One-Pot Appalachian Apple Cider Pork Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-09 · Updated 2026-06-09

A comforting one-pot stew combining tender pork, seasonal apples, and savory root vegetables simmered together in fragrant apple cider. This american-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 3 medium, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
• 2, sliced celery stalks
• 2 medium, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks Granny Smith apples
• 3 cups apple cider
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lb cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove pork and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook the flour, creating a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in 3 cups apple cider and 2 cups chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add back the browned pork, 2 chopped Granny Smith apples, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce is thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs before serving this hearty and slightly sweet pork stew.