Oven-Baked Pork Stew
Oven-Baked Pork Stew offers tender pork chunks and hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with herbs and spices. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this dish combines savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless pork, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 16 oz can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp instant beef bouillon
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 3/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 10 oz package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the pork in hot oil.
- Remove the meat from the skillet, reserving the drippings.
- Stir flour into the drippings.
- Add undrained tomatoes, minced garlic, bay leaf, sugar, beef bouillon, thyme, oregano, hot pepper sauce, water, and salt. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Return the browned pork to the skillet.
- Arrange sliced sweet potatoes, onion wedges, and green pepper strips over the meat and sauce.
- Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the pork and vegetables are tender.
- Add thawed peas during the last 5 minutes of baking, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork in the cooking oil, garlic, and spices for a few hours before browning. If you don't have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work as a substitute. To thicken the stew further, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) during the cooking process. This dish can also be adapted to a Foiled Hobo Stew by wrapping the ingredients in foil and cooking on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa, which complements the flavors well. This recipe also makes a comforting option for those cool evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Baked Pork Stew contains roughly 966 calories, with 46g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (312% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1954mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken or beef for the pork. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used; chicken may cook faster, while beef might require additional time to become tender.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the pork, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat and vegetables.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that everything is cooked to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).