This easy slow cooker pork recipe is the kind of low-effort meal that fits perfectly into a busy holiday weekend. With just four everyday ingredients, raw pork stew meat transforms into a tender, savory main dish that feels heartier than its short ingredient list suggests. It leans on the classic convenience-cooking approach that made slow cookers a staple in many Midwestern kitchens: simple pantry items, a long gentle cook, and a satisfying dinner waiting at the end of the day.
Serve this pork over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed white rice to catch the flavorful sauce. For a Labor Day spread, add green beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad on the side. Warm dinner rolls or a piece of cornbread also make a nice addition, especially if you want something to soak up every bit of the juices.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Kickoff
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw pork stew meat
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray if desired for easier cleanup, then add the raw pork stew meat in an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth, then pour the mixture over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and cooked through.
4. Stir well before serving so the sauce evenly coats the pork. Taste and add black pepper if you like, then spoon the pork and sauce over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Variations & Tips
Make It Richer: For a fuller sauce, replace part of the chicken broth with a few spoonfuls of sour cream stirred in at the end, or serve the pork over buttery mashed potatoes for extra comfort-food appeal.
Add Vegetables: If you want a one-pot dinner, add sliced mushrooms, baby carrots, or pearl onions during the first half of cooking. They complement the oniony sauce nicely and stretch the meal a bit further.
Thicken the Sauce: If the finished sauce seems thinner than you like, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 to 30 minutes on high until slightly thickened.
Storage Tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has tightened up.
Best Pork Choice: Pork stew meat is convenient, but because pieces can vary in size, try to spread them evenly in the cooker so they finish at the same rate. If some cubes are especially large, cutting them down slightly helps the texture stay consistent.