Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor explosion with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Black Bean Chili with Pork! Imagine coming home to a rich, aromatic dish that's been slow-cooking all day, filling your home with irresistible scents of perfectly seasoned meat and hearty beans. This isn't just another chili recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and possibly demanding the recipe on the spot!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, diced
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into small, uniform dice approximately 1-inch in size. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure better browning.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the diced pork shoulder until it develops a golden-brown crust on all sides. This step helps develop deeper flavor in the chili. Transfer the browned meat to the crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the crock pot with the browned pork.
- Add drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Optional: accompany with sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.
Tips
- Pat the pork dry before browning to ensure a beautiful golden crust that locks in maximum flavor.
- Take the time to brown the meat and sauté the onions - these extra steps dramatically enhance the depth of taste.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your spices in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding them to the crock pot.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the black beans against the side of the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- This chili freezes beautifully - make a double batch and save some for later!
- Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and settle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 421kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
