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Ultimate Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe Easy Flavor-Packed Party Snack

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A fuss-free, flavor-packed party snack featuring tender slow-cooked pulled pork layered over crunchy tortilla chips with melty cheese and fresh toppings. Perfect for casual get-togethers or movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil (optional, for browning pork)
  • 12 to 16 ounces (340 to 450 g) sturdy tortilla chips
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden crust forms.
  3. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. In a bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  5. Place the browned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour sautéed onions and garlic over the pork, then spoon the sauce mixture evenly over everything. Rub to coat the meat.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork is fall-apart tender.
  7. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips.
  9. Scatter a generous amount of shredded pork over the chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños if using.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning chips.
  11. Remove from oven and top with fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Notes

Browning the pork before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Keep an eye on chips when baking to avoid burning. Fresh toppings like cilantro and lime juice add brightness and cut through richness. Store pork and chips separately to keep chips crisp. Reheat pork gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

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