Amazing 7-Hour pork stew Comfort

When that first real chill hits the air and all you crave is something warm that hugs you from the inside out, forget complicated weeknight meals. You need real comfort! That’s exactly what this slow cooker pork stew delivers. Hi, I’m Carla Davis, and this incredible pork stew recipe brings me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, even though we’re using the convenience of the slow cooker now. Pork shoulder transforms into the most unbelievably tender chunks swimming in a rich, savory broth loaded with veggies. It’s unbelievably easy—truly a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that I’ve tested over and over again for busy weeknights. If you love simple dump meals, you’ll definitely want to check out my recipe for Crockpot Cowboy Soup too! Trust me, this is the hearty pork stew your winter dinner rotation has been begging for!

Why This Slow Cooker Pork Stew Recipe is Your New Comfort Food Staple

I know when you’re scrolling through recipes, you want guarantees, right? Especially on a chilly evening when only a truly hearty pork stew will do. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s built around making your life easier while delivering those incredible, melt-in-your-mouth results we all chase. It’s one of those tender pork recipes that actually tastes better the next day, which is saying something!

Here’s why this is going straight into your regular rotation. If you love rich meals made ahead of time, you should also check out my recipe for Slow Cooked Pot Roast.

• It requires almost zero hands-on time once it’s in the pot.
• The pork shoulder breaks down perfectly—no tough bits here!
• It uses simple pantry staples to create deep, savory flavor.

Set It and Forget It: The Magic of Slow Cooker Pork Stew

This is where the slow cooker earns its keep, folks. If you’re searching for a true crock pot pork stew, this is it. We take that tough-looking pork shoulder and let the gentle, long cooking time work its magic. By submerging it with broth and spices for hours, you break down every connective tissue until the meat just falls apart with a nudge of a fork. It’s the easiest path to incredibly tender pork.

SAVE IT

Hearty Pork Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

You don’t need a side dish when you have this! We load this pot up with classic root vegetables. This means your stew with potatoes and carrots is a complete meal in one pot. Kids love it, and it’s filling enough to satisfy anyone coming in from the cold. It’s the definition of a filling, satisfying dinner.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Delicious Pork Stew

Okay, prepping for any good stew is half the battle, but setting yourself up with quality ingredients makes the whole process so rewarding. Remember what I always say: even simple comfort food needs precision to taste truly amazing! Don’t skip the browning step later; that caramelization is key. For those who want to experiment with different sauces later, make sure you check out my recipe for Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce, though for this stew, we keep things classic and savory!

Pork and Produce for the Best Pork Stew

For this particular pork stew recipe, the star has to be the main protein: grab about three pounds of pork shoulder, or Boston butt, and cut it into nice chunky 1 1/2-inch cubes. You want those big pieces that soak up all that amazing flavor. For the hardy vegetables, we’re using four medium carrots, peeled and just thickly sliced—we don’t want them turning to mush! Don’t forget three medium potatoes (Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely, but Russets work too) already peeled and cubed.

Liquids and Seasonings for a Savory Pork Stew

The broth is what turns this into a wonderful savory pork soup! You’ll need one cup of beef broth, plus one cup of dry red wine if you want that extra layer of depth—but if you’re skipping the wine, just use more broth, no sweat. We also need a splash of Worcestershire sauce, which adds that little something savory. Then, load up on the aromatics like dried rosemary and thyme, plus a bay leaf to let everything simmer together perfectly.

How to Prepare the Easiest Pork Stew Recipe

This is where the “easy” part really shines, even though we take a moment upfront to build incredible layers of flavor. Forget wrestling with complicated stovetop methods when you want a great weeknight dinner. We’re activating our browning step first because that sear is non-negotiable for rich flavor development. Once that’s done, it’s hands-off time! My methods always aim for maximum payoff with minimal fuss.

Browning the Pork for Deep Flavor in Your Pork Stew

First things first: even though this is a slow cooker pork stew, we have to take about ten minutes for searing. Take your seasoned pork cubes and heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You have to brown the pork in batches, okay? Don’t just dump it all in there! Overcrowding steams the meat instead of searing it, and we want that beautiful dark crust that signals a truly homemade pork stew. Once nicely browned on all sides, pull that glorious meat out and drop it straight into your slow cooker basin.

SAVE IT

Loading the Slow Cooker for Your Hearty Pork Stew

Next, we capture all those tasty brown bits left in the pan! Toss your chopped onion in that same skillet and cook until it softens up, maybe five minutes. Then you add the minced garlic for just one minute until it smells amazing—that’s your flavor base! Scrape that onion and garlic mixture right over the pork in the slow cooker. Now, dump in your carrots, cubed potatoes, and all your liquid ingredients: the beef broth, that optional wine, Worcestershire sauce, and all those lovely herbs and seasonings like rosemary and thyme. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything into one big, happy mess.

Cooking Time and Thickening the Final Pork Stew

Cover it up and let it cook! You can go LOW for 7 to 8 hours, which is perfect if you’re at work, or HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours if you’re home in the afternoon. Either way, you’ll know it’s done when that pork is super fork-tender. Right before serving, take out the bay leaf—don’t forget that part! Now for the magic: to make this a proper comfort food stew, whisk two tablespoons of flour into 1/4 cup of cold water (that’s a slurry!) and stir it into the pot. Cook on HIGH for the last 30 minutes so it thickens up just right.

SAVE IT

Tips for Success with Your Pork Shoulder Stew

Even though this is designed to be an amazing, hands-off pork shoulder stew, a couple of little things I learned over the years really kick the flavor up a notch. I want you to feel like a pro, even when using the Crock-Pot! When you build flavor properly in the beginning, you guarantee that deep, complex taste that separates a good stew from a truly memorable one. These little extra steps are what make the difference in my kitchen.

Building Deeper Flavor in Your Pork Stew

I mentioned searing the meat, right? Well, here’s a bonus pro tip for your easy pork stew: if your slow cooker insert is stovetop-safe—mine isn’t, sadly—do the searing right in that insert! If not, grabbing your favorite heavy Dutch oven and doing the initial browning there before transferring everything is the way to go. That extra heat contact creates far more flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, which lift up when you add the liquid. It’s worth the extra pot to clean, trust me!

Variations on the Classic Pork Stew

While this slow cooker version is my go-to for the ultimate comfort food, I know you like to mix things up! That’s the fun part of cooking—making a recipe your own. Sometimes, you just wake up craving something with a little Southwestern heat instead of that classic rosemary vibe. Don’t worry, adapting this amazing pork stew is super simple. Depending on your mood, you can take this cozy classic in totally new directions. Give this little twist a try, or look up some of those great green chili recipes if you’re feeling spicy!

Southwestern Pork Stew Twist

If you want to swap out the traditional herbs, try this! Skip the rosemary and thyme entirely. Instead, add one tablespoon of chili powder and one teaspoon of cumin right in with the other seasonings. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even check out a recipe for Green Chili Stew, but for this recipe, those chili and cumin notes blend beautifully with the beef broth for a smoky punch!

Storage and Reheating Your Homemade Pork Stew

One of the best things about making a big batch of stew? The next day! This homemade pork stew is unbelievable as leftovers, and it freezes like a dream, which is so handy for those nights when you don’t want to cook at all. The flavors actually deepen overnight! You can store any unused stew in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. If you know you won’t get through it, just cool it down completely first, then transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps beautifully for about three months!

Serving Suggestions for This Winter Stew

Now that you have this amazing, thick, and savory winter stew ready, how should we serve up this comfort hug? Honestly, you could eat it straight from the bowl and be happy! But to make it a real dinner centerpiece, I always suggest having something on hand to soak up every last drop of that rich broth. A slice of crusty bread is perfection. For heartier appetites, try spooning it over creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of egg noodles!

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Pork Stew

I always get so many great questions when people try this recipe for the first time, and that’s wonderful! It means you’re taking the time to make sure your pork stew turns out just right for your family. Don’t worry if you need a little clarification on timing or ingredient swaps; that’s what this section is for! Getting those little details right is exactly what turns a standard meal into one of those amazing tender pork recipes you brag about.

Can I use a different cut of pork besides shoulder for this pork stew?

You absolutely can, but I strongly push for pork shoulder (Boston butt). Why? Because shoulder has beautiful pockets of fat woven throughout, and that fat is what melts down during the slow cooking process. That melting fat is what keeps your pork stew rich and moist by the time it’s done. Leaner cuts can get a little dry, even in a slow cooker.

My pork stew is too thin, how can I thicken it?

If you missed adding the slurry at the end, or if you just like things really thick, don’t panic! You can still save your easy pork stew. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water—a cornstarch slurry works faster than flour—and stir it into the bubbling stew, then let it cook on HIGH for about 15 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

What is the best way to reheat leftover pork stew?

The best way to reheat leftovers, especially if you’re taking them straight from the fridge, is slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir it occasionally. If it seems a little thick after sitting, just splash in a tablespoon or two of extra beef broth or even water to loosen it back up to that perfect consistency.

Nutritional Estimates for This Hearty Pork Stew

Now, I need to be super clear here: I’m a home cook, not a certified nutritionist! The numbers below are just my best estimation based on the standard recipe ingredients I listed above, calculated per serving. When you’re making something this comforting, we focus way more on how happy it makes us feel, but it’s good to have a general idea. If you’re tracking macros, remember these numbers can shift based on the exact cut of pork you buy or whether you use wine or not in your hearty pork stew.

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: About 450
• Protein: A whopping 38g!
• Fat: Roughly 22g (Remember, that’s coming from that flavorful pork shoulder!)
• Carbohydrates: Around 35g

Share Your Slow Cooker Pork Stew Creations

I am just dying to know how your slow cooker pork stew turned out! Seriously, there is nothing better than seeing your beautiful photos pop up when you tag me online. Did your pork get ridiculously tender? Did you serve it with crusty sourdough or maybe some rice? I love hearing all the little ways you make my recipes your own. Head over to my contact page or tag me on social media! Also, if you tried this recipe out, please take a second to hit those five stars at the bottom of the page. It really helps other busy cooks find this delicious pork meal!

Share Your Slow Cooker Pork Stew Creations

I am just dying to know how your slow cooker pork stew turned out! Seriously, there is nothing better than seeing your beautiful photos pop up when you tag me online. Did your pork get ridiculously tender? Did you serve it with crusty sourdough or maybe some rice? I love hearing all the little ways you make my recipes your own. Head over to my contact page or tag me on social media! Also, if you tried this recipe out, please take a second to hit those five stars at the bottom of the page. It really helps other busy cooks find this delicious pork meal!

Slow Cooker Hearty Pork Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables

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This slow cooker pork stew recipe delivers tender pork chunks and root vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It is a simple, comforting meal perfect for cold weather dinners.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1/4 cup cold water

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Instructions

1. Pat the pork cubes dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the browned pork and place it in the basin of your slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew.
8. Cover and cook on HIGH for the final 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot with crusty bread.

Notes

• For an even richer flavor, you can sear the pork in the slow cooker insert if it is stovetop safe, or use a Dutch oven on the stovetop before transferring ingredients.
• If you prefer a Southwestern flavor, substitute the rosemary and thyme with 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
• This easy pork stew freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7
• Sodium: 550
• Fat: 22
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 14
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 35
• Fiber: 6
• Protein: 38
• Cholesterol: 110