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Slow Cooker Pork Stew

This comforting stew transforms tough pork shoulder into tender, fall-apart goodness through slow cooking. Main ingredients like pork, carrots, and onions simmer together in broth, resulting in a rich, savory dish with a thickened, glossy sauce. The final appearance is hearty, with soft vegetables and juicy pork, perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 4 large carrots cut into 1-inch thick coins
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients: chop the pork into chunks, dice the onion, and cut the carrots into thick coins. Keep everything ready on your cutting board.
  2. Place the pork shoulder chunks into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Add the chopped carrots and diced onion on top.
  3. Mince the garlic and sprinkle it over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Then, pour in the broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
  4. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low and cook for about 8 hours until the pork is meltingly tender and the vegetables are soft.
  5. Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves and gently mash some of the carrots and potatoes with a fork to thicken the broth slightly. If you prefer it thicker, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and cook on high for 10 minutes.
  6. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The pork should be falling apart, and the broth rich and glossy.
  7. Serve the hot stew in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread for a cozy, hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork in a hot skillet until browned before adding to the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the stew. You can also add other root vegetables or herbs to customize the flavor.