Slow Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful Salvadoran pork stew simmered slowly with root vegetables and spices, delivering tender meat and rich broth perfect for a comforting meal. This latin american-inspired soups ready in about 440 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes pork shoulder, medium, peeled and quartered potatoes, medium, cut into 1-inch pieces carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and sear them for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 large chopped onion and 5 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, then add to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup tomato sauce and 4 cups chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 peeled and quartered medium potatoes and 3 medium carrots cut into 1-inch pieces into the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 0.25 cup chopped cilantro before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with lime wedges to brighten the stew’s rich flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable 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 large, chopped onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable 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 Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cooker Salvadoran Pork and Vegetable Stew?

Latin American soups 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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