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Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Stew: Tender Comfort Food

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, brown pork stew chunks, potatoes, and carrots.
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Make fork-tender pork and hearty root vegetables in a rich, savory broth using your slow cooker. This easy pork stew recipe is perfect for family dinners and delivers deep, comforting flavor without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

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. Add the browned pork, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  7. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Stir the cornstarch and cold water mixture together until smooth. Pour this slurry into the stew and stir well.
  9. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, sear the pork before adding it to the slow cooker; this builds deep flavor in the broth.
  • If you prefer softer vegetables, add the potatoes and carrots during the last hour of cooking.
  • Serve this hearty dinner idea with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/pork-stew-slow-cooker-tender-comfort-food/