Introduction
Slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver for busy people who still want to enjoy delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. One such hearty and flavorful dish is Slow Cooker Mexican Beans and Rice with Pork. This dish combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Mexican Beans and Rice with Pork, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 1 pound pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Beans and Rice:
- 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
To prepare the pork, start by seasoning the pork shoulder chunks with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side for the pork to get a nice brown color. Once the pork is nicely browned, transfer it to the slow cooker.
Next, it’s time to add the beans and rice. Add the soaked and drained black beans, white rice, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The goal is to cook until the pork is tender and the beans and rice are fully cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork chunks.
Once the Slow Cooker Mexican Beans and Rice with Pork is done cooking, it’s time to serve. Dish it out hot and garnish with some fresh chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish, as it adds a refreshing citrusy flavor that complements the richness of the dish perfectly. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal!
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mexican Beans and Rice with Pork is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can enjoy the bold and satisfying flavors of Mexican cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and delight your taste buds with every bite!