Updated August 13, 2020.
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I’m trying to purge some of the things from my freezer, and I had some leftover pulled pork that needed to be used. My go-to for using random freezer meats is usually chili, so I thought about doing a white chili or some kind of chili verde (similar to the pulled pork burrito bowls, but in a chili format). I also thought about some kind of casserole or pot pie, but I eventually decided to do a tortilla soup.
I had a few things to do the day I made this, so something that I could just dump into the slow cooker was appealing. You can also make this on the stovetop in a dutch oven or large pot. I chose the slow cooker because I was going to be running around the house doing things and didn’t want anything on the stovetop.
I was very pleased with how this turned out, and I think it’s going to be amazing reheated for lunch at work this week. It has a smoky, mildly spicy flavor and is very hearty. It’s quite different from my chicken tortilla soup and almost borders on a chili. It’s also great that it totally doesn’t matter if your leftover pulled pork already has BBQ sauce on it. Mine totally did!
This recipe gets the chipotle chili flavor I love from chipotle chili powder. If you don’t have any on hand and don’t want to buy any just for this recipe, you can also use a packet of McCormick Chipotle Taco Seasoning. You could also use a half teaspoon or so of liquid from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce. I keep those on-hand in my freezer (after the can has been opened) since I rarely use an entire can at once.
Looking for more leftover pulled pork recipes? Check out this list of 30 Ways To Use Leftover Pulled Pork!
Pulled Pork Tortilla Soup
Equipment
- Slow cooker, dutch oven, or large pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups pulled pork (It's fine if you are using leftovers and it has some BBQ sauce on it)
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (If your pulled pork does not have BBQ sauce on it)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes 28 oz. can
- 1 jar salsa verde 16 oz. jar
- 1 onion diced
- 1 cup frozen corn (OK to substitute 1 can of corn)
- 1 can black beans drained
- 1 can great northern beans drained
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder (Instead of all of the seasonings, substitute a packet of McCormick Chipotle Taco Seasoning)
- 1 cup chicken stock
Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Tortilla strips Or crumble some tortilla chips
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except toppings) in the slow cooker or a large pot.
- If using the slow cooker, cook on low for about 90 minutes, or until the soup is hot. If cooking on the stovetop, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook covered for about 90 minutes or until the soup is hot. On the stovetop, stir occasionally.
- Top each portion with sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips.
Notes
Sarah, this looks so good!!!
Thank you, it was! It’s my new favorite way to use leftover pulled pork.
This was delicious!! Perfect combo of beans, veggies, meat, and spices. Yum!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This looks like the most delicious soup! Definitely got to make this for my family!
It’s so good, and a great way to use leftovers!
This is a delicious soup, and i’d have never thought to have made it with pulled pork! Big flavors, lots of chunky ingredients, and easy – it’s one my all-year long soup favorites!
I love that you can even put the pulled pork in it with sauce on it. Great way to repurpose restaurant leftovers.
I’m an absolute sucker for pulled pork! I never thought of turning it into a soup, totally trying this for dinner tomorrow!
Pulled pork is one of my favorite foods!
These easy dump in the slow cooker meals are a favorite at our house. They taste even better heated up the next day!
They really do taste better the next day – the flavors get stronger.
Perfect flavors infused in the slow cooker making the soup super delicious and yum. Love the leftover option too.
It’s a double win when it comes to leftovers. You can use leftover pulled pork from another meal, and the soup reheats great too.
Oh, I love the use of pulled pork in this soup and that you can make it in the slow cooker, love all the flavors.
This soup combines so many of my favorite flavors!
This recipe was absolutely amazing!!! Fortunately, I doubled it so we will have plenty for another few meals! It was so easy and delicious!!! Definitely a keeper.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!