Rich Pork Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables (2024)

The rich flavors of this classic pork stew recipe with tender root vegetables is going to become a new family favorite. I have had many bowls of stew in my life, but had never thought to make with pork. Inspired by other popular recipes, I set out to make my own and found that this is by far one of my favorite ways to add pork to our menu.

Pork Stew Recipe

Sometimes you just need a nice thick comforting stew for dinner. To me, it brings back comforting memories of my childhood. For you, it may be just another dish that makes you feel warm and full after a long day. While stew is usually a fall and winter food, in our house it is soup and stew season all year long.

If you aren't a big fan of pork, don't worry, this recipe adds tons of flavor, but in the words of my son, doesn't taste "too porklike". The rich sauce, spices, and of course, the vegetables, all add a delicious richness that is satisfying for everyone.

What is Pork Stew Meat Cut From?

I use a boneless pork roast and cut it into chunks for this recipe. In my opinion, this slightly more marbled option gives a much better flavor but also makes a more tender end result.

While you may be tempted to use a pork loin or chop since it tends to be more tender than other recipes, I avoid it for this recipe. Pork loins and chops dry out very easily as they have less fat. For a slower cooked recipe such as this, I prefer reaching for that roast that has more marbling.

How do I Make Sure the Pork is Tender?

As mentioned above, tender pork comes from either a nice marbling of fat or the right cook time. A marbled cut of pork like a roast or shoulder will need to cook longer to tenderize. If using a loin or chop, shorter cooking time is preferred to keep the tenderness.

Pork gets more tender the longer it is cooked when it is a tougher cut of meat like a pork shoulder or pork roast. A tenderloin or chop will need to be cooked for shorter periods of time until just to a safe temperature to stay tender and moist.

What Vegetables Go In Pork Stew?

You can add any vegetable to a pork stew that you prefer. I grew up with a simple combination of carrots, onions, and potatoes more often than others as they were always in our pantry or refrigerator. If you prefer other vegetables, feel free to throw them into the mix. Traditionally, stews are served with more root vegetables than greens or cruciferous vegetables. Below are some ideas that may be appealing to your family.

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Leaks
• Celery
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Turnips
• Parsnips
• Cabbage
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Corn
• Water chestnuts
• Yams
• Rutabaga

What Should I Serve with this Stew?

If you want a more traditional side to stew, you will reach for bread. In our house, that typically means a nice cornbread. You might prefer biscuits or a nice slice of this homemade French bread recipe. There are also a lot of great options on this list of yeast free bread recipes.

If you adapt this for a more keto-friendly version, then this keto bread recipe would be a great choice. It's easy to make and perfect toasted alongside any stoup or stew.

Do I Have to use Wine in This Recipe?

No! While wine is commonly used in stews and soups to add more flavor and richness, it isn't necessary. If you don't drink or cook with alcohol, simply substitute this amount with vegetable or chicken broth.

Ingredients

• Boneless pork roast
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• White wine (optional)
• Celery
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Chicken stock
• Tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Baby bella mushrooms
• Frozen peas
• Parsley

How to make Pork Stew with Root Vegetables

Cut your pork roast into 1" cubes.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Dredge the pork in the flour mixture.

In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, place the pork in an even layer on the bottom of the pan. You may need to do this process in 2-3 batches depending upon the size of your dutch oven and the amount of pork used.

Brown for 2-3 minutes on each side until the pieces are browned and then transfer to a plate.

Add the onion to the dutch oven and saute for 1 minute then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Pour the wine (or broth) into the pot and stir to deglaze the pan scraping the bottom of the pot to remove the browned bits from cooking the pork.

To the dutch oven, add the celery, carrots, and potatoes to the pot with chicken broth, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce and stir.

Add in the bay leaves, dried basil, dried oregano, remaining salt and black pepper to the mixture and stir.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the pork pieces back into the dutch oven and stir then cover.

Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and frozen peas to the stew and simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serve with chopped parsley and your favorite side of bread.

More Delicious Comfort Food

You may also like this savory Spanish garlic bread soup recipe. It's a unique comforting soup with rich garlic flavor. Of course, one of the best comfort foods ever is a big bowl of Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese alongside skillet pork chops or herbed chicken thighs and mushrooms.

Chef's Tip

Adding a dutch oven to your kitchen tools is a must for every chef. This versatile kitchen tool is great for stove top and oven cooking. Whether making a stew like this or baking up a cobbler, it's a perfect addition to your kitchenware.