Cafe Rio Copycat Pork Bowls

Total Time
Prep: 20 min. + marinating Cook: 10 hours

Updated on Dec. 21, 2023

My friends are big fans of Cafe Rio's sweet pork tacos, so I came up with this version to eat in the comfort of our own homes. Serve the pork in flour tortillas or taco shells, or enjoy it on its own. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

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Can you freeze Cafe Rio Copycat Pork?

Freeze cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Cafe Rio Copycat Pork Bowls

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 10 hours
Yield 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (12 ounces each) cola, divided
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided
  • 1 bone-in pork shoulder roast (5 to 7 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (7 ounces) chopped green chiles
  • Hot cooked rice, optional
  • Optional toppings: Black beans, sliced red onion, crumbled Cotija cheese and salsa

Directions

  1. In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine 1 can cola and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add pork; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain pork, discarding marinade. Place pork in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and remaining can of cola. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 8-10 hours.
  3. Set meat aside until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Shred meat with 2 forks. Discard cooking juices and return meat to slow cooker. Stir in enchilada sauce, green chiles and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, about 2 hours.
  4. If desired, serve pork in bowls over rice with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup cooked pork: 419 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.

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