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Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Creamy Crockpot Ghost White Pork Chili Step-by-step instructions

A bowl of creamy white pork chili featuring tender pork chunks, white beans, and a garnish of herbs.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6
Includes 5 min resting

Before you start

Before starting, ensure your slow cooker is clean and ready for use. Take the pork tenderloin out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to help it come closer to room temperature, which encourages more even cooking.

Prepare your measuring tools and have all ingredients gathered on the counter. Make sure your beans are thoroughly drained and rinsed to remove any excess starch from the canning liquid, as this helps keep the final chili clear and properly textured.

Ingredients at a glance (7)
  • 2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into chunks
  • 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can green chiles, diced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese block

Instructions

Preparation and assembly

  1. Prepare the slow cooker base
    Place the pork tenderloin chunks into the basin of the slow cooker. Add the white beans and green chiles over the pork, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
    Look for The pork should be arranged in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
    Tip Pat the pork dry with paper towels before adding to the cooker for better texture.

The pork should be evenly distributed in the crockpot, topped with the beans, chiles, and seasonings. Everything should look organized and ready for the liquid. Check that the cream cheese block is positioned in the center, as this allows it to melt evenly into the surrounding ingredients without burning on the bottom or sides of the slow cooker basin.

Slow cooking cycle

  1. Season and add liquid
    Sprinkle the ground cumin and dried oregano over the bean and pork mixture. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, then place the block of cream cheese directly into the center of the crock.
    Look for The cream cheese will melt into the broth during the cooking process to create the sauce.
    Tip Do not stir the cream cheese in yet, as it will naturally emulsify with the broth during the slow cooking cycle.

During the cooking phase, the kitchen will begin to smell savory and aromatic. Once the time is up, the broth should be bubbling slightly and the cream cheese should look soft and ready to be incorporated. The pork should be submerged, and the beans should appear plump and tender, indicating that they have absorbed the seasoned liquid fully.

Emulsification and serving

  1. Cook and finish
    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once finished, stir the chili thoroughly to incorporate the melted cream cheese into the broth. Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then let it rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
    Look for The chili should be thick, creamy, and fragrant, with tender pork that pulls apart easily.
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
    Tip If the chili is too thick, add a small splash of extra broth to reach the desired consistency.

After stirring, the chili should transform into a thick, creamy, and uniform mixture. The sauce should be smooth and glossy, with no visible lumps of cream cheese remaining.

The pork should be easily breakable with a spoon, and the entire dish should be steaming hot. Check the final seasoning, adding a touch of salt if necessary, before ladling the chili into bowls.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is overcooking the pork tenderloin, which can lead to a dry texture despite the creamy sauce. Another error is stirring the cream cheese too early, which can prevent it from melting correctly into the broth.

Always resist the urge to peek or stir the slow cooker during the main cooking phase, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time. Finally, ensure you do not skip the resting period, as this is crucial for the meat to remain juicy.

How to tell it’s done

The pork tenderloin is done when it is opaque throughout and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece of pork to ensure it is cooked safely.

Once done, the chili should have a thick, creamy consistency. If you find the pork is still a bit firm, allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring it is tender enough to shred slightly with a spoon before serving the dish.

  • Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can this recipe be made with chicken instead of pork?
  • Why is the cream cheese added as a block?
  • Can a different type of cheese be used in this recipe?

Also in Part 3: variations (Spicy Ghost Chili, Vegetable Boost), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)