Slow Cooker Pork And Cider Casserole (Easy Comfort Stew)

Updated: May 2026
This slow cooker pork and cider casserole is proper comfort food. Ready in under 10 minutes of prep and 8 hours cooking in the slow cooker, it’s perfect for coming home to a warming family dinner.

Serve with mustard mashed potatoes, buttered crusty bread, or air fryer chips for a hearty, satisfying meal. Pork and apple is a classic flavour combination that’s kid-friendly and versatile.

Quick Answer – How Do You Make Pork and Cider Casserole?

Tip diced pork, chopped onions, celery, and carrots into the slow cooker. Pour over apple cider and chicken stock, season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours. Thicken gravy with cornflour if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep, dump-and-go recipe
• Uses everyday ingredients
• Perfect for lazy Sundays or busy weekdays
• Kid-friendly and comforting
• Can add beans, pulses, or extra vegetables
• Pairs perfectly with mash, bread, or rice

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Pork And Cider Casserole

• 500g lean diced pork
• 300g baby carrots, scrubbed and halved
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 2 sticks celery, sliced
• 250ml apple cider
• 150ml chicken stock
• 2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Cornflour and water (to thicken if needed)
• Salt and black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Vegetable knife
• Slow cooker / crockpot
• Tablespoon
• Wooden spoon

How To Make Slow Cooker Pork And Cider Casserole

Step 1 – Prep Vegetables

Peel and dice the onion, scrub and halve the carrots, slice the celery.

Step 2 – Grease Slow Cooker

Dab sunflower oil onto kitchen paper and wipe inside of slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 3 – Add Ingredients

Tip onions, celery, pork, and carrots into the slow cooker. Pour over cider and chicken stock. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4 – Cook

Cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is cooked through.

Step 5 – Thicken Gravy

If needed, mix a couple of teaspoons of cornflour with water and stir into the casserole. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 6 – Serve

Serve hot with mustard mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or air fryer chips.

Tips For The Best Pork And Cider Casserole

• Use lean pork: Trim visible fat for a healthier dish.
• Dump-and-go: Minimal fuss – just add ingredients and cook.
• Add extra vegetables or beans: Butterbeans or cannellini beans work well.
• Make it spicy: Add cumin, cinnamon, and chilli flakes for a fragrant twist.
• Leftovers: Store in fridge for up to 2 days, freezer for 3 months.

What To Serve With Pork And Cider Casserole

• Mustard Mashed Potatoes
• Crusty buttered bread
• Air Fryer Chips
• Herb and butter rice
• Steamed green beans or seasonal veg

Easy Variations

• Swap cider for apple juice or stock for milder flavour
• Add beans or pulses to bulk it up
• Spice it up with cinnamon, cumin, or chilli flakes
• Add extra vegetables: bell peppers, mushrooms, parsnips

How To Store Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly to 75°C before serving.