Slow Cooker Italian Pork and White Bean Stew (WW Friendly)

I first made this slow cooker pork and white bean stew back in 2013 during one of my favorite kitchen challenges — using my slow cooker every day to create WW-friendly recipes. At the time, we were up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin shutting down the cabins for the season. It was cold, snowy, and this hearty stew turned out to be the perfect dinner.

Tender pork, creamy white beans, and Italian-inspired flavors come together in this cozy one-pot meal. A spoonful of pesto stirred in at the end and a big handful of spinach make it both flavorful and satisfying.

Easy, hearty, and WW friendly, this crock pot pork stew is one I come back to again and again when I’m craving comfort food with a healthy twist.

Why I Love This Slow Cooker Italian Pork and White Bean Stew

• Hearty and satisfying – Tender pork, creamy beans, and plenty of vegetables make this a filling one-pot meal.
• Easy slow cooker recipe – Minimal prep in the morning means dinner is ready when I am.
• Italian-inspired flavor – Rosemary, garlic, pesto, and spinach bring classic Mediterranean flavor to every bite.
• WW friendly – A lighter take on comfort food, with wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition.
• Perfect for cold weather – Cozy, nourishing, and just right for snowy days or chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• Onions – provide a savory base for the stew.
• Garlic – adds depth and classic Italian flavor.
• Dried rosemary – brings a warm, earthy note.
• Chicken broth – keeps the stew light yet flavorful.
• Cannellini beans – creamy white beans that make the stew hearty and satisfying.
• Instant tapioca – helps thicken the broth into a rich stew consistency.
• Boneless country-style pork ribs – trimmed lean, they cook up tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
• Salt and pepper – for simple seasoning.
• Prepared basil pesto – stirred in at the end for a bright, herby finish.
• Baby spinach – adds freshness, color, and extra nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

• Beans – Swap cannellini beans for Great Northern or navy beans if that’s what you have on hand.
• Pork options – Boneless pork shoulder or pork loin can be used in place of country-style ribs (just keep in mind that pork loin will be leaner and a little less tender).
• Vegetables – Stir in extra veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini for more bulk without adding WW points.
• Pesto alternatives – Try sun-dried tomato pesto or even a homemade basil pesto if you prefer.
• Spinach swaps – Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green.
• Thickener – If you don’t have instant tapioca, a slurry of cornstarch and water added at the end of cooking will also thicken the stew.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each serving of this slow cooker Italian pork and white bean stew has:

• Calories: 302
• WW Points: To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• WW PointsPlus (old plan): 7

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Pork and White Bean Stew

Step 1: Prep the aromatics

Microwave (affiliate link) the onions, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened (about 4 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the base

Stir in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and tapioca, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Add the pork

Season the pork with salt and pepper, then nestle it into the slow cooker on top of the bean mixture.

Step 4: Slow cook until tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish the stew

Skim any excess fat from the surface, then break the pork into large chunks using tongs. Stir in the pesto and spinach a handful at a time, letting the greens wilt into the stew.

Step 6: Adjust and serve

If needed, add extra hot broth to adjust the stew’s consistency. Taste and season with more salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Slow cooker size: A 4-quart slow cooker (affiliate link) works best for this recipe.
• Leaner cut of pork: Trimming excess fat from the pork before cooking helps keep the stew lighter and more WW friendly.
• Flavor boost: Microwaving the onions, garlic, and rosemary before adding them to the slow cooker brings out deeper flavor.
• Spinach tip: I like to add more spinach than the recipe calls for — it wilts down a lot and adds great color and nutrients.
• Better the next day: Like many stews, the flavors improve after sitting overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing – Enjoy with a simple green salad, like this WW Italian Arugula Salad, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a complete meal.
• With bread – Serve alongside a slice of crusty whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Low-carb option – Skip the bread and add extra spinach or other leafy greens to keep it lighter.
• Make it Italian-style – Pair with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner spread.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or family-size containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.

If you’ve made this Crock Pot Pork Stew with White Beans, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: Adapted from Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy-Prep Edition: 200 All-New, Ground-Breaking Recipes (affiliate link)

More WW-Friendly Slow Cooker Stews and Bean Recipes

If you enjoyed this hearty pork and white bean stew, you might like some of my other WW-friendly slow cooker favorites.

• For a Southern-inspired twist, Skinny Slow Cooker Creole White Beans with Chicken brings bold flavor with simple ingredients.
• If you’re looking for another Italian-inspired meal, my Weight Watchers Italian Beef and Lentil Stew is filling, protein-packed, and just right for chilly nights. Or try my Slow Cooker White Beans — a versatile dish that works as a side or a main when paired with veggies or salad.
• Snack-Girl Hunter’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a cozy chicken-and-vegetable dish that’s just as comforting but a little lighter.
• And if you love beans as much as I do, don’t miss my Weight Watchers White Bean and Sausage Escarole Soup — another simple, flavorful option that makes healthy eating delicious.

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