These Sweet Pork Burrito Bowls bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavors right to your dinner table in just 4 hours and 20 minutes. Perfectly balanced with 20g of protein and vibrant flavors, this slow-cooked meal transforms tender pork into a hearty, satisfying bowl that’s both nutritious and delicious. At just 282 calories per serving, you’ll get all the satisfaction of a burrito with the flexibility to customize your toppings.
Sweet Pork Burrito Bowl Components
- Pork Shoulder: 2-4 pounds, perfect for achieving tender, pull-apart texture
- Coke: 3 cups divided, helps tenderize and adds natural sweetness
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste
- Sauce Elements: Green chiles, red enchilada sauce for authentic flavor
- Bowl Base: Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Fresh Toppings: Chopped lettuce, warmed beans, fresh salsa
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Prepare the Pork: Season pork with pepper and a touch of salt, creating a flavorful base
- Initial Cooking: Place in slow cooker with 2 cups coke, water, and garlic powder for 3 hours on high or 6 on low
- Shredding Time: Remove and shred the tender pork, draining excess liquid
- Sauce Creation: Blend enchilada sauce, chiles, remaining coke, and brown sugar until smooth
- Final Touch: Return shredded pork to pot, add sauce mixture, cook additional 30-60 minutes until heated through
- Bowl Assembly: Layer rice, beans, seasoned pork, and fresh toppings for a delightful presentation
Cooking Techniques
This slow cooker method makes the pork super tender and tasty! The magic happens in two stages – first, the meat gets nice and tender in the Coke mixture, then it soaks up all those amazing flavors from the sauce. When you’re shredding the pork, two forks work best. Pull the meat apart while it’s still warm – it’ll come apart so easily, you’ll feel like a pro!
Variations & Substitutions
Don’t have Coke? Regular Pepsi works just as well! If you’re watching your sugar intake, try diet soda – it still adds great flavor. Want it spicier? Add a chopped jalapeño or bump up the heat with hot enchilada sauce instead of mild. You can also swap the pork shoulder for pork butt – they both give amazing results. For the sauce, try green enchilada sauce for a fun twist!
Serving Suggestions
These burrito bowls are all about the toppings! Start with a bed of warm Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice, add your sweet pork, then go wild with the extras. Some fan favorites include:
– Fresh lime wedges for squeezing
– Diced avocado or guacamole
– Shredded cheese
– Sour cream
– Extra fresh cilantro
– Crispy tortilla strips
– Pickled red onions
Want to mix it up? This sweet pork is also amazing in tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas!
Storage Tips
This sweet pork stays yummy for 3-4 days in the fridge – just keep it in an airtight container. It actually gets even better the next day as the flavors mix together! You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up slowly in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Sweet Pork Burrito Bowls
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Blender
Ingredients
For the pork
- 2-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 cups Coke divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 10 oz red enchilada sauce or homemade
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
For the burrito bowls
- Cooked Mexican Rice or cilantro lime rice
- Lettuce chopped
- Black beans or pinto beans, drained and warmed
- Homemade salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Season pork on all sides with pepper and a little bit of salt. Add pork to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over pork and pour in 2 cups of coke and 1 cup water to slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred the pork and return it to the pot.
- To a blender add enchilada sauce, green chiles, 1 cup of coke and ½ cup brown sugar. Blend until smooth. Pour over shredded pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 more hour, or high for 30 minutes
