Easy Slow Cooker Pork Stew Recipe

Warm up with this delicious and hearty pork stew with tender meat, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave a comforting and satisfying meal.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering stew that will leave you wanting more. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this flavorful and fulfilling dish!

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings:

2 pounds of pork stew meat: This is the main protein used. You can use diced pork shoulder or pre-cut pork stew meat.
½ teaspoon of black pepper: Used to add a bit of heat and flavor to the stew.
1 teaspoon of salt: Enhances the overall taste of the stew.
½ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning: A blend of spices that adds savory and slightly spicy flavors.
½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes: Add a touch of heat to the stew.
¼ cup of all-purpose flour: Used to coat the meat for browning and thickening the stew.
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: Used for browning the meat.

Vegetable and Aromatics:

1 cup of onions (diced): Adds sweetness and flavor to the stew.
1 cup of carrots (diced): Adds color and a slightly sweet taste to the stew.
1 cup of green peas: Provides a burst of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
1 cup of celery (diced): Adds a hint of freshness and flavor.
5 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a savory aroma and flavor to the stew.

Liquids and Sauces:

⅓ cup of red wine: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the stew.
1 cup of beef broth (better than bouillon or regular beef stock): Provides a savory and hearty base for the stew.
2 tablespoons of tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew.

Additional Ingredients:

1 pound of mini red potatoes: Gives the stew a hearty and filling texture.
3 bay leaves: Adds a subtle herbal aroma and flavor to the stew.

How To Make Pork Stew In The Slow Cooker

Seasoning the Pork:

First, we start by seasoning the pork meat. The seasoning includes pepper, salt, Old Bay seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix it well so that the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning. If you feel the seasoning is less, add more according to your preference.

Coating with Flour:

Next, coat the seasoned pork with all-purpose flour. This will give the pork a good texture and help thicken the stew later.

Browning the Meat:

Heat some vegetable oil in a skillet. Once it’s hot, add the pork meat. Make sure to add the meat in batches and not overcrowd the pan. This ensures that the meat browns evenly on all sides.

Deglazing the Pan:

After the meat is browned and removed from the skillet, deglaze the pan using red wine. This helps to lift all the delicious bits stuck at the bottom of the pan, which adds a depth of flavor to the stew.

Sauteing the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet, melt some butter and sauté the garlic and onions until they are softened.

Adding the Broth:

Add a cup of beef broth to the sautéed garlic and onions. This not only adds flavor but also helps in scraping the remaining bits from the skillet.

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Transfer the browned pork, wine mixture, sautéed garlic, onions, and broth to the slow cooker. Add in peas, carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomato paste. Pour in the remaining beef broth and give everything a good stir.

Final Seasoning and Cooking:

Season the mixture with additional salt, pepper, and add bay leaves. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Serve:

After the long, slow cook, your hearty pork stew is ready to be served. Enjoy!

What To Service with Pork Stew

Pork stew pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options:

1. Crusty Bread: Serve the pork stew with a slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll to soak up the flavorful broth.
2. Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal. White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice would work well.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to stews. The potatoes in the stew and the mashed potatoes complement each other nicely.
4. Noodles: Cook up some egg noodles or any other pasta you choose and serve the stew over them for a comforting and filling meal.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes make a delicious and flavorful side dish to accompany the pork stew.
6. Green Salad: If you want a lighter option, serve the stew with a fresh green salad. The crisp and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of the stew.
7. Steamed Vegetables: Steam some broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts and serve them alongside the stew for a healthy and nutritious side.

Feel free to mix and match these options based on your preferences and dietary needs. Don’t forget to garnish the stew with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a touch of freshness.

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