Easy One Pot Chile Verde Recipe
EASY ONE POT CHILE VERDE RECIPE is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 630 calories per serving. Recipe by Happily Homecooking on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 2 hrs 23 min | Total: 2 hrs 50 min
Cost: $31.42 total, $5.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Poblano Pepper (stem removed, seeded, finely chopped)
- 1 piece Anaheim Pepper (stem removed, seeded, finely chopped)
- 0.5 piece Green Bell Pepper (half of a large pepper, seeded, finely chopped)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 lb Boneless Country Pork Ribs (trim excess fat, cut into bite‑size chunks)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (e.g., Slap‑Ya‑Ma or Tony’s Creole, contains salt)
- 0.5 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for coating the pork)
- 1 heaping tbsp Bacon Grease (or vegetable oil/olive oil)
- 2 tsp Garlic (minced fresh garlic)
- 2 cup Water
- 28 oz Mild Green Enchilada Sauce (canned)
- 7.7 oz Salsa Verde (canned, contains tomatillos)
- 0.5 tsp Dried Cilantro
- 1.5 tsp Mexican Oregano
- 0.25 tsp Paprika (a couple of dashes)
- 2 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (wet concentrate)
- 2 tbsp Masa Harina (Instant Corn Masa Flour) (for slurry)
- 0.5 cup Water (for slurry)
Instructions
Chop the Peppers
Remove stems and seeds from the poblano, Anaheim, and half green bell pepper. Finely dice all three peppers and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Dice the Onion
Peel the large yellow onion and dice it into small pieces.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Pork
Trim any large pieces of fat from the boneless country pork ribs, then cut the meat into bite‑size chunks.
Time: PT3M
Season the Pork
Place the pork pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add black pepper, garlic powder, and all‑purpose seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Flour Coat the Pork
Sprinkle ½ cup all‑purpose flour over the seasoned pork and stir until each piece is lightly coated.
Time: PT2M
Brown the Pork
Heat the large pot over high heat and add a heaping tablespoon of bacon grease (or oil). Working in batches, add pork pieces, shaking off extra flour, and brown on all sides until deep golden, about 10 minutes total.
Time: PT10M
Set Pork Aside
Transfer the browned pork to a plate and set aside while you sauté the vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Onion and Peppers
In the same pot, add the diced onion and the chopped peppers. Cook over medium‑high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers develop a light char, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic
Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Combine All Remaining Ingredients
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add 2 cups water, the 28‑oz can of mild green enchilada sauce, the 7.7‑oz can of salsa verde, dried cilantro, Mexican oregano, paprika, and the 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Stir well to combine.
Time: PT3M
Simmer the Chili Verde
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring once or twice midway.
Time: PT1H
Prepare Masa Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons masa harina with ½ cup water until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Thicken the Stew
Stir the masa slurry into the pot, cover, and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Final Reduce
Remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Time: PT30M
Serve
Spoon the chili verde onto plates. Serve with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, or use as a filling for burritos.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 630
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten (flour), Contains corn
Allergens: Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Poblano Pepper: Anaheim pepper, green bell pepper
- Instead of Anaheim Pepper: Poblano pepper, green bell pepper
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Poblano pepper, Anaheim pepper
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, red onion
- Instead of Boneless Country Pork Ribs: pork shoulder, pork butt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (increase to 1 tbsp)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: taco seasoning, cajun seasoning
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: cornstarch, rice flour
- Instead of Bacon Grease: vegetable oil, olive oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (increase to 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Mild Green Enchilada Sauce: homemade tomatillo sauce, green salsa
- Instead of Salsa Verde: fresh salsa verde, tomatillo puree
- Instead of Dried Cilantro: fresh cilantro (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Mexican Oregano: regular oregano
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika, chili powder (smaller amount)
- Instead of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Masa Harina (Instant Corn Masa Flour): cornstarch (1 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Ladle (optional)
- Can Opener
- Small Bowl
- Whisk (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Coating the pork with flour before browning
- Browning the pork in batches to develop flavor
- Simmering the stew for a full hour for tenderness
- Adding the masa harina slurry to thicken the sauce
- Final uncovered simmer to achieve the right consistency
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the rendered bacon grease for an extra smoky depth; if you prefer a lighter flavor, substitute with neutral vegetable oil.
- If you have fresh tomatillos, you can replace the canned enchilada sauce and salsa verde with 2 cups blended tomatillos and green chilies.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the other peppers.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after simmering.
Add a little more masa slurry (1 tbsp masa + 2 tbsp water) and simmer uncovered for 5‑10 minutes.
Pork is tough.
Make sure the stew simmers for the full hour and that the pot stays at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust salt with a pinch more bouillon or add a splash of lime juice and extra dried cilantro.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili verde tastes even better the next day; reheat gently on the stove.
- Cool completely before freezing; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?
Chili Verde, meaning “green chili,” originates from the central valleys of Mexico where tomatillos and green chiles are abundant. Traditionally it was a way to stretch meat with flavorful green sauces, often served at family gatherings and festive occasions.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Verde in Mexico?
In Jalisco, Chili Verde is commonly made with pork and tomatillos, while in the Yucatán version may include chicken and a touch of orange juice. Some regions add pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for extra texture, and others use different green chilies like serranos or guajillos.
How is Chili Verde traditionally served in Mexican households?
It is typically served hot with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans. In many homes it also appears as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for tostadas.
What occasions or celebrations is Chili Verde associated with in Mexican culture?
Chili Verde is a popular dish for weekend family meals, birthday celebrations, and holiday feasts such as Día de los Muertos, where its bright green color symbolizes renewal and life.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Chili Verde versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Chili Verde relies on tomatillos, green chilies (poblano, Anaheim, serrano), pork, and fresh cilantro. Substitutes like canned enchilada sauce and salsa verde work well when fresh tomatillos are unavailable, and you can replace pork with chicken or beef if needed.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Chili Verde?
Chili Verde pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, refried black beans, fresh guacamole, and a simple cabbage slaw. It also complements grilled corn (elote) and a side of pickled carrots (escabeche).
What makes this Easy One‑Pot Chili Verde special compared to other Mexican pork stews?
The recipe uses a clever shortcut—canned green enchilada sauce and salsa verde—to replicate the tangy tomatillo flavor without needing fresh tomatillos. The addition of masa harina slurry thickens the stew while adding a subtle corn sweetness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy One‑Pot Chili Verde?
Common errors include overcrowding the pot when browning the pork (which prevents proper caramelization), skipping the flour coating (resulting in a thin sauce), and simmering too vigorously (which can toughen the meat). Follow the browning and simmer steps carefully for best results.
Why does this Chili Verde recipe use a masa harina slurry instead of cornstarch?
Masa harina not only thickens the stew but also imparts a mild corn flavor that is traditional in many Mexican sauces. Cornstarch would thicken without adding that characteristic taste.
Can I make this Chili Verde ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Happily Homecooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Happily Homecooking focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often incorporate clever shortcuts and one‑pot techniques, making everyday cooking enjoyable and stress‑free.
Last updated: August 31, 2026








