Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this slow cooker pork stew recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend supper. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; your slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in tender, fall-apart pork and a rich, savory broth. This recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals and easy recipes combined. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the stew. Set the browned pork aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned pork, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
-
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
-
Add Potatoes and Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped potatoes. In the last 10 minutes, add the frozen peas.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Stew:
- Don't skip searing the pork: Searing the pork before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor significantly.
- Use a good quality beef broth: The broth forms the base of the stew's flavor, so using a flavorful broth is crucial.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra depth.
- Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
- Use different meats: Chicken or beef can be substituted for the pork, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This slow cooker pork stew recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas that are both easy and satisfying. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Enjoy!