Print

Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Stew: Hearty Family Comfort Food

A close-up of a rustic bowl filled with tender chunks of pork stew, carrots, and potatoes in a rich, dark gravy.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich and satisfying slow cooker pork stew for a truly comforting family dinner. Tender pork shoulder, carrots, and potatoes simmer in a savory broth, creating a meal that rewards you with deep flavor and minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork cubes dry and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches on all sides. Remove the browned pork and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the onions and garlic to your slow cooker.
  5. Add the browned pork, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this liquid mixture over the pork and vegetables.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  8. If you prefer a thicker stew, remove about 1 cup of the hot liquid to a small bowl. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then stir the mixture back into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until the broth thickens.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Browning the pork first builds a deeper flavor base for your stew. Do not skip this step if you have time.
  • For an even richer broth, substitute 1/2 cup of the beef broth with a dry red wine and let it cook down slightly after browning the meat.
  • This pork stew freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition