This Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Green Chile Smothered Burrito is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy shredded pork wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, topped with a flavorful green chile sauce and melted cheese. Inspired by classic New Mexican and Mexican-American flavors, this burrito is hearty, cheesy, and packed with slow-cooked flavor.
Ingredients
For the Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
- 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.2 kg) pork shoulder (pork butt), bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
- 1½ tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Green Chile Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups roasted green chiles (Hatch, Anaheim, or poblano), chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Burritos
- 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 3 cups shredded slow-roasted pork
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice
- 2 cups pinto beans or refried beans
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Instructions
1. Slow Roast the Pork
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub it with olive oil.
- Mix garlic, lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork.
- Place sliced onions in a roasting pan and set the pork on top.
- Add chicken broth to the pan.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
- Roast for 4–6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and mix with some of the cooking juices.
2. Make the Green Chile Sauce
- Heat butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add roasted green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
3. Assemble the Burritos
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll.
- Add a layer of beans in the center.
- Add Mexican rice, shredded pork, and cheese.
- Fold the sides inward and roll tightly into burritos.
- Place burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Smother the Burritos
- Pour the green chile sauce generously over the burritos.
- Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips and salsa
Tips for the Best Green Chile Smothered Burrito
- Use Hatch green chiles for an authentic New Mexico flavor.
- Slow roasting the pork creates the most tender and flavorful filling.
- Make the pork a day ahead — the flavor gets even better overnight.
- Add a little extra cheese before baking for a restaurant-style finish.
- For extra heat, mix hot green chiles with mild roasted peppers.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled burritos without sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven and add fresh green chile sauce before serving.
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Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Green Chile Smothered Burrito Recipe (Tender & Cheesy)
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