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Crockpot Pork Stew

This crockpot pork stew combines tender, fall-apart pork shoulder with hearty vegetables simmered slowly to develop rich, savory flavors. The slow cooker transforms inexpensive cuts into a comforting, thick, and fragrant broth with a velvety texture, perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that offers warm, satisfying bites in a rustic presentation.
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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: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for smoky depth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder, then cut it into roughly 2-inch chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Peel and dice the carrots, dice the onion, and chop the celery into small pieces. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth to the stew.
  3. Place the pork chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the diced vegetables and add the minced garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and smoked paprika for aromatic flavor.
  4. Pour in the broth, making sure the ingredients are mostly covered. This will create a flavorful, savory base for the stew.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–8 hours. As it cooks, the pork will become tender and the broth will develop rich, deep flavors with a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
  6. Once the cooking time is up, check that the pork is fall-apart tender by piercing with a fork. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  7. To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the hot stew and cook on high for another 10 minutes until it thickens and becomes velvety.
  8. Give the stew a gentle stir, then let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve the hearty stew in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting aroma and tender bites of pork and vegetables.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, add a dash of chipotle powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce during cooking. You can also swap the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as parsnips or potatoes. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.