Hearty Homemade Pork Stew
This hearty homemade pork stew is perfect for chilly days, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. Made with tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This easy-to-make stew is full of flavor and ideal for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients for Making Hearty Pork Stew
To make this delicious, slow-cooked pork stew, you’ll need a handful of fresh vegetables, seasonings, and, of course, tender pork. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 ½ lbs of pork – Cubed into bite-sized pieces for tender, flavorful bites.
- 1 cup of carrots – Chopped into rounds or bite-sized pieces for a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup of potatoes – Diced for that hearty, comforting texture.
- 1 cup of green beans – Fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut.
- 1 medium onion – Diced to bring depth of flavor to the stew.
- 3 tsp of minced garlic – To add a savory kick.
- 4 cups of chicken stock – The base of the stew, providing rich and savory flavor.
- 1 ½ tsp of dried thyme – For that warm, earthy taste.
- ¾ tsp of dried rosemary – A classic herb for any stew.
- 1 bay leaf – To enhance the flavor as the stew simmers.
- 1 tsp of smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- ½ tsp of ground cumin – For a touch of warmth and earthiness.
- 1 ½ tbsp of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and richness.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste, for seasoning and balance.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional) – If you want a thicker stew, this will help achieve that perfect consistency.
How to Make the Best Homemade Pork Stew in a Crockpot
Making a hearty and flavorful pork stew in a crockpot is easy, and the slow cooking helps all the ingredients blend together beautifully. Here’s how to make the best pork stew with tender vegetables and rich, savory broth:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cubing 2 ½ lbs of pork into bite-sized pieces. Season the pork generously with salt and black pepper. Chop 1 cup of carrots, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1 cup of green beans into small, even pieces. Dice 1 medium onion and mince 3 tsp of garlic.
2. Brown the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
To deepen the flavor, brown the pork in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step caramelizes the pork, locking in flavor. If short on time, skip this step and add the pork directly to the crockpot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)
After browning the pork, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. This optional step adds extra depth of flavor.
4. Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place the pork, carrots, potatoes, green beans, onions, and garlic into the crockpot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock. Add the following seasonings: 1 ½ tsp dried thyme, ¾ tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, and 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Slow Cook
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours, or set to high for 4-5 hours for faster cooking. The slow cooking ensures the pork becomes tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you want a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, ladle out ½ cup of broth and whisk it with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Pour the mixture back into the crockpot and stir. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the stew is finished, remove the bay leaf and give it a final stir. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread or as a cozy, filling meal on its own.
Common Recipe Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, this recipe is versatile! You can easily substitute the pork with beef, chicken, or even turkey, depending on your preferences. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different types of meat to ensure they cook properly in the crockpot.
2. Do I have to brown the pork before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the pork adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the stew, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious stew. However, if you want to enhance the flavor, I recommend browning the meat first.
3. How can I make the stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry. About 30 minutes before the stew is done, ladle out ½ cup of the broth, whisk it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and then stir it back into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, peas, or parsnips would make great additions. Just ensure the vegetables you add have enough time to cook through in the crockpot.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, the stew can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
6. Can I cook this stew on the stovetop?
Yes, if you don’t have a crockpot, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Brown the pork and sauté the vegetables in a large pot, then add the broth and seasonings. Cover and simmer the stew on low heat for 1 ½ to 2 hours until the pork is tender and the flavors have blended.
Recommended Products for Making This Hearty Pork Stew
If you’d like to recreate this delicious pork stew, here are some of my favorite tools and ingredients that make the process easier:
- Slow Cooker – Perfect for low and slow cooking to get those tender, flavorful results.
- Cutting Board Set – Great for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife is essential for cutting through meat and vegetables with ease.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements ensure your stew turns out just right.
- Wooden Spoon – Ideal for stirring and mixing everything together without scratching your pots.
- Minced Garlic – Save time by using pre-minced garlic for your recipes.
- Chicken Stock – The base of this stew for that rich and savory flavor.
- Herb and Spice Set – Stock up on all the seasonings you need for this recipe and more.
Hearty Homemade Pork Stew
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs pork, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¾ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cubed pork, chopped carrots, diced potatoes, green beans, onion, and garlic. Set aside.
- Add the prepared pork and vegetables to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika, cumin, and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce). Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork and vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the stew is done, turn the crockpot to warm. Ladle out ½ cup of broth into a bowl and whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Pour the slurry back into the crockpot and stir. Let the stew sit for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with fresh bread or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- This stew is versatile—feel free to adjust the vegetables or seasonings based on your preferences.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.