Welcome to our slow cooker pork stew recipe...Instant Pot doable too! It's a delicious pork stew. Full of bold flavors, tender pork, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy comfort food that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a chilly day. It's awesome when you’re craving something warm and hearty.
And we're making this one using our crockpot. BUT there are Instant Pot, stovetop and oven-baked methods available as well. Plus, you get the freezer meal/meal prep directions too. You can find the full instructions for each in the printable recipe card below.
Now, lets talk ingredients and substitutions...
Pork Stew Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pork - The cut of pork isn't as important and the quantity of fat. That is going to vary by individual cut. But the general guidelines would be... Pork shoulder or pork butt is the best cut for this hearty pork stew. Both have enough fat to give you tender pork after slow cooking. Boston butt works too. Pork loin and pork tenderloin can be used if you want something leaner, but it will both dry out with a long cook time. You can also use packaged pork stew meat from the grocery store. Cut any large pieces into about 1-inch cubes so everything cooks evenly.
- Onion - I use a yellow onion because it has a mild flavor that works well in a traditional stew. White onion works just fine too. If you don't have fresh onion, onion powder will work in a pinch.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic gives you the best flavor. But there's already garlic powder in the recipe. So if you're out of fresh garlic, just increase the garlic powder a little bit. Easy peasy.
- Tomato Paste - Tomato paste adds richness and a little depth of flavor without making this taste like tomato soup. If you don't have it, tomato sauce will work. But the finished sauce will be a little thinner. You can also leave it out if necessary.
- Paprika - Regular paprika gives the stew its mild flavor and color. Smoked paprika is a great option if you want a little more depth and smokiness. If you like some heat, replace a little of it with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Garlic Powder - This adds extra flavor throughout the sauce. You can leave it out and add another clove or two of fresh garlic instead.
- Broth - Chicken broth or chicken stock both work really well with pork. Beef broth is another good option if you want a richer, darker sauce. You can also use a combination if that's what you've got.
- Sour Cream - This is what gives our pork stew that rich, creamy finish. Full fat sour cream gives the best results and is less likely to separate. Greek yogurt is a good substitute too. Just like the sour cream, stir it in after the stew is finished cooking so it stays smooth and creamy.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Pork Stew
Tender pork simmered in a rich, savory sauce with onion, garlic, and paprika, then finished with sour cream for a creamy, comforting stew. Easy to make in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Slow Cooker Pork Stew Instructions
- Cut the pork into about 1-inch cubes and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches. And brown the pork for about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion to the same pan and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the fresh garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the paprika, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hrs. HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- If you'd like a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir a little of the hot broth into the sour cream. Then gently stir the sour cream mixture into the stew.
- Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper before serving.
Instant Pot Pork Stew Recipe
- Set the Instant Pot to the SAUTÉ function and add the olive oil.
- Season the pork with salt and black pepper. Brown it in a single layer in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Get every browned bit loose so we don't get the burn warning.
- Return the browned pork to the pressure cooker and add the paprika and garlic powder.
- Lock the lid and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 25 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural release pressure, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Turn on the SAUTÉ function. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if you'd like a thicker sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Turn the Instant Pot OFF before adding the sour cream. Temper it with a little hot broth first, then stir it into the stew.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Stovetop Pork Stew
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season and brown the pork in batches. Remove it from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the pork to the pot and stir in the paprika and garlic powder.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to LOW heat and cover.
- Simmer for 1 1/2–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender.
- Add the cornstarch slurry if needed and simmer until thickened.
- Remove from the heat before tempering and stirring in the sour cream.
Dutch Oven Pork Stew
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the seasoned pork in batches and transfer it to a plate.
- Sauté the onion, then add the garlic and tomato paste.
- Add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Return the pork to the Dutch oven and add the paprika and garlic powder.
- Cover and bake for 2–2 1/2 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
- Remove from the oven. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry on the stovetop if necessary.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the tempered sour cream.
Freezer Meal Instructions
- Freeze Before Cooking
- I would leave the sour cream and cornstarch slurry out of the freezer bag. Just make a note on our freezer bag/container that you'll need it when you cook.
- To the bag...Add all the ingredients (less cornstarch and sour cream) to a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook using the instructions of your choice from the recipe card. Add the sour cream and optional cornstarch slurry at the end per the directions.
- Freeze After Cooking
- Cool the pork stew completely before adding the sour cream if you're deliberately making a batch for the freezer.
- Freeze in individual servings or a larger airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, and add the sour cream after reheating.
Video
Notes
Important: Don't boil the stew after adding the sour cream. That's how we keep the sauce creamy instead of having it separate.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
What to Serve With Pork Stew
Serve this hearty pork stew with:
- Spätzle or egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Brown rice
- Fresh bread or homemade bread
- Dinner rolls
- Leafy greens or a simple vegetable side
- Don't forget the dollop of sour cream on top if you want extra creaminess
Wrappin' Up Crockpot Pork Stew
And there you have another tasty slow cooker meal. Give it a shot...another family favorite might be right around the corner.
Enjoy!
