Hey y’all! If you love hearty, comforting meals that basically cook themselves, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Pork Stew. Packed with melt-in-your-mouth pork, savory veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is the ultimate dinner for busy nights, Sunday family suppers, or anytime you want pure comfort in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Super Simple: Just toss the ingredients in your Slow Cooker and let it do all the work.
Incredibly Tender Pork: The long, slow cooking transforms pork shoulder into amazingly juicy, fork-tender bites.
Loaded with Veggies: Carrots, potatoes, and celery add nutrients, texture, and color to every spoonful.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for meal prep.
Family Approved: It’s kid-friendly and perfect for everything from lazy Sundays to potlucks.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Pork

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes in batches, browning them on all sides (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Transfer browned pork to the Slow Cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Liquids

Add carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and stir well to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours, or high for 4–5 hours, until pork and vegetables are very tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the stew, cover, and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove bay leaves, season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite bread or rolls!

Notes

Browning the pork first adds extra depth of flavor, but you can skip this step for a true dump-and-go meal.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for an even creamier texture.
Prep the night before and refrigerate the filled insert to save time in the morning.

Variations

Mexican-Inspired: Add 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 cup corn for a southwestern kick.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Root Veggie Stew: Swap carrots and potatoes for parsnips and sweet potatoes for a new flavor twist.

Required Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet
Sharp knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Let the stew cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in single-serve portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crusty French bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every drop.
A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette is a fresh contrast to the rich stew.
Try it over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for extra heartiness.

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, toss the pork cubes with a tablespoon of flour before browning.
Pat the pork dry before browning for a better sear.
Don’t open the slow cooker lid during cooking — it lowers the temperature and increases cook time!

FAQ

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder provides the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute pork loin for a leaner, firmer stew.
Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep everything a day ahead, and leftovers taste even better after the flavors meld.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Just ensure your broth and tomato paste are gluten-free, and skip the flour if you dust the pork before browning.

Slow Cooker Pork Stew

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients