Craving a heartwarming, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker pork stew recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Tender pork, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth combine to create a truly satisfying culinary experience. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly indulgent, making it a firm favorite in our home. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with minimal effort!
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 all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the 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 depth of flavor to the stew. Set aside.
Building the stew:
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the stew.
- Transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned pork cubes, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
Slow cooking to perfection:
- 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.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
Finishing touches:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, noodles, or polenta.
- Meal prepping: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This slow cooker pork stew is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver incredible flavor and comfort. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!