Slow Cooker Pork Cacciatore Rustic Italian Hunter
This dish features tender pork slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.Bell peppers, onions, and garlic add depth and aroma.Italian herbs bring authentic rustic flavor.The slow cooker makes it easy and hands-off.Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or bread.A comforting, family-friendly meal with bold taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin (cut into chunks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season pork with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear pork pieces until browned on all sides.
- Transfer pork to the slow cooker.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and wine (if using).
- Stir in oregano, basil, thyme, chili flakes, and sugar.
- Pour sauce over pork in the slow cooker.
- Once tender, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Pork shoulder gives the most tender result.
- Searing adds extra depth of flavor.
- Use fresh vegetables for best texture.
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Sauce thickens as it cooks.
- Can be made ahead and reheated easily.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Works well with boneless or bone-in pork.