Pumpkin Pork Stew with Black Beans

Pumpkin puree adds a rich creaminess to this Pumpkin Pork Stew with Black Beans without adding milk or cream.

Enjoy this warming stew on a chilly winter day with a piece of crusty bread slathered in butter or crisp cornbread drizzled with honey.

Black bowl filled with Pumpkin Pork Stew with Black Beans topped with sour cream, red onion, green onions, and cilantro.

Chunks of pork shoulder are browned and then slowly cooked with onions, peppers, black beans, garlic, pumpkin puree, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and chilies in a delicious broth with a splash of orange juice.

To serve a crowd, try serving the stew ladled over some cooked rice.

As the weather turns colder all I want to eat is warm chili and rich and comforting soups, and stews. I especially love this Simple Pork Stew, this Creamy Bacon, Leek, and Potato Soup, and this Dutch Oven Beef Vegetable Stew.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Step by Step Directions
Serving Suggestions
Recipe FAQs
Expert Tips
More Easy Dinner Recipes
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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This stew recipe is so simple to make. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you. Most of them are pantry staples and all you need to do is sear the meat and toss everything together in your slow cooker.
This warm comforting homemade soup with the flavors of pork and pumpkin is the perfect easy meal for chilly fall nights.

For more delicious soup options, try this Crockpot Chili with Peppers, this Oven Roasted Tomato Herb Soup, or this Roasted Cauliflower Soup.

Recipe Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious Pumpkin Pork Stew with Black Beans.

Pork black bean and pumpkin stew ingredients on a dark background.

Aromatics: The large onion, green pepper, and garlic clove give great flavor to the stew. You can use white or yellow onions.

Broth: Use either chicken or vegetable broth. I really love these Better Than Bouillon jars. It is basically chicken stock concentrate in a jar. They take up so much less space than cartons or cans of broth and taste amazing. Simply mix the recommended amount with water and viola delicious broth.

Pumpkin Puree: The pumpkin adds some natural sweetness, which compliments the spice of the peppers.

Tip: Be sure to purchase pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which often has added spices and sugar.

Orange Juice: Orange juice adds acidity and balances the stew.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: The chipotle peppers add a bit of spice and smokiness. If you are not a fan of spicy only use one or two peppers.

Tip: You can also remove the seeds to reduce the spice level even more.

Salt: I add at least a pinch of salt to all of my dessert recipes. Salt complements and intensifies the other flavors. For all of my recipes, I use Morton Kosher Salt which is saltier than Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt. If you are using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt you will want to double the amount of salt you add.

Boneless Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder (sometimes called pork butt or Boston butt) is one of those meats that is usually best cooked low and slow. Cutting the pork into three pieces helps to reduce the cooking time and creates more surface area to sear and create a crisp crust.

Pork shoulder is such a versatile cut of meat. You can Smoke a Pork Roast in an Electric Smoker and then use the it to make this Leftover Pulled Pork Casserole, this Leftover Roast Pork Stroganoff, or these delicious Pulled Pork Tacos.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Black Beans: For simplicity, I wrote this recipe using canned black beans but you could also substitute soaked and cooked dried beans.

Cilantro: If you have fresh oregano you can use that but you will want to double the amount.

Step by Step Directions

Pumpkin puree, spices, onions, and green peppers in a slow cooker.

Step 1: Combine the yellow onion, green pepper, garlic, broth, pumpkin puree, orange juice, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, salt, cinnamon, and black beans in your slow cooker or crock pot.

Three pieces of pork searing in a cast iron skillet.

Step 2: Sprinkle pork with salt and black pepper making sure to season all sides. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork, turning with tongs, until brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Place the browned meat in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.

Step 4: Shred the braised pork and stir into the bean mixture. Pour any stray juices back into the stew.

Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Tip: If you are in a hurry you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but I think the pork shoulder has a better texture when it is cooked low and slow.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Garnish the stew with some fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and Pickled Red Onions to add brightness and an attractive pop of color.

To stretch the soup a little further serve it over some rice.

I love serving pretty much any soup with a piece of buttered crusty bread or one of these Sourdough Discard Scones to soak up all of the delicious broth.

Pork Pumpkin Stew in a black bowl topped with sour cream, cilantro, and red onions.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature should the pork roast be?

The ideal temperature for a pork roast that you plan to shred is between 190°F and 205°F (88 to 96°C). The high internal temperature allows the collagen to break down making the meat easier to shred.

Use a thermometer like this instant-read thermometer from Thermoworks to check the internal temperature. It is recommended by America's Test Kitchen and is super fast and accurate.

Why isn't my pork shredding?

There are two reasons your pork may not be easy to shred.

1. It wasn't cooked long enough. Make sure the internal temperature is at least 190°F (88°C). At that temperature, the connective tissue that holds the roast together begins breaking it down making the roast easier to shred.
2. You accidentally bought a leaner cut of meat like pork tenderloin that was not meant for longer cooking and has dried out.

How do you store Pumpkin Pork Stew

Like most stews, this one tastes even better the day after it's made. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you freeze pork stew?

This stew can be frozen for up to three months. After the stew has cooled place it in an airtight container to freeze. Be sure to label the container with the date and the contents.

The stew can be reheated from frozen in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Need tips on the best way to freeze stew?

Expert Tips

For simplicity, I wrote this recipe using canned black beans but you could also substitute soaked and cooked dried beans.
Slow cooker meals are great for busy days. For an even quicker easier morning, prepare everything you need for your slow-cooked meal the night before, put the ingredients into the slow-cooker dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove the slow-cooker dish from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to avoid shocking and cracking the ceramic insert when you turn the slow cooker on.
Keep the lid closed. Every time you lift the lid heat is released and the cooking time increases.
For an extra filling meal serve over cooked white rice.
Adjust the spices to your tastes adding more or less depending upon your preferences.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

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