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No-Fuss Crockpot Shredded Pork Nachos

Tender, spiced shredded pork from the crockpot piled high on crispy chips with melted cheese and fresh toppings. A hands-off approach to a crowd favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 bag 13 oz restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese or a blend with cheddar
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • tongs
  • two forks
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • aluminum foil
  • small bowl
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne. Rub the spice blend all over the pork.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step builds flavor—don't skip it.
  3. Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained fire-roasted tomatoes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Remove the pork to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir into the juices. Keep warm on the WARM setting.
  5. Preheat the broiler to high with a rack about 6 inches from the heat. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  6. Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on the sheet. Spoon shredded pork evenly over the chips, then scatter shredded cheese and pickled jalapeños on top.
  7. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are lightly toasted at the edges. Remove immediately.
  8. Top with dollops of sour cream, pico de gallo, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Repeat with remaining chips and toppings for a second batch if needed.

Notes

For the crispiest nachos, avoid overloading the chips—work in batches if necessary. Leftover shredded pork keeps in the fridge for 4 days or freezes for 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the crockpot during cooking.