Hello to one of my favorite ways to make pork chops – shredded salsa pork chops! Ridiculously easy to make, has minimal prep time, is super tender, and makes a ton to have on hand for a busy week.
We’ve been making these shredded pork chops for months now and I always get questions when I share on Instagram so now it has a permanent place. They have quickly become one of our go-to proteins during the week for quick and easy meals. We love stuffing it into tacos or sweet potatoes, but also will just pair it with some veggies and a carb for an easy meal.
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Can you make pulled pork with pork chops?
Most often, pork shoulder is used for pulled pork. While it is a flavorful cut of meat, it is pretty fatty and can be higher in calories and lower in protein. We are using pork chops as they still have tons of flavor, but don’t have as much fat content and are packed with protein. Pork tenderloin can also be used, but since it is just a lean cut of meat, I find it can dry out easily.
Why we love these easy salsa pork chops
- super easy as it’s made in the crock pot
- so flavorful! – the taco seasoning plus the salsa adds a little heat to it and pairs with the richness of the pork perfectly.
- just 5 ingredients
- protein-packed
- versatile – use it from tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, in a power bowl, on salads, or just as a quick protein option paired with some carbohydrates, veggies, and fat for a complete meal.
- makes a lot – we are using 2 pounds of pork chops, so you should have plenty for your family or yourself. Perfect to prep at the beginning of the week to have on hand.
Slow cooker salsa pork chops ingredients
- thick cut boneless pork chops – ButcherBox is my absolute favorite!
- onion
- salsa – use your favorite kind!
- taco seasoning
- salt and pepper
How to cook pork chops in the crock pot
- Prep the crockpot. Pour 1/2 cup of salsa into the bottom of your crockpot and spread it around. If you need to add a little more to cover the bottom, add more (this will depend on the size). Add diced onions overtop salsa.
- Add pork chops. Place pork chops in the crockpot and season pork chops with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to sprinkle on half of the taco seasoning, flip them over, and then sprinkle on the rest. Cover with remaining salsa.
- Cook. Cover with lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred. When done cooking, use two forks to shred pork in the crockpot. There will be a decent amount of liquid, but it won’t be as much when you shred your meat.
- Enjoy!
How long to cook pork chops in a crock pot?
You can cook pork chops in the crock pot using either the low or high setting depending on how much time you have.
- low – if you have more time, cook on low for 5-6 hours, going longer like 7-8 hours will probably work well too.
- high – if you don’t have as much time, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Can you cook pork chops in the instant pot?
I find these shredded salsa pork chops work best in the crockpot, but they can be made in the Instant Pot as well. Follow the directions as written and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release when done (about 15 more minutes). Then shred with two forks.
How to shred pork chops
There are quite a few ways to shred pork. I find using forks in the same pot is the easiest way and uses the least amount of dishes. That being said, here are some other ways as well:
- with 2 forks – probably the easiest way for me as you can get adjust the shredding to the size you prefer, but it does take a little elbow grease. Just simply leave it in the pot or move it to a bowl and use 2 forks to pull apart the pork.
- in your stand mixer – put your cooked pork in the stand mixer bowl and use the paddle attachment at low speed to shred the pork. The only downfall is that it dirties another bowl.
- with a hand mixer – I have only done this once or twice, but it works well if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just stick your hand mixing in your slow cooker and shred with the hand mixer on low.
How to serve salsa pork chops
The reason I love this recipe so much is the pork is so versatile. Here are a few ways:
- as is – honestly, I love this as is with some veggies and carbs for a complete meal.
- stuffed in a potato – cook up some white or sweet potatoes, cut them in half, and stuff the shredded pork chicken in them. Topped with a little cheese would be delicious.
- on top of rice to soak up all the sauce – pair with some veggies for an easy meal
- in tacos – add in some cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro or a quick slaw.
- on the go salad – toss it with some greens and your favorite veggies for an easy on-the-go meal or for meal prep.
- sandwiches or wraps – with your favorite sandwich additions
- quesadillas or nachos – need I say more?!
- enchiladas – would be great with some more salsa and cheese on top!
- literally EVERYTHING!
Storage
- refrigerator – store pork in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- freezer – cook according to directions and let the chicken cool completely. Add to a bag (we love these silicon reusable ones) or a freezer dish – you can use a large container or freeze in individual servings. Defrost for a quick and easy protein option. Pork should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating pulled pork
- microwave – heat up in a microwavable safe dish for 1-2 minutes depending on the quantity you are heating up.
- stovetop – place in a skillet with a little oil and some of the liquid from cooking over medium-low heat and let warm through for about 5 minutes.
Can you freeze shredded pork?
Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight glass container or resealable bag.
Substitutions
- pork chops – bone-in pork chops will work instead of boneless. Pork shoulder or pork tenderloin will work instead of pork chops. The pork shoulder will have to be cooked longer (at least 8 hours on low, but more like 10 depending on the size). Pork tenderloin can be cooked for the same amount of time, just make sure to use enough liquid (salsa) as it is a leaner cut of meat and can dry out easily.
- onion – you can leave this out if desired.
- salsa – any kind of salsa or sauce will work. Fruit salsa would add a nice sweetness or change it up completely with BBQ sauce.
- taco seasoning – any kind of spice mixture will work. You can also create your own with things like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and more.
More easy protein-packed recipes
- instant pot BBQ chicken
- best grilled chicken thigh marinade
- grilled lemon pepper chicken
- chicken zucchini meatballs
- instant pot buffalo chicken
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced bowl, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Salsa Pork Chops
equipment
ingredients
- 1 cup cup salsa, divided
- 1 3/4 cup diced onion (215 grams)
- 2 pounds pork chops
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
instructions
- Prep the crockpot. Pour 1/2 cup of salsa into the bottom of your crockpot and spread it around. If you need to add a little more to cover the bottom, add more (this will depend on the size). Add diced onions overtop salsa.
- Add pork chops. Place pork chops in the crockpot and season pork chops with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to sprinkle on half of the taco seasoning, flip them over, and then sprinkle on the rest. Cover with remaining salsa.
- Cook. Cover with lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred. When done cooking, use two forks to shred pork in the crockpot. There will be a decent amount of liquid, but it won't be as much when you shred your meat.
- Enjoy! Use in tacos, burrito bowls, sandwiches, and more!
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2 kid approved!! Easy to make and goes with lots of sides.
So glad everyone enjoyed! Thanks, Kate!