use will make a big difference in the stew’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Best Choice: Smoked or roasted pork shoulder or butt. These cuts are fatty enough to stay juicy and shred well.
Leftovers Work: Have leftover pulled pork from a barbecue or roast? Perfect. This is an excellent way to give them new life.
Other Options: Pork loin or tenderloin can work too, but be careful not to overcook them—they’re leaner and can dry out more quickly.

Flavor Variations to Try

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. The base is solid, and you can build on it in several ways:

Add More Heat: Want it spicier? Include diced jalapeños or substitute one can of tomatoes with a can of Rotel.
Swap the Protein: Try it with shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even beef for a different twist.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use more beans or add cubed sweet potatoes and corn for a plant-based version.
Make It Thicker: Crumble in a handful of tortilla chips or let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is fantastic on its own, but you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas:

Garnish Like a Pro: Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced radishes, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
Pair It With: Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice make perfect partners.
Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun, rustic presentation, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread rolls.

How to Store and Reheat

One of the best features of this dish is how well it keeps. It’s ideal for batch cooking, meal prepping, or just saving leftovers for a rainy day.

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.
Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot. Or microwave it in intervals, covered loosely to avoid splatter.

When to Serve This Stew

Smoky Roasted Pork Stew with Salsa Verde and Black Beans is one of those rare recipes that fits nearly every occasion:

Weeknight Dinner: Quick enough for the busiest days.
Weekend Lunch: Cozy and comforting, perfect with a warm blanket and a good book.
Casual Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser and easy to scale up for parties.
Meal Train or Potluck: Travels well and reheats beautifully—ideal for sharing.

Conclusion

This stew is everything modern home cooking should be: quick, full of flavor, flexible, and comforting. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thanks to its deeply satisfying flavor, short cook time, and wide appeal, Smoky Roasted Pork Stew with Salsa Verde and Black Beans has earned a place in countless weekly dinner menus. It’s perfect for cooks who want a hearty, nourishing meal that can be made on the fly with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, this dish is guaranteed to impress.