Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder braised with tart apples and aromatic spices until fork-tender, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs pork shoulder, boneless, Granny Smith apples, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs cubed boneless pork shoulder, 1 chopped yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Top with 3 chopped Granny Smith apples, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped potatoes; stir gently to distribute.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through (check at 6 hours; if not tender, continue cooking for 30-60 minutes).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder, boneless from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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