This slow cooker pork with green beans and potatoes is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender pork, flavorful potatoes, and fresh green beans cooked to perfection in a savory broth.
Slow Cooker Pork with Green Beans and Potatoes
When you’re looking for an easy dinner that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum comfort, this slow cooker pork with green beans and potatoes is the perfect solution. Tender pork cooks low and slow with baby potatoes, fresh green beans, onions, and savory seasonings, creating a complete meal the whole family will enjoy.
Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot meal
- Minimal prep work
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for busy weekdays
- Tender, flavorful pork
- Complete meal with protein and vegetables
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on Low or 4–5 hours on High
Total Time: 7–8 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 2½–3 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire pork roast.
Step 2: Sear the Pork (Optional)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the pork for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the halved potatoes in an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Pork
Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the potatoes.
Step 5: Prepare the Broth
In a measuring cup, combine:
- Chicken broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Thyme
- Parsley
Pour the mixture around the pork and potatoes.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and cook:
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
The pork should become fork-tender and reach a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), though pork shoulder is best when cooked until it easily shreds.
Step 7: Add the Green Beans
About 1 hour before serving, add the green beans to the slow cooker.
Gently arrange them around the pork.
Replace the lid and continue cooking until the beans are tender but still vibrant.
Step 8: Rest the Pork
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
This helps retain the juices.
Step 9: Slice or Shred
For pork loin, slice into thick portions.
For pork shoulder, shred using two forks.
Step 10: Serve
Arrange the pork on a serving platter with the potatoes and green beans.
Spoon some of the cooking juices over everything before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This meal is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Warm dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Side salad
- Applesauce
- Coleslaw
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze pork and vegetables separately for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop
Place leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth and heat over medium-low heat until hot.
Tips for Success
- Pork shoulder provides the most tender, shreddable results.
- Add green beans near the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
- Use baby potatoes because they hold their shape well during slow cooking.
- Searing the pork enhances flavor but isn’t required.
- Save extra cooking liquid for serving and reheating.
Variations
Southern Style
Add a small piece of smoked ham or bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Herb Garlic Version
Increase garlic to 5 cloves and add fresh rosemary.
Spicy Version
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the broth.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker pork with green beans and potatoes is the definition of comfort food. The tender pork, hearty potatoes, and flavorful green beans come together in one easy meal that requires very little hands-on time. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for an effortless meal-prep option, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite.