Easy Crock Pot Pork Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker)

Discover the comforting simplicity of this slow-cooked classic. Hi, I’m Patricia, and welcome to Patricia Universe, your haven for approachable recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. This crock pot pork stew recipe is a perfect example—a dish that turns humble ingredients into a soul-satisfying feast. A true crock pot recipe like this one isn’t just a meal; it’s a plan for a deliciously stress-free day.

Table of Contents

• Why This Crock Pot Pork Stew is a Game-Changer
• The Magic of a Set-It-And-Forget-It Dinner
• Choosing Your Perfect Pork Stew Ingredients
• More Than Just a Slow Cooker Recipe: The Pro Tips
• Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece
• Why You’ll Make This Crock Pot Pork Stew Again
• The Recipe
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

• Effortless Cooking: This easy crock pot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, comforting pork stew with minimal hands-on work.
• Ingredient Versatility: You can easily customize the vegetables and herbs to match your taste or what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this stew tastes even better as leftovers and freezes beautifully for future easy dinners.

Why This Crock Pot Pork Stew is a Game-Changer

In a world of complicated recipes, this dish is a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest methods. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, gently coaxing out the richness of the pork and melding the flavors of the vegetables and herbs into a cohesive, heartwarming whole. Every bite is a reminder of why these crock pot recipes are timeless favorites.

The Magic of a Set-It-And-Forget-It Dinner

There’s undeniable peace that comes from knowing dinner is quietly cooking itself. This slow cooker dinner is the ultimate ally for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or any day you’d rather spend time with family than standing over a stove. The recipe is designed to be flexible; you can prep it in the morning, let it simmer all day on low, and come home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of a ready-to-eat meal.

Choosing Your Perfect Pork Stew Ingredients

The foundation of a great stew lies in its ingredients. For the most tender and flavorful results, pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the undisputed champion. Its marbling breaks down during the long, slow cook, making the meat incredibly juicy. As for the supporting cast, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Swap carrots for parsnips, add a handful of peas at the end, or stir in some leafy greens like kale for a pop of color and nutrition. This flexibility is what makes a fantastic crock pot pork stew so versatile.

More Than Just a Slow Cooker Recipe: The Pro Tips

While the recipe is wonderfully simple, a few small steps can elevate it from good to extraordinary. Taking five minutes to brown the pork cubes before adding them to the slow cooker creates a beautiful fond and adds a deeper, caramelized flavor to the entire stew. Also, if you prefer a thicker, gravy-like consistency, the cornstarch slurry in the recipe is your best friend. Incorporating these tips transforms a basic crock pot recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish made effortlessly at home.

Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece

Presentation is simple but impactful. Ladle the hot stew into deep bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. A hunk of crusty bread or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes is non-negotiable for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth. One of the best things about this stew is that it tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic easy dinner option for meal prep. It stores beautifully in the fridge for several days and freezes perfectly for those “what’s for dinner?” emergencies.

Why You’ll Make This Crock Pot Pork Stew Again

Beyond its delicious flavor, this recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it’s reliable, forgiving, and universally loved. It’s the kind of meal that comforts on a chilly evening, impresses without stress, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s the essence of comfort food made easy. For more simple, flavor-packed ideas like this, explore all the easy recipes here at Patricia Universe.

Easy Crock Pot Pork Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker)

This incredibly Easy Crock Pot Pork Stew recipe is the ultimate comforting, easy dinner. Made with tender pork shoulder, potatoes, and carrots in a rich herb-infused broth, it’s a simple, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time8 hours hrs

Total Time8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keywords: comfort food, crock pot recipes, easy dinner, easy recipes, family meals, pork stew, slow cooker dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Thickening (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For Serving

• Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Prep and Brown the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

1. Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the pork on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned pork to your slow cooker.

Layer the Ingredients

1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker with the pork.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Add the bay leaves to the pot.

Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

Thicken the Stew (Optional)

1. If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
2. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, carefully ladle about 1 cup of the hot stew liquid into the cornstarch mixture, whisking to combine.
3. Pour this slurry back into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cover and finish cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the stew to thicken.

Serve

1. Discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

You can skip the browning step for an even simpler dump-and-go meal, but browning adds a deeper flavor. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day.