Slow Cooker Pork with Green Beans and Potatoes (Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe)

When you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that requires very little effort, this Slow Cooker Pork with Green Beans and Potatoes is the perfect choice. Tender chunks of pork, flavorful potatoes, and fresh green beans slowly cook together in a savory broth, creating a complete one-pot dinner the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a relaxing weekend meal.

The long, slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender while the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors from the seasoned broth. Best of all, cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in a single pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for busy days
• Complete meal in one pot
• Tender, juicy pork every time
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH

Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Optional Thickening Slurry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

---

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork

Pat the pork dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork pieces and toss until coated.

Seasoning the meat before cooking helps build layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork pieces in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

While this step is optional, browning the pork creates a richer flavor and improves the overall texture of the finished dish.

Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the potatoes on top of the onions. Arrange the seasoned pork over the potatoes.

Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over everything.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Dijon mustard (if using)

Pour the broth mixture over the pork and potatoes.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook:

• LOW: 6–8 hours
• HIGH: 3–4 hours

The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 6: Add the Green Beans

About 30–45 minutes before serving, add the green beans to the slow cooker.

Stir gently to combine and continue cooking until the green beans are tender but still vibrant.

Adding the green beans near the end prevents them from becoming overly soft and helps maintain their bright green color.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker gravy-like sauce, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.

Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 15 minutes of cooking. Replace the lid and allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork

Choose the Right Cut

Pork shoulder works best because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to become exceptionally tender during long cooking times.

Don’t Overcook the Green Beans

Adding green beans near the end keeps them fresh and slightly crisp instead of mushy.

Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic provides a deeper, more robust flavor than garlic powder alone.

Adjust the Seasonings

Feel free to add additional herbs such as parsley, sage, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.

Make It Heartier

Add carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker pork dinner is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Warm crusty bread
• Dinner rolls
• Steamed rice
• Buttered noodles
• Fresh garden salad
• Roasted vegetables

For a complete comfort-food meal, serve with homemade bread and a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Yes. Pork loin is leaner and cooks well in the slow cooker, although it may not be quite as tender as pork shoulder.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely. Frozen green beans work well and can be added directly to the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes.

Do I have to brown the pork first?

No. Browning adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Simply place everything in the slow cooker and start cooking the next day.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pork with Green Beans and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. With tender, flavorful pork, perfectly cooked potatoes, and fresh green beans all simmered together in a savory broth, it’s a meal that delivers both convenience and incredible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this easy one-pot recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Every bite is warm, satisfying, and packed with homestyle goodness.