Slow Cooker Pork Stew

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Introduction
Slow Cooker Pork Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender pork, vegetables, and a rich savory broth. Cooking it slowly allows the pork to become incredibly soft while the flavors blend beautifully. It’s the perfect warm meal for family dinners and requires very little effort once everything is in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

1 kg pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
3 cups beef or chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the pork pieces and brown them on all sides for about 4–5 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
  3. Place the browned pork into the slow cooker.
  4. Add chopped onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
  5. In a bowl, mix broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour the mixture over the pork and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender.
  8. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
  9. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 20 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Method Tips

  • Browning the pork first gives the stew deeper flavor.
  • Add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes for extra vegetables.
  • If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g

Benefits

  • High in protein from pork.
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals from vegetables.
  • Slow cooking makes the meat tender and easy to digest.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pork Stew is a simple, satisfying meal that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. With tender pork, flavorful broth, and wholesome vegetables, it’s an easy dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal.

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