Slow Cooker Roman-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25

A hearty slow-cooked pork stew inspired by ancient Roman cuisine, featuring tender pork shoulder and a medley of root vegetables simmered in a savory herb broth. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 440 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, dried rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 pounds, cut into 1.5-inch cubes pork shoulder
• 3 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces carrots
• 2 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces parsnips
• 1 large, diced onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 1 tsp dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Add 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or high for 4 hours) until the pork is tender and vegetables are soft. Discard bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.