Slow-Cooker Provençal Pork Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before placing them into the slow cooker. While not strictly necessary, this extra step adds a rich, caramelized note to the finished stew. If you choose to sear, ensure you do it in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which would cause the meat to steam rather than brown.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove a small portion of the liquid after cooking and whisk it with a teaspoon of cornstarch before returning it to the slow cooker.

Set the cooker to high for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken properly. This simple adjustment can transform the texture of your stew to suit your personal preference for a heartier, more coating sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Provençal Stew: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the herbes de Provence for a gentle, warming heat that complements the sweetness of the red bell peppers.
• Vegetable-Rich Version: Incorporate sliced zucchini or eggplant during the last hour of cooking to add extra texture and volume to the stew, making it even more satisfying.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the stew cools down to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety.

It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day, making it an excellent candidate for leftovers that taste just as good as the first serving.

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. This is a convenient way to have a hot, home-cooked meal ready by the time you return home, without any last-minute preparation stress.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a large serving bowl. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, which is perfect for mopping up the flavorful tomato-based sauce.

You could also serve it over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the juices and turn it into a more substantial, filling meal for the whole family.

Consider adding a side of fresh, crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the richness of the pork. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that complements the deep, rustic flavors of the Provençal herbs. Keep the serving simple to let the natural quality of the stew shine through.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Provençal Pork Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large red bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 1 tbsp dried herbes de Provence
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the cubed pork shoulder into the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure the pieces are distributed evenly across the base to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the sliced red bell peppers over the pork cubes. Sprinkle the dried herbes de Provence evenly over the top of the peppers, then pour the crushed tomatoes over the entire mixture.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once the time is up, ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the stew rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

7 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.