Crock Pot Pozole Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork, Beef & Verde Variations

Can you cook posole in a crock pot and still get that authentic, bold flavour? Absolutely. This crock pot pozole recipe delivers a rich, comforting taste with minimal effort; just set it and forget it. From classic red pork pozole to verde chicken and even beef options, you’ll learn how to make a soul-warming Mexican stew right in your slow cooker.

Let’s break down how to make a simple crockpot pozole, plus tips, toppings, and the best meat options for every craving.

What Is Pozole?

Pozole (also spelt posole) is a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy (alkaline-treated corn) and a flavourful broth, typically built around pork, chicken, or beef. There are three popular types:

• Pozole Rojo: deep red, made with dried chiles
• Pozole Verde: bright and tangy, made with tomatillos and green chiles
• Pozole Blanco: a simple, clear broth without added chiles

While traditionally made on the stove, modern cooks love the ease of slow cooker pozole or crockpot pozole, especially for family meals and meal prep.

Core Crock Pot Pozole Recipe (Pork Rojo)

This version mirrors an authentic pozole recipe but adapts it for the crock pot. It’s easy to prep and simmers low and slow for unbeatable depth of flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder or butt, cut into chunks
• 2 cans (25 oz) white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles (optional for richness)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 6 cups chicken or pork broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Toast and soak chiles: Lightly toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a skillet, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes until soft.
2. Make chile sauce: Blend soaked chiles with garlic, onion, 1 cup broth, cumin, and oregano until smooth.
3. Assemble in slow cooker: Add pork, chile sauce, hominy, and remaining broth into the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
5. Finish: Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning.

This is your base for a classic crockpot pozole rojo.

Variations to Try

Crock Pot Pozole Verde (Green Pozole)

This version is lighter, tangier, and popular in central Mexico.

Key swaps:

• Use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• Replace red chiles with tomatillos, serrano peppers, cilantro, and spinach
• Blend verde sauce and add to the crockpot with chicken and hominy

Try These Specific Variants:

• Chicken Pozole Verde Crock Pot Recipe
• Pork Pozole Verde Crock Pot Recipe

Crock Pot Pozole Beef

Swap pork for chuck roast or beef shank. Great for deeper umami flavour and red pozole.

Quick Tip: Browning the beef first adds major depth.

Crock Pot Chicken Pozole Rojo

Use the same red chile sauce, but swap pork for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Shred the chicken before serving.

Also known as:

• Chicken Pozole Rojo Recipe for the Crock Pot
• Crockpot chicken pozole rojo

Bonus Method: Slow Cooker Posole with Enchilada Sauce

For a super-easy shortcut, use 1 cup of canned red enchilada sauce instead of dried chiles. It’s a fast route to deep flavour, great for busy weeknights.

Searches like ‘easy crock pot posole‘ and ‘simple crock pot pozole’ often rely on this hack.

Regional Twist: New Mexico Posole Recipe (Slow Cooker)

New Mexican pozole typically uses red chile powder, beef or pork, and often omits hominy in favour of larger, heirloom corn.

Additions: Green chile, epazote, and Mexican oregano are popular.

If you’re exploring regional flavours, try:

• New Mexico posole recipe, slow cooker style
• Slow cooker posole with Hatch chiles

Best Toppings for Pozole

• Shredded cabbage
• Radish slices
• Diced onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Wedges of lime
• Crushed tostadas or tortilla chips
• Avocado slices
• Oregano or chilli flakes

Make it a toppings bar for a fun, family-style meal.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth

Pozole gets even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

FAQ (Voice Search Optimised)

Q: Can you cook pozole in a crock pot?
Yes! It’s one of the easiest and tastiest ways to make pozole.

Q: What kind of meat works best in slow cooker pozole?
Pork shoulder is most traditional, but beef and chicken are great too.

Q: What is the difference between pozole rojo and pozole verde?
Rojo is red and made with dried red chiles. Verde is green, with tomatillos and fresh green chiles.

Q: Can I make pozole low-carb?
Yes, omit hominy and add chopped zucchini or cauliflower instead.

Q: What is the best substitute for pork in halal diets?
Use beef shank, chicken thighs, or even jackfruit for a plant-based version.

Final Thoughts

This crock pot pozole recipe gives you the foundation to create a slow-cooked masterpiece, whether you crave the deep flavour of red chile pork, the tangy brightness of chicken verde, or a comforting bowl of beef pozole.

Make it your own with toppings, regional twists, or diet swaps. With the right ingredients and time, even a crock pot can produce an authentic pozole recipe your family will love.

So grab your slow cooker, prep your hominy, and bring a bit of Mexico to your kitchen today!