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Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Stew with Root Vegetables

Close-up of a white bowl filled with tender, shredded pork stew, large chunks of carrots, and potatoes in a rich brown gravy.

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Make this hearty, comforting pork stew in your slow cooker for fall-apart tender pork and rich, savory flavor. This easy recipe uses common root vegetables for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. If you choose to brown the pork, season the pork cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 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 slow cooker.
  2. 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.
  3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently.
  5. 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 very tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the stew to your desired consistency. Stir in the frozen peas, if using, and cook until heated through.
  7. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Browning the pork first adds depth to the savory pork stew flavor, but you can skip this step for a quicker preparation.
  • To prevent vegetables from becoming mushy, add potatoes and carrots during the last 2 hours of cooking on LOW if you prefer them firmer.
  • If the stew is too thin after adding the slurry, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate.

Nutrition