Slow Cooker Pork Stew – Set & Forget Comfort Meal

Introduction

When you need a meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and absolutely effortless, look no further than Slow Cooker Pork Stew. This “set and forget” comfort dish combines tender chunks of pork, earthy root vegetables, and flavorful aromatics—all simmered low and slow to create a bowl of pure coziness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, filling your home with inviting aromas while you take care of your day.

Why This Slow Cooker Pork Stew is a Crowd Pleaser

This stew stands out for its melt-in-your-mouth pork and savory, well-developed broth. Combining vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery with rich, slow-cooked pork ensures each spoonful is brimming with flavor. Plus, the one-pot, hands-off approach means you save time without sacrificing taste—a comforting meal that suits both family dinners and casual entertaining.

The Secret to Flavorful Pork Stew

The key to exceptional pork stew is browning the pork before slow cooking. This step caramelizes the meat, deepening the overall flavor of the broth. Deglazing the pan after browning with a splash of broth or wine ensures no flavorful bits are lost. Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker and allowing the flavors to meld over several hours results in a rich, satisfying stew.

Foolproof Slow Cooker Assembly

Start by searing diced pork on all sides, then transfer it to your slow cooker. Add diced onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic. Season with thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, then pour over the broth (and wine if using). Cover, set your cooker to low, and walk away—return hours later to a comforting, ready-to-serve meal.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Pork Stew

Serve this stew steaming hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth. For an extra pop of brightness, squeeze a hint of lemon juice over each bowl before serving. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced and inviting dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings. Each bowl provides around 350 to 400 calories, while packing in protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and vitamins. It’s a nourishing option that satisfies hunger as well as the soul.

Slow Cooker Pork Stew Recap

Enjoy the ease and flavor of a true “set and forget” comfort meal. With juicy pork, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort—perfect for families and busy home cooks alike.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a sorted shopping list with all the ingredients you need, organized by store section, for maximum efficiency on your next grocery trip.

Instructions

1. Season pork cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides (work in batches if needed), then transfer to your slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker on top of the pork.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together broth, wine (if using), thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until pork and vegetables are fork-tender.
5. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.
6. Discard bay leaves. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This stew is a meal prep champion—it reheats beautifully and gets even more flavorful overnight. Save and schedule this recipe for the week to easily plan meals, build consolidated shopping lists, and never miss a key ingredient again.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient quantities when planning multiple recipes
• Keeps your shopping list tidy and sorted by grocery section
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten staples
• Makes weeknight cooking stress-free and streamlined

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes for the week to instantly see ingredient overlaps—saving money and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: 8 hours (set & forget!)