Slow cooker pork stew is one of those cozy dinners that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen - even though your slow cooker did most of the work. Tender pork, vegetables, sweet apples, apple cider, and a creamy broth with a hint of curry come together for a healthy, hearty meal that's as comforting as it is flavorful.

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The backstory.
Pork and apples have always been one of those combinations that just works. I started experimenting with a few extra ingredients I had on hand - apple cider, a little curry, and coconut milk - and the whole thing came together into a cozy slow cooker dinner that was a little different from the usual pork stew. It's hearty, comforting, and one of those meals that's especially nice to come home to after a busy day.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
If you're looking for a slow cooker pork stew that's comforting, healthy, and packed with incredible flavor, this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
- Sweet and savory. The combination of tender pork, apples, apple cider, and warm spices creates layers of flavor that taste like fall in a bowl.
- Healthy comfort food. Loaded with vegetables, naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and high protein, it's a wholesome meal everyone can enjoy.
- Easy slow cooker dinner. Toss everything into the crockpot and let it slowly transform into a rich, hearty stew with very little hands-on work.
- Perfect for leftovers. The flavors become even more delicious the next day, making lunch something to look forward to.
Slow cooker pork stew with apples and cider is easy to make and has a wonderful combination of flavors from the pork, cider, apple, and curry! Throw all the ingredients into the crock pot and come back 6 to 8 hours later to a fully cooked meal! Love it.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
Every spoonful is warm, creamy, and packed with comforting flavor. The pork shoulder becomes perfectly tender while the potatoes, carrots, celery, and apples soften into the rich broth. Apple cider brings a gentle sweetness that balances the savory pork, while cinnamon and a hint of curry add subtle warmth without overpowering the dish. Coconut milk creates a silky finish that makes every bite rich and satisfying.
What you'll need.
Here's what your going to need to make this apple cider pork stew slow cooker recipe.
- Pork shoulder: The perfect cut for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender after several hours.
- Olive oil: Used to add richness and help everything come together.
- Red onion: Adds color and depth.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and hearty texture.
- Celery: Adds classic stew flavor.
- Baby potatoes: Become creamy and satisfying while soaking up the broth.
- Sweet apples: Balance the savory ingredients with natural sweetness.
- Apple cider: Creates the signature sweet, cozy flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the stew and balances the richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle spice.
- Curry powder: Just enough to create a subtle hint of curry.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms the broth and complements the apples.
- Bay leaves: Add savory depth while cooking.
- Coconut milk: Makes the broth creamy while keeping it dairy-free.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the stew at the end.
If this cozy crockpot pork stew hits the spot, be sure to try my hearty Green Chili Pork Stew for a little Southwestern flavor, my juicy Crockpot Pork Tenderloin for an easy weeknight dinner, or Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder when you've got a little extra time and want fork-tender pork that's worth the wait. They're all simple, satisfying recipes that make pork anything but boring.
Customize it your way.
This pork stew in the slow cooker is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Add frozen corn for extra sweetness and color.
- Use hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider for a deeper flavor.
- Pork shoulder is a cost-effective piece of meat that's perfect for slow cooking but you could also use pork butt or pork loin if you prefer.
- Substitute the red onion with your preferred type of onion.
- The best flavor is the fresh "milky" looking apple cider (usually in the produce section), but regular apple juice or other apple cider can be used instead.
- You can substitute pork with lamb, turkey, or chicken if preferred.
- Curry powder comes in different levels of spice. Be sure to watch which one you purchase. If you like extra spice then you can get a spicier curry powder and increase as you like.
Flexible dietary swaps.
Slow cooker pork stew is easy to adapt to different dietary needs.
- Dairy-free: Good news - this recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free cornstarch if needed to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.
- Lower-carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or additional celery.
How to cook pork stew in the slow cooker.
This slow cooker pork stew practically cooks itself making dinner easy.
- Add all of the stew ingredients except the coconut milk and cornstarch to your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low until the pork and vegetables are perfectly tender.
- Whisk together the coconut milk and cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the stew.
- Leave the lid off while the stew thickens for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

How to serve it.
This slow cooker pork stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple finishing touches make it even better.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over each bowl for a pop of freshness.
- Serve over fluffy cooked rice to soak up the creamy broth.
- Spoon it over riced cauliflower for a lighter meal.
- Pair it with warm crusty bread for dipping.
- Add a crisp green salad alongside for an easy balanced dinner.
Kori's tips.
- Prep ahead. Chop all the vegetables the night before and store everything in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Wait to thicken. Stir in the coconut milk and cornstarch only after the crockpot pork stew is fully cooked for the best creamy texture.
- Don't rush it. Low and slow gives the pork shoulder plenty of time to become fall-apart tender.
- Add frozen vegetables late. Stir in peas or corn during the last hour so they stay bright and tender.
- Taste before serving. Apple cider varies in sweetness, so adjust the salt and pepper at the very end.
- Instant Pot option. This recipe will work in a pressure cooker! Saute (high) the vegetables in olive oil for about 5 to 10 minutes until they start to turn golden. Add all remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) and pressure cook (high) 25 minutes. Quick release the steam, carefully remove lid, then add corn starch slurry. Set the pot on the saute (low) setting and stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
FAQs
Allow the stew to cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors become even more delicious after a day in the refrigerator.
Yes! Cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.
Reheat in a microwave until the desired temperature has been reached or in a small sauté skillet or saucepan until your leftovers have come to a simmer or have reached 165 degrees using an instant-read thermometer.
Apple cider vinegar brings more than tang and acidity to pork. It also helps break down and tenderize it - ultimately giving it much juicier cut of pork.
Only a small amount of liquid is needed, ½ cup or so. Most, if not all, ingredients cooked in a slow cooker will release their own moisture.
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📖 The recipe.

Apple and Cider Pork Stew Slow Cooker Recipe
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (cut into 1" pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 medium red onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 pound new baby potatoes (cut into bite-sized pieces, quartered or cut into wedges)
- 2 sweet apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 cups apple cider (hard apple cider can be used)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon curry
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker add all ingredients except coconut milk and cornstarch. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the pork and vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl add coconut milk and whisk in cornstarch. Add to the crockpot and stir. Let sit in slow cooker without lid on to thicken about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Adjust salt and pepper and serve over cooked rice.
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Add 1 cup frozen peas or corn that last hour of cooking. Adjust any seasoning to your taste. Chicken breast or turkey can be substituted for the pork.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Garnish with fresh parsley, adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve over cooked rice or riced cauliflower with crusty bread.
- TOP TIPS: Prep all ingredients in advance and place in the slow cooker covered in plastic wrap in your fridge. Then, all you have to do the day you want to cook this is turn it on!
- INSTANT POT: This recipe will work in a pressure cooker! Saute (high) the vegetables in olive oil for about 5 to 10 minutes until they start to turn golden. Add all remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) and pressure cook (high) 25 minutes. Quick release the steam, carefully remove lid, then add corn starch slurry. Set the pot on the saute (low) setting and stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
Nutrition
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™


Elizabeth
Really tasty! Added some extra chilli, butternut squash and garlic but otherwise followed the recipe . It was excellent
Kori
That sounds delicious Elizabeth! I love the idea of adding butternut squash — that’s such a great fit with those flavors. And a little extra chili and garlic never hurts. So glad you enjoyed it and made it your own. Thanks for sharing!