Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth? Dive into the world of comfort food with our Slow Cooker Southwest Pork Stew! This hearty recipe combines tender pork shoulder with a medley of black beans, corn, and zesty tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stew requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do the magic for 8 hours. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and a delicious meal waiting for you! Don't miss out on this easy and satisfying recipe that promises to be a hit with family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the pork shoulder into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed pork shoulder, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the pork is evenly coated with the spices and vegetables.
- Transfer the seasoned pork mixture to the slow cooker. This will be the base of your stew.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the slow cooker. Make sure to pour in the entire contents of the can, including the juices from the tomatoes, as this will add flavor to the stew.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. This will help to create a rich and flavorful broth as the stew cooks.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine everything, ensuring that the pork and vegetables are evenly distributed in the broth.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the stew is ready, serve it hot in bowls. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Southwest Pork Stew!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the onion and garlic, and cube the pork, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, use pork shoulder. It breaks down beautifully during the slow cooking process, making the stew rich and hearty.
- Layer Your Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them carefully. Start with the seasoned pork at the bottom, followed by the beans, corn, and tomatoes. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also top your stew with sliced jalapeños when serving for an extra kick!
- Garnish for Freshness: Elevate your stew before serving by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice. These add brightness and a burst of flavor that complements the stew beautifully.
- Leftover Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so make extra for delicious leftovers! It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
