Spicy and Savory: Poblano and Ground Pork Tacos Recipe

These Poblano and Ground Pork Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The combination of the smoky poblano peppers, savory ground pork, and a variety of flavorful toppings creates a taste sensation that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is fully customizable to your liking. Adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and make it your own!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The combination of poblano peppers, ground pork, and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
* **Easy to make:** This recipe is relatively simple and doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
* **Versatile:** These tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a potluck.

## Ingredients

### For the Poblano and Ground Pork Filling:

* 1 pound ground pork
* 2 poblano peppers
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

### For the Tacos:

* 12 corn or flour tortillas

### Optional Toppings:

* Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
* Diced tomatoes
* Shredded lettuce
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Guacamole or avocado slices
* Salsa (verde or roja)
* Chopped cilantro
* Lime wedges
* Pickled onions
* Radishes, thinly sliced
* Cotija cheese, crumbled

## Equipment

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Tongs
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Mixing bowl (for toppings)
* Tortilla warmer (optional)

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Poblano Peppers

Roasting the poblano peppers enhances their smoky flavor and makes them easier to peel. There are several ways to roast them:

**Option 1: Oven Roasting:**

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high heat. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet lined with foil.
2. Broil the peppers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is blackened and blistered. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen the skin.
4. After steaming, use your fingers or a paring knife to peel off the blackened skin. Remove the stem and seeds from the peppers. Rinse briefly to remove any remaining seeds.
5. Chop the peeled poblano peppers into small pieces.

**Option 2: Stovetop Roasting:**

1. Place the poblano peppers directly on the open flame of a gas stovetop burner. Turn the burner to medium-high heat.
2. Use tongs to rotate the peppers every few minutes until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides. This usually takes 5-10 minutes per pepper.
3. Follow steps 3-5 from the Oven Roasting method to steam, peel, and chop the peppers.

**Option 3: Grill Roasting:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the poblano peppers directly on the grill grates.
3. Grill the peppers, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
4. Follow steps 3-5 from the Oven Roasting method to steam, peel, and chop the peppers.

### Step 2: Cook the Ground Pork

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.

### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground pork and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

### Step 4: Add the Poblano Peppers and Spices

1. Add the chopped roasted poblano peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet.
2. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.

### Step 5: Simmer the Filling

1. Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

There are several ways to warm the tortillas:

**Option 1: Skillet:**

1. Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Warm each tortilla for 15-30 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and slightly browned.

**Option 2: Microwave:**

1. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel.
2. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the tortillas are warm and pliable.

**Option 3: Oven:**

1. Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil.
2. Warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

### Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

1. Place a generous spoonful of the poblano and ground pork filling into each warm tortilla.
2. Top with your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper.
* **Meat:** You can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken for the ground pork.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco, pepper jack, or Oaxaca cheese.
* **Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding roasted corn, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
* **Make Ahead:** The poblano and ground pork filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the tacos.
* **Freezing:** The cooked filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Tortilla Options:** Consider using different types of tortillas like blue corn tortillas for a unique flavor and presentation.
* **Add Beans:** Incorporate some black beans or pinto beans into the filling for added fiber and protein.
* **Corn Salsa:** A vibrant corn salsa would make a great topping, adding sweetness and texture.
* **Spicy Crema:** Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dash of hot sauce and lime juice for a creamy, spicy topping.
* **Citrus Marinade:** Marinate the ground pork in a mixture of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and spices before cooking to add extra flavor.
* **Slow Cooker:** Adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground pork, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot:** Use an Instant Pot to quickly cook the filling. Brown the ground pork using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
* Offer a variety of salsas, such as salsa verde, salsa roja, or pico de gallo.
* Serve with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer.
* Make it a taco bar and let your guests customize their own tacos.
* Accompany with a simple salad for a complete meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.*

* Calories: 350-450 per taco
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g

## Conclusion

These Poblano and Ground Pork Tacos are a guaranteed hit! The smoky poblano peppers perfectly complement the savory ground pork, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. With endless customization options, you can create the perfect taco to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy some amazing tacos!

## Recipe Card

**Poblano and Ground Pork Tacos**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 12 tacos

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground pork
* 2 poblano peppers
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
* 12 corn or flour tortillas
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

**Instructions:**

1. Roast the poblano peppers using your preferred method (oven, stovetop, or grill). Peel, seed, and chop the peppers.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground pork until browned, then drain excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add chopped poblano peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth (or water), bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Warm tortillas using your preferred method (skillet, microwave, or oven).
8. Fill each tortilla with the poblano and ground pork mixture and top with your desired toppings.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Adjust spice level by using more or less cayenne pepper.
* The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
* Experiment with different toppings to customize your tacos.