Pork Stew

One of the delights of pork stew is that with very little effort, you can create a cozy and flavorful meal. We rely on a slow cooker—which curates a low and steady temperature environment—to help transform the meat into tender bites. We toss prunes into the base to infuse sweetness. The other ingredients help add rich notes to the sauce, which shines poured over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Bookmark this recipe for the next time you plan to feed a crowd or need a simple meal prep idea for the week.

 Pork Stew Ingredients

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• Pork tenderloin: We opt for pork tenderloin because it transforms into tender, flavorful bites after being stewed.
• Carrots: We add carrots to the stew to infuse sweet notes into this savory pork dish.
• Celery: The celery provides this pork stew with aromatic and savory flavors and a pop of color.
• Onion: The onions caramelize in this pork stew, providing rich and sweet flavors to the comforting dish.
• Beef broth: To braise and slow cook the pork, you need a flavorful liquid to stew the meat in.
• Tomato paste: The tomato paste adds a gentle acidity, imparting more depth of flavor to this delicious pork stew.
• Dried plums: We rely on dried plums (aka prunes) to add subtle sweet notes to this hearty pork stew recipe.
• Garlic: In this dish, the garlic is stewed down into a paste, imparting delicious, buttery and aromatic flavors.
• Bay leaves: We rely on bay leaves to infuse fragrant notes into this rich pork stew.
• Rosemary: This herb imparts earthy and piney flavors to the pork stew, balancing its rich and hearty notes.
• Thyme: Tossing in a few thyme sprigs adds a citrusy and floral depth to this pork stew.
• Olives (optional): To balance the richness of the fat in this hearty stew, we add a handful of olives to infuse the dish with a briny and vibrant flavor.
• Parsley and mashed potatoes (optional): We garnish this pork stew with parsley to add color and an herbal finish. Serving it with mashed potatoes is optional, but recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the pork and vegetables

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Sprinkle the pork with salt and pepper, then transfer it to a 4-quart slow cooker. Next, add the carrots, celery and onion to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the broth and seasonings

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While that’s cooking, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the slow cooker with the meat and vegetables. Finally, add the prunes, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme and olives (if you’re using them). 

Editor’s Tip: Tie the herbs into a bundle before adding them to the slow cooker to make removing them from the stew easier.

Step 3: Cook the pork stew

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Reduce the slow cooker heat to low, then cover and cook the stew until the meat and vegetables are tender, five to six hours. 

Step 4: Remove the herbs and serve

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Remove and discard the bay leaves, rosemary and thyme. Before serving, sprinkle the stew with fresh parsley.

Pork Stew Variations

• Mix potatoes into the stew: Toss some red or Yukon potatoes into the base for a heartier and comforting pork stew.
• Make it spicy: Add diced scotch bonnet or habanero peppers to the broth if you prefer a spicier pork stew.
• Stir pasta into the broth: Rich stews like this recipe pair well with pasta such as rigatoni, orzo or egg noodles.

How to Store Pork Stew

Allow your pork to come to room temperature, then divide it into smaller servings. Next, store these leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.

Can you make pork stew ahead of time?

If you want to make this pork stew before a gathering or in preparation for the week, follow the recipe, then you can let it cool and store it in your fridge for three to four days. When you’re ready to serve it, heat it in a slow cooker, microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.

Can you freeze pork stew?

This pork stew can be frozen for two to three months. To make the reheating process easy, freeze the stew in large silicone ice trays or freezer bags so you can easily access it, then heat it in a saucepan when it’s time to eat.

How long does pork stew last?

Pork stew can last in the refrigerator for three to four days in an airtight container. It can also last two to three months in the freezer. 

Pork Stew Tips

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Can I use a different cut of meat in this stew?

While we recommend stewing in pork tenderloin, you can also opt for shoulder or sirloin. Or you can try a different type of meat in this dish, like lamb shank or bone-in beef short rib.

How do you tenderize pork?

You can take an extra step to guarantee that the pork in this dish melts in your mouth. To do so, before you cook the pork, tenderize it by lightly pounding it with a mallet evenly across the surface, being careful not to overwork the meat. You can also try marinating the pork in acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar before cooking, which helps break down tough proteins. (Psst: If you’re a newbie at cooking with tough cuts, check out this guide for tenderizing meats.) 

What can I serve with pork stew recipes?

You’ll swoon over how delicious this pork stew smells as it simmers in your home. But before you get to eating it, you should consider what to serve alongside this hearty dish. We suggest plating it with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice or moist honey cornbread.