This simple slow cooker pork dinner is the kind of meal that earns a regular place in a busy family routine. With just three ingredients, raw pork stew meat turns tender and rich as it cooks low and slow in a glossy savory-sweet sauce, making it a wonderful choice for a warm July evening when you want supper handled well before everyone gathers at the table. It is homey, practical, and full of that comforting flavor that feels like a little reward at the end of the day.
Serve this pork over fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the sauce. For something fresh on the side, I like steamed green beans, corn on the cob, a crisp cucumber salad, or simple coleslaw, and if you are feeding a crowd, a basket of soft rolls rounds it all out nicely.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker July Evening Comfort
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds raw pork stew meat
1 cup dark amber barbecue sauce
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Place the raw pork stew meat in the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the pork, then pour the barbecue sauce over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
4. Stir gently to coat the pork in the sauce, then serve hot over your favorite side dish.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter version: Use a honey-style barbecue sauce if your family likes a sweeter dinner. It gives the pork a softer, kid-friendly flavor that goes especially well with rice or rolls.
For a savory version: If you want the flavor less sweet, choose a smoky or original barbecue sauce. That keeps the dish rich and hearty and pairs nicely with mashed potatoes.
Make cleanup easier: A slow cooker liner can be a big help on busy days. You still get the same tender results, but the pot is much quicker to wash after supper.
Know when it is done: Pork stew meat is ready when it breaks apart easily with a fork. If the pieces still seem firm, give it a little more time so the connective tissue can fully soften.
Stretch the meal: Leftover pork can be spooned onto sandwich buns, tucked into baked potatoes, or served the next day over noodles. It is one of those easy leftovers that rarely goes to waste.