Hearty Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Stew

Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 3 large carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 2 apples, peeled and chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp flour

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Hearty Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Stew is a cozy dish that celebrates the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. This recipe is packed with tender pork, vibrant veggies, and the subtle sweetness of apples, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days.

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Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Stew

Pork shoulder is the star of this dish, providing rich, succulent meat that becomes beautifully tender in the slow cooker. Olive oil is used for browning the pork, adding a hint of richness and helping to lock in flavor. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, offering a savory depth to the stew. Chicken broth acts as the flavorful liquid that melds all the ingredients together. Carrots and potatoes add hearty texture and earthy flavors. Apples, with their natural sweetness, complement the pork and balance out the savory elements. Dried thyme and rosemary infuse the stew with herbal notes, while a touch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste. Finally, flour helps thicken the stew, giving it a satisfying consistency.

Tips & Tricks

Browning the pork is key — it adds depth and richness to the stew.
If you like a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking.
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken stock instead of broth.
Apples that hold up well, like Granny Smith or Fuji, work best.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is delicious served with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the savory juices. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten up the meal and complement the stew's hearty flavors. For a touch of indulgence, top the stew with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?: Yes, pork butt or loin can also work, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop?: Yes, simmer it on low heat for about 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't dry out.
How can I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Hearty Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cutting your pork shoulder into cubes. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once that's hot, toss in the pork cubes, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so take your time and don't rush it. Once browned, transfer them to your slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the onion and garlic until they're fragrant and translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once they're ready, add them to the slow cooker with the pork.

Next, pour in the chicken broth, and add the carrots, potatoes, and apples to the mix. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour to ensure everything is well mixed and to help thicken the stew as it cooks.

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless slow cooking makes it perfect for busy days.
Combines savory pork with the natural sweetness of apples for a balanced flavor.
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients easily found in most kitchens.
Rich, delicious aroma fills your home as it cooks.
Perfect for batch cooking and leftovers taste even better.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

3 large carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

2 apples, peeled and chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp flour

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the pork cubes.

2. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.

4. Add the onions and garlic to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, apples, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

5. Stir in the flour for thickness and ensure everything is well mixed.

6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.

7. Serve hot with fresh bread if desired.

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