Sometimes, the best meals come from what’s already in your fridge. Pulled pork soup takes that leftover pork roast or pulled pork and turns it into something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying. This soup is the perfect cold weather meal with a touch of spice and a hearty mix of veggies.

Pulled pork soup isn’t just another dinner idea—it’s the kind of meal that warms you up inside and out. Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s comforting without being complicated.
It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but also works great for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the pot or reheating it for lunch the next day, this soup delivers every time.
Jump to:
❍ Before You Begin:
This soup is made using leftover pork roast. So first, you need to make the roast. The pork roast recipe is simply the pork roast, salt and pepper. Slow cook it in the crock pot for 8 hours the night before. Enjoy it for dinner the first night and make soup the next night.
BETTER YET – If you have leftover pulled pork or a piece of leftover pork roast, you can use that instead! It’s an easy way to get an extra meal or two out of leftovers.
⭐ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ⭐
Flavorful and Savory: Every spoonful of this soup is packed with bold, comforting flavors. The tender pulled pork blends with spices like cumin and Cajun seasoning, creating a rich, smoky base. Add in the tangy tomatoes, green chiles, and beans, and you’ve got a bowl of goodness.
Ease of Preparation: Who’s got time for complicated recipes? Luckily, this soup is as simple as it gets, with just a handful of basic steps.
Versatile Meal Option: Pulled pork soup is a true multitasker when it comes to mealtime. Serve it as a hearty main dish with some crusty bread on the side, and dinner is done. Or, ladle it into smaller bowls and use it as a side for a larger spread.
Great for Meal Prep: If you’re a fan of cooking once and eating twice (or more), this recipe has your back. First, you get pork roast for dinner. Then you make the soup. It stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Plus, it freezes like a dream. Portion it into individual containers, and you’ve got a quick lunch or dinner ready to go whenever you need it.
🧾 Ingredients Needed
Ingredients Text – no quantities, add description if needed
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
🔁 Variations
Spice Variations
Spices can make or break a dish. The beauty of this soup is how easily you can tweak the seasoning to fit your taste.
- Mild and Smoky: Stick with cumin and add a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky vibe without too much heat.
- Bold and Spicy: Amp up the Cajun seasoning or toss in cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. Love heat? Add a chopped jalapeño.
- Herby and Warm: For a different flavor, try adding dried oregano and thyme. They pair beautifully with pork and veggies.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in a little soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a dash of sesame oil for a completely different flavor profile.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Vegetables aren’t just good for you—they bring texture, flavor, and color to the soup. While the basic recipe uses onions and carrots, there’s so much room to play here. Feel free to clean out your fridge—most veggies will work.
- Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for a nutritious boost.
- Peppers: Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) add a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels bring a bit of sweetness and pair beautifully with the smoky pulled pork.
- Potatoes: Dice up some red or Yukon gold potatoes for a heartier, chunkier soup.
- Zucchini: Slice or dice zucchini for a tender, mild veggie that doesn’t overpower the soup.
🥣 How to Make
STEP 1: Chop the onion into small pieces.
STEP 2: Peel the carrots and slice them into ¼-inch rounds..
STEP 3: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium.
STEP 4: Cook the onions and carrots for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the carrots soften.
STEP 5: Mix in cumin and Cajun spices, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
STEP 6: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot while stirring.
STEP 7: Add green chiles, white beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded pork.
STEP 8: Let it simmer for 30 minutes, then serve warm.
⭐ Pro Tips ⭐
- Layer Your Flavors: When making soup, it’s all about building flavor step by step. Take your time with the onions and carrots. Let them soften and caramelize. Once you add cumin or Cajun seasoning, let them heat up for a minute before adding liquids.
- Balance the Heat: The right spice level can make or break your soup. Taste as You Go. Don’t dump in all your Cajun seasoning at once. Add a little, taste, and adjust.
- Cool It Down: Added too much heat? A splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream can tone things down. A squeeze of lime works wonders, too.
- Change Up the Broth: Chicken broth is a classic, but beef broth gives a richer taste. Want a lighter option? Vegetable broth works too.
📝 Recipe FAQs
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Pulled pork soup tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Fridge: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Want to save it for later? Store it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay the bags flat to save space. It will keep well for 2-3 months.
Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. If it’s thickened while in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Pulled pork soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a good side dish can make it even better. Try these ideas:
Crusty Bread: For soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
Cornbread: Slightly sweet and buttery, it’s the perfect match for the smoky flavors.
Simple Salad: Toss some greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Pair it with one or more of these, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about.
More Soup Recipes To Try
If you tried this Apple Challah French Toast Recipe or any other recipe on my site, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing about your results and thoughts!
📖 Recipe
Pulled Pork Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cajun seasoning to taste
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 7 oz green chiles
- 14.5 ounce white beans drained
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded pork
Instructions
- Chop the onion.
- Peel the carrots, and chop into ¼ inch slices.
- Add olive oil to a dutch oven or large pot and heat over medium heat.
- Add onions and the carrots. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender; stirring occasionally.
- Add the cumin and cajun seasonings, and stir constantly for 1 minute..
- Add chicken broth, then scrape the bottom of the pan while stirring it in.
- Add the green chiles,white beans, diced tomatoes and shredded pork.
- Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot!
Notes
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp pepper Directions: Sprinkle pork roast with salt and pepper, and add to the crock pot.
Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
Remove from the crock pot and shred the meat.
Leave a Reply