
Leftover Pulled Pork Stew: A Comforting and Flavorful Recipe
Pulled pork is a barbecue favorite, and for good reason. It’s smoky, tender, and incredibly versatile. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Don’t let that delicious pulled pork go to waste! Transform it into a hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This Leftover Pulled Pork Stew recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers and create a brand new, satisfying meal.
## Why This Pulled Pork Stew Recipe Works
* **Reduces Food Waste:** This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover pulled pork, preventing food waste and saving you money.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to adapt the recipe based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Add different vegetables, beans, or spices to create your own unique version.
* **Flavorful and Hearty:** The combination of smoky pulled pork, savory broth, and hearty vegetables creates a stew that’s both flavorful and filling.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **One-Pot Meal:** This stew is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Freezes Well:** This stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious pulled pork stew:
* **Leftover Pulled Pork:** The star of the show! Aim for about 2-3 cups of pulled pork. If your pulled pork is very dry, consider adding a little extra broth to the stew.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the stew. Yellow or white onions work well.
* **Garlic:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Carrots:** Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.
* **Celery:** Contributes to the savory flavor profile.
* **Potatoes:** Use Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes. They add heartiness and absorb the flavors of the stew.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Adds acidity and flavor to the stew. You can use plain diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with added herbs.
* **Tomato Paste:** Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness to the stew.
* **Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth):** The liquid base of the stew. Beef broth complements the smoky flavor of the pulled pork, but chicken broth can also be used.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds umami and depth of flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Enhances the smoky flavor of the pulled pork.
* **Dried Thyme:** Adds an earthy and herbaceous flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** Infuses the stew with a subtle aroma. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain yogurt.
## Equipment Needed
* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making stew because it distributes heat evenly.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the stew.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Leftover Pulled Pork Stew:
**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 2: Add the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
* Add the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
**Step 3: Incorporate the Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes**
* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will enhance the flavor of the stew.
* Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot.
**Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings**
* Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth).
* Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the pulled pork may already be seasoned, so start with a smaller amount of salt and adjust as needed.
**Step 5: Simmer the Stew**
* Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, and the potatoes will become tender.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Step 6: Add the Pulled Pork**
* Stir in the leftover pulled pork and heat through. This should only take about 5-10 minutes.
* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
* Ladle the stew into bowls.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain yogurt.
## Tips and Variations
* **Add Beans:** Incorporate a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans, for added protein and fiber. Add them along with the pulled pork.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in some chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or zucchini.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier stew.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the pulled pork). Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pulled pork during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Version:** Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the pulled pork), and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Stir in the pulled pork and heat through.
* **Adjusting Consistency:** If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the pulled pork with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
* **Make it Ahead:** This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
This Leftover Pulled Pork Stew is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Cornbread:** A slice of cornbread is a classic accompaniment to stew.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
* **Coleslaw:** A cool and creamy coleslaw complements the smoky flavors of the pulled pork.
## Storing and Reheating
* **Storing:** Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Varies depending on the ingredients used.
* Protein: Varies depending on the amount of pulled pork used.
* Fat: Varies depending on the ingredients used.
* Carbohydrates: Varies depending on the ingredients used.
## Recipe Card
**Leftover Pulled Pork Stew**
A hearty and flavorful stew made with leftover pulled pork, vegetables, and a savory broth. A perfect way to use up leftovers!
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2-3 medium potatoes, chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2-3 cups leftover pulled pork
* Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or plain yogurt
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot.
4. Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Stir in the leftover pulled pork and heat through, about 5-10 minutes.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
**Notes:**
* Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices.
* This stew freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Leftover Pulled Pork Stew! It’s a fantastic way to transform leftovers into a brand new and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
## More Delicious Leftover Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious ways to use up leftovers:
* Leftover Roast Chicken Soup
* Turkey Pot Pie with Leftover Turkey
* Ham and Cheese Frittata
## Conclusion
This Leftover Pulled Pork Stew is a testament to the fact that leftovers can be just as delicious, if not more so, than the original meal. It’s a simple, flavorful, and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. So, the next time you have leftover pulled pork, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!