As the aromatic scent of simmering pork begins to fill your kitchen, you’ll find an inviting warmth enveloping you—like a hearty hug on a chilly evening. This Pork Stew recipe promises not only to elevate your cooking game but also to become a beloved staple in your home. Packed with tender pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and a touch of sweet apples, this dish balances flavors effortlessly, making it a mouthwatering comfort food option. With minimal prep time and an impressive finish, you'll have a gourmet meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly achievable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this stew is bound to impress. Are you ready to elevate your culinary skills and make something truly special?

Why Is This Pork Stew So Irresistible?

Comforting Flavors: This stew combines tender pork and crispy bacon with sweet apples and rich prunes, creating a delightful balance that warms the soul.

Easy Steps: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this meal without any culinary expertise.

Perfect for Gatherings: The savory aroma wafting through your home will make it impossible for loved ones not to gather around the dinner table—and it’s perfect for both casual and festive occasions.

Time-Saving: After just 1 hour and 25 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day!

Versatile Serving Options: Serve this delicious stew with crusty bread or over fluffy rice. Try pairing it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal!

Bring home the cozy essence of this Pork Stew and transform your next meal into a comforting experience everyone will love.

Pork Stew Ingredients

For the Stew
• 2 pounds pork shoulder – The star of this dish, chosen for its tenderness when slow-cooked.
• 4 ounces bacon – Adds a rich, smoky flavor that elevates each bite.
• 1 onion – Provides a savory base that enhances the overall depth.
• 4 cloves garlic – Infuses the stew with aromatic goodness and warmth.
• 1 cup dry cider – A splash of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon grainy mustard – Adds a delightful texture and another layer of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that adds earthy notes to the mix.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances and rounds out all the flavors in this Pork Stew.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The soul of the stew, providing a rich, savory liquid.
• 1 cup pitted prunes – Introduces a natural sweetness that complements the pork perfectly.
• 2 apples – Their sweetness and acidity bring a fresh, bright element to the dish.

Bring home the comforting flavors of this Pork Stew with these simple, wholesome ingredients!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pork Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Trim the excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch chunks. Pat the pieces dry to ensure a nice sear. Dice the bacon, onion, and mince the garlic. This preparation sets the foundation for your flavorful Pork Stew, allowing all ingredients to shine.

Step 2: Brown the Pork
Heat a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Season the pork chunks with kosher salt and brown them in batches, cooking for about 4–5 minutes per side until all sides are caramelized. Remove the browned pork to a plate, as this deep caramelization will add richness to your stew.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same pot, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, approximately 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. This bacon fat will infuse your Pork Stew with a luscious, smoky flavor, taking it to the next level.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onions to the braiser and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the dry cider, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom, adding layers of flavor to the Pork Stew.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the onion mixture. It's time to return the browned pork to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, which is perfect for simmering the Pork Stew.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Pork Stew simmer for about 1 hour. During this time, the pork will become tender and soak up the delicious flavors of the broth and spices, making your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 7: Add Prunes and Bacon
After an hour, skim off any excess fat floating on the surface. Stir in the pitted prunes and the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the sweetness of the prunes to meld beautifully with the savory pork.

Step 8: Incorporate Apples
Next, slice the apples and gently add them to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes, or until the apple slices are tender. Their natural sweetness and acidity will balance the flavors in your Pork Stew, creating a harmony that’s irresistible.

Step 9: Thicken the Stew
To give your Pork Stew the perfect consistency, whisk cornstarch into ¼ cup of the braising liquid. Stir this mixture back into the stew and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened. This final step brings everything together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights.

How to Store and Freeze Pork Stew

Room Temperature: Allow the Pork Stew to cool completely before storing at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

Fridge: Store leftover Pork Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezer: Freeze your Pork Stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Leave space at the top, as it will expand when frozen.

Reheating: To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

What to Serve with Pork Stew

As the delicious aroma of the Pork Stew wafts through your home, it’s the perfect time to think about complementing dishes that will elevate your meal even further.

Crusty Bread: Nothing beats a warm piece of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of that savory stew. It's the ultimate comfort pairing!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, these silky potatoes balance the hearty texture of the stew while soaking up its flavors.

Pair your stew with creamy mashed potatoes to create a harmonious blend of textures. The smoothness of the potatoes combined with the tender chunks of pork is pure bliss.

Side Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright counterpoint to the rich stew, enhancing its hearty nature.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts, which beautifully contrasts the stew’s flavors.

A medley of roasted vegetables adds both color and nutritional balance to your dinner table, making it not just a meal, but a feast for the senses.

Sparkling Cider: This refreshing drink echoes the cider used in the stew, providing a delightful effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings the same fruity notes to the end of your meal, creating a beautiful, cohesive dining experience.

The comforting sweetness of the apple crisp finishes off your cozy dinner on a perfect note, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and content.

Expert Tips for Pork Stew

Sear Well: Don’t skip browning the pork; this caramelization adds depth of flavor to your Pork Stew. Brown in batches for even cooking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh thyme and quality cider to enhance the flavor profile. Dried herbs can lose potency over time.
Let It Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer for the full hour; this tenderizes the pork and melds the flavors. Patience is key to a delicious outcome.
Watch the Consistency: If the stew is too thin, remember to whisk cornstarch thoroughly into the liquid before adding it back to avoid lumps.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste before serving. Adding a pinch of salt or a splash of cider can elevate the flavors of your Pork Stew even further.

Make Ahead Options

These Pork Stew preparations are a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can chop the pork and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Additionally, you can brown the pork and sauté the aromatics (onions and garlic) ahead of time, letting the flavors meld beautifully. When you're ready to finish the Pork Stew, simply reheat the mixture, add the broth, and simmer according to the recipe instructions. This time-saving approach will ensure your stew remains just as delicious while making weeknight meals feel effortless and cozy!

Pork Stew Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment and make this Pork Stew your own, adjusting flavors and ingredients to suit your family's tastes!

Gluten-Free: Substitute chicken broth with a gluten-free version and ensure the mustards are gluten-free too.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful heat that complements the sweetness of the prunes.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the pork for hearty mushrooms like portobello or a mix of your favorites, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a meatless version.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in a handful of dried cherries along with the prunes for a burst of tartness that beautifully contrasts with the rich flavors.
Extra Depth: Incorporate a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking for a rich, tangy finish that adds sophistication to your Pork Stew.
Root Vegetable Twist: Toss in some diced carrots or parsnips along with the apples for additional texture and to enhance the stew’s natural sweetness.
Herb Infusion: Replace the dried thyme with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for a fragrant and aromatic twist in flavor.
Richer Sauce: For a creamier stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk when adding the prunes, creating a velvety texture worth savoring.

These variations will not only broaden the appeal of your Pork Stew but also keep the dining experience fresh for everyone at your table. Enjoy the journey of making this recipe uniquely yours!

Pork Stew Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pork shoulder for this stew?
Absolutely! When selecting your pork shoulder, look for a piece that has some marbling, which ensures tenderness as it cooks. The meat should be pinkish-red, with a bit of white fat surrounding it—all signs of quality! Avoid any with dark spots or an unpleasant odor.

What is the best way to store leftover Pork Stew?
To keep your Pork Stew fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can stay good for up to 3 days. Remember to reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat—this keeps the flavors intact while preventing the pork from getting overcooked.

Can I freeze Pork Stew, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing Pork Stew is a great way to enjoy it later. Let the stew cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

What should I do if my Pork Stew is too thin?
If you find your stew doesn't have the thickness you desire, don’t worry! You can thicken it by whisking 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth, then stirring it into the simmering stew. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your preference—this will create a nice, hearty texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making this stew?
Yes! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, consider using low-sodium broth to keep the salt levels down. Also, if you’re accommodating someone with a gluten allergy, ensure your mustard and any broth used are gluten-free. For a lighter option, feel free to substitute chicken or vegetable broth for a lower-fat version.

How long does it typically take to make this stew from start to finish?
The total time for this Pork Stew is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, which includes 1 hour of simmering to ensure that the pork becomes tender and absorbing all those delightful flavors. Enjoy the delicious aromas filling your kitchen while you wait—it’s well worth it!