There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a slow-simmering stew filling the house on a dreary day. When the rain is tapping at your window, this Hearty Slow Cooker Pork Stew is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. It’s rich, deeply savory, and packed with tender pork, earthy mushrooms, and a complex blend of spices that will warm you from the inside out. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable, soul-soothing meal.
Ingredients
• 1 lb cooked pork shoulder, sliced or cubed – 450g
• 1 tbsp olive oil – 15ml
• 6 oz button mushrooms, halved or quartered – 170g
• ½ medium onion, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ jalapeño, finely sliced (optional)
• 1 tsp minced garlic – 3 cloves
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups gelatinous bone broth – 475ml
• 2 cups chicken broth – 475ml
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee – 120ml
• ¼ cup tomato paste – 60g
• Juice of ½ a lime
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and brown at the edges.2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.3. Transfer the vegetable and spice mixture to the basin of your slow cooker. Add the cooked pork, mushrooms, bone broth, chicken broth, coffee, tomato paste, and bay leaves.4. Stir everything together until well combined. Secure the lid and cook on low for 4-8 hours, or until the flavors have melded and the stew is rich and aromatic.5. Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Info (per serving)
• Calories: 385
• Fat: 29g
• Net Carbs: 6.4g
• Protein: 20g
Pro Tips
• For an extra layer of flavor, sear the pork slices in the hot pan before sautéing the vegetables. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
• After sautéing the vegetables and spices, deglaze the pan with a splash of the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour this flavorful liquid into the slow cooker.
• Don’t skip the coffee! It adds a surprising depth and richness to the stew’s savory notes without making it taste like a mocha.
• This stew is even better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen overnight. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some crumbled cotija cheese for a perfect finishing touch.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this pork stew ahead of time
A: Absolutely. This stew’s flavors deepen and improve overnight, making it even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Q: Why is there coffee in this stew recipe
A: The coffee is a secret ingredient that adds a surprising depth and richness to the stew’s savory flavors. It enhances the overall taste without making it taste like coffee.
Q: Is this slow cooker pork stew spicy
A: This stew has a mild to medium spice level from chili powder and cumin. For extra heat, you can include the optional finely sliced jalapeño. To make it milder, simply leave the jalapeño out.
Q: What can I serve with this hearty pork stew
A: For a perfect finishing touch, you can garnish this stew with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some crumbled cotija cheese.
