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Slow-Cooked Pork with Veggies

Kitchen Spotlight Big pots of steaming, hearty soup.

This pork stew is the ultimate family dish—soft and flavorful after resting overnight. The slow-cooked pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender alongside bacon and scallions. Potatoes hold their shape while soaking up delicious juices, and the beans bring a creamy texture when added last. Fresh thyme ties the flavors together beautifully. A long, slow cook and a night’s rest create a cozy and generous meal, perfect for a winter evening or Sunday dinner.
alicia in the kitchen
Recipe by Alicia
Fresh from the kitchen: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:02:38 GMT
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Pork stew with beans, potatoes, and bacon Save for Later
Pork stew with beans, potatoes, and bacon | Tasteofsavor.com

On cold winter days, there's nothing more comforting than a tender pork stew slowly simmered with white beans and potatoes. This rustic dish gains incredible depth from smoky bacon and fresh thyme, creating a hearty meal that brings back memories of long family dinners gathered around a steaming pot.

I made this stew again just recently for Sunday lunch, and the pot was quickly emptied as everyone came back for seconds.

Key Ingredients and Tips

  • Pork shoulder - Choose well-marbled cuts that stay juicy during cooking
  • White beans - Frozen ones offer great convenience without sacrificing quality
  • Smoked bacon - The rendered fat creates the foundation of flavor

Step-by-Step Method

1. Building the Base
  • Render the bacon fat over medium heat
  • Cook onions until soft and translucent
  • This creates the aromatic foundation
2. Browning the Meat
  • Work in batches for proper browning
  • Take time to develop a golden crust
3. Slow Simmering
  • Add just enough liquid to barely cover
  • Maintain a very gentle simmer for tender meat

This stew has always been our family's reunion dish. Grandmother would prepare it a day ahead, knowing the flavors would deepen overnight.

The Art of Slow Cooking

Success depends on gentle, patient cooking. The surface should show just the smallest bubbles breaking through.

Herbs and Seasonings

Fresh thyme slowly infuses the dish with its subtle, aromatic flavor.

Perfect Texture

The potatoes should be cooked until just tender, allowing them to hold their shape while soaking up the broth.

Pork Stew with White Beans and Potatoes | Traditional Recipe Save for Later
Pork Stew with White Beans and Potatoes | Traditional Recipe | Tasteofsavor.com

Timing is Everything

This stew reaches its peak flavor the day after cooking, once all ingredients have melded together.

This pork and white bean stew is more than just a recipe - it's an invitation to slow down and enjoy a shared meal. The time invested in preparation is rewarded by the pleasure it brings to everyone at the table.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

→ Can I use fresh or canned beans?
Definitely! Just adjust the cooking time—canned beans should only be added at the very end and cooked for about 10 minutes.
→ Why should I let it rest overnight?
Resting allows the flavors to really come together and the sauce to thicken naturally. It’ll taste even better the next day.
→ Which type of potatoes work best?
Pick firm potatoes like Charlotte or Roseval since they won’t fall apart during cooking.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Once fully cooked, it freezes well. Thaw it in the fridge and warm it up slowly when ready to enjoy.
→ What can I do if it seems dry after reheating?
Just mix in a little warm water and let it simmer, covered, for a few minutes.

Pork Stew with Beans

A hearty stew blending soft pork, beans, and potatoes, seasoned with smoky bacon and fresh thyme.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time at the Stove
100 mins
Total Time
120 mins
Recipe by: Alicia

Type of Dish: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Style of Cooking: French

Makes: 6 Feeds

Good for: No Gluten, No Dairy

Shopping List

→ For the main dish

Item 01 600g of pork stew meat
Item 02 450g of frozen green beans
Item 03 5 potatoes ideal for steaming
Item 04 100g of diced smoked bacon pieces
Item 05 4 spring onions
Item 06 A few sprigs of fresh thyme (approx. 3)
Item 07 Salt and pepper to taste
Item 08 Olive oil (only if needed)

Let's Cook

Step 01

Peel the potatoes, then cut them into chunky cubes. Trim and slice the spring onions thinly.

Step 02

Put the bacon in a large casserole dish (no oil needed). Add the spring onions and sauté everything until lightly browned, stirring often.

Step 03

Remove the browned bacon and onions and set them aside. Cook the pork pieces in the same dish, adding a splash of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Let the meat get some color.

Step 04

Put the potatoes, bacon, and onions back in the dish. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and the fresh thyme on top. Pour enough water to cover three-quarters of the meat, then simmer everything on low heat for an hour and ten minutes.

Step 05

Drop in the frozen green beans and let it all cook for another 30 minutes. Taste and tweak the seasoning if it needs it.

Step 06

Once cooked, let the dish cool. Store it in the fridge overnight for better flavor. Gently reheat it on low heat before serving.

Cook's Tips

  1. Best if made a day ahead for enhanced taste
  2. Choose potatoes that won’t fall apart while cooking
  3. Can be frozen after it’s cooked

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Cast-iron casserole dish
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp kitchen knife

Good to Know (Per Serving)

Numbers are approximate - your results may vary based on specific ingredients used
  • Calories per Serving: 485
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~