Hearty & Healthy Slow Cooker Campfire Stew: Your Go-To 1-Point Weight Watchers Pork & Bean Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of stew, especially when it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This meaty one-pot Campfire Stew, featuring tender pork loin and a medley of wholesome beans and vegetables, is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey to simpler times, packed with flavor and incredibly convenient. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this versatile dish is also an excellent “clean out the fridge” recipe, allowing you to use up various seasonal vegetables. Best of all, it’s remarkably healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly, clocking in at just 1 Point per serving!

For those seeking a heartwarming dish that’s effortless to prepare and minimizes cleanup, our Campfire Stew is the perfect solution. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe stands out among the many delicious, low-point Weight Watchers dinner recipes available, offering a blend of comfort, flavor, and health in every spoonful.

Why This Slow Cooker Campfire Stew Will Become Your New Favorite

This Campfire Stew isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why you should add this delicious and easy meal to your regular rotation:

• A Complete & Balanced Meal in One Pot: This stew truly has it all. Each serving is bursting with a balanced combination of lean protein from the pork loin, fiber-rich beans, and a generous assortment of colorful vegetables. It’s a nutritious meal that supports overall well-being, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients without feeling heavy. You’ll get protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins and minerals all from a single, satisfying dish.
• Unbeatable Convenience and Minimal Cleanup: Life is busy, and dinner shouldn’t add to the stress. This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, requiring just one pot – ideally a slow cooker. This “set it and forget it” approach allows the stew to gently simmer to perfection while you attend to other tasks, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. The beauty of a slow cooker is the almost hands-off cooking process, which translates to fewer dishes and less scrubbing after a delicious dinner. It’s truly convenience at its best!
• A Warm Bowl Full of Nostalgic Comfort: While we might not all have the luxury of cooking over an open flame, this Campfire Stew evokes the comforting memories of outdoor adventures and shared meals. It brings that rustic, wholesome feeling right into your kitchen. Whether you reminisce about actual camping trips or simply crave a dish that feels like a warm hug, this stew delivers. It’s the kind of meal that fosters warmth and togetherness, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
• Perfect for Chilly Days & Winter Evenings: As the seasons change and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a piping hot bowl of stew. This meal is engineered to warm you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for fall and winter dinners. The rich broth, tender meat, and hearty vegetables create a symphony of flavors and textures that will chase away the chill and leave you feeling utterly content.
• Budget-Friendly and Adaptable: Campfire stew, by nature, is designed to be made with accessible, often pantry-staple ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover vegetables, making it a budget-conscious choice that also helps reduce food waste. Its adaptability means you can tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring you always get a fresh and exciting meal.
• Weight Watchers Approved (Just 1 Point!): For those managing their intake, this stew is a dream come true. Crafted with lean pork loin, abundant vegetables, and fiber-rich beans, it’s incredibly filling and satisfying for only 1 Weight Watchers Point per serving. Enjoy a generous portion without compromising your goals.

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)

Portion Size: 1 ½ cups

1 WW Point Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Campfire Stew

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this soul-satisfying stew. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store, reinforcing the “clean out the fridge” philosophy of this dish. Quality ingredients ensure the best flavor, but the beauty of this stew is its forgiving nature.

• ½ lb. pork loin, cut into chunks (225 g)
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup / 150 g)
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (1 cup / 120 g)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (½ cup / 50 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup / 150 g)
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed (1 ½ cups / 240 g)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1 ½ cups / 240 g)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juice (1 ¾ cups / 400 g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or 2 vegetable stock cubes dissolved in 2 cups water / 500 ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2 g)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 dried chili pepper, optional (for a hint of heat)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Slow Cooker Campfire Stew

Making this stew is incredibly straightforward, especially with the magic of a slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to achieve a rich, tender, and deeply flavorful meal:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your fresh vegetables. Thoroughly wash and chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery into uniform pieces, and dice the red bell pepper. Setting these aside ensures a smooth assembly process. Next, take your pork loin and trim off any visible excess fat to keep the stew lean and healthy. Cut the pork into bite-sized chunks, aiming for pieces roughly 1-inch in size, so they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
2. Layer the Foundation in the Slow Cooker: Start building your stew directly in the slow cooker insert. First, evenly spread the chopped onions, sliced carrots, celery, and diced bell pepper at the bottom. These vegetables will form a flavorful base as they slowly cook. On top of the vegetables, add the drained and thoroughly rinsed white beans and kidney beans. Rinsing canned beans helps reduce sodium and removes excess starch.
3. Infuse with Flavor: Now, it’s time to add the liquid and seasonings that will transform your ingredients into a savory stew. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice. Gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined. Next, add the vegetable broth (or the dissolved stock cubes). Sprinkle in the dried oregano, tuck in the bay leaves, and season with salt according to your preference. If you enjoy a touch of heat, now is the perfect moment to add the optional dried chili pepper. Give everything one last gentle stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
4. Add the Pork Loin: Carefully arrange the pork chunks on top of the vegetable and bean mixture. There’s no need to stir the pork in; it will cook perfectly nestled on top, slowly absorbing the flavors from the broth and vegetables below.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid onto your slow cooker. Set it to the low heat setting and let it cook undisturbed for approximately 6 hours. This slow and steady cooking method ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, though low and slow is always recommended for maximum tenderness.
6. Check for Tenderness and Adjust Seasoning: After 6 hours, carefully remove the lid. Gently press a piece of pork with a fork; it should be exceptionally tender and easily pull apart. Taste the stew and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. You might want to add a bit more salt, or perhaps a pinch of black pepper. If the stew’s consistency is thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a little extra water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, remember to carefully remove and discard the bay leaves and the dried chili pepper. Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Each generous portion should be about 1 ½ cups of this warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying Campfire Stew. Serve it immediately and savor the rich flavors.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Campfire Stew

The beauty of Campfire Stew lies in its inherent adaptability. Historically, such stews were made with whatever was at hand – a true testament to resourceful cooking. While the original inspiration might come from a simple pack of provisions, we can adapt this recipe to fit modern dietary needs and preferences, especially if you’re keeping an eye on Weight Watchers points. Think of your slow cooker as your personal campfire, ready for any delicious additions!

1. Smart Swaps for a Healthier Profile: In the past, richer ingredients like cured gammon, potatoes, and even spicy chorizo might have found their way into a traditional campfire stew. While undeniably delicious, these ingredients often come with higher fat and calorie counts. For this healthier, Weight Watchers-friendly version, we’ve swapped cured meats for lean pork loin. This ensures you still get that savory richness and satisfying texture but with significantly fewer points and less saturated fat. The pork loin becomes incredibly tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process, proving that healthy can also be hearty.
2. Boost with More Veggies: One of the easiest ways to bulk up this stew and boost its nutritional value without adding many points is to incorporate extra vegetables. Feel free to experiment with what you have! Some excellent additions include fresh diced tomatoes for a burst of acidity, tender green beans, sweet corn kernels, sliced mushrooms for umami depth, or even a handful of spinach or kale stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Diced zucchini or yellow squash also blend seamlessly. These additions not only enhance the flavor and texture but also make the stew even more filling and nutrient-packed.
3. Explore the World of Beans: Beans are the unsung heroes of this stew, providing a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making the meal truly satisfying. While white beans (like cannellini or navy) and kidney beans are classic choices, don’t hesitate to try other varieties. Pinto beans offer a creamy texture, black beans bring an earthy flavor and darker color, and even chickpeas could work for a different twist. Each type of bean contributes its own unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the stew to your liking. Just remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them.
4. Protein Alternatives: If pork isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute. Lean ground turkey or chicken breast, cut into chunks, would work well and maintain a low point count. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the pork and add extra beans or even some hearty plant-based sausage.
5. Grain or Starch Additions (with caution for WW): If you’re not strictly counting points or want a more traditional “stew” feel, you could add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. For a slight textural change, some small pasta shapes or rice could be stirred in towards the end of the cooking time, though these will increase the point value.

Expert Tips for the Best Campfire Stew Every Time

To ensure your Campfire Stew is nothing short of spectacular, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:

1. Prioritize Freshness Where It Counts: While canned beans and tomatoes are incredibly convenient and essential to this recipe, using fresh vegetables whenever possible can significantly elevate the flavor profile. Freshly chopped onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers offer a brighter, more vibrant taste. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider making your own vegetable broth from scratch; it provides a depth of flavor that store-bought options can’t always match. If using canned broth, opt for low-sodium varieties.
2. Achieve Fall-Apart Tender Meat: One of the greatest advantages of making Campfire Stew at home, especially in a slow cooker, is the ability to achieve perfectly tender meat. We use fresh, lean cuts of pork loin, which can sometimes be perceived as dry. However, the magic of slow cooking for approximately six hours on low heat transforms the pork. It breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in pork that is so tender it literally melts in your mouth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the stew.
3. Embrace the Spice (or Not!): If you appreciate a little kick, don’t shy away from adding some heat. While the original recipe might have relied on spicy canned beans, you have full control here. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or even some finely diced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat). For a smoky warmth without intense spice, a teaspoon of smoked paprika can work wonders.
4. Layer Your Seasonings Generously: Even though the charm of campfire cooking often implies simplicity, proper seasoning is paramount for a truly memorable stew. Don’t just rely on salt and pepper; these are your foundational flavors. Experiment with additional herbs and spices. A touch of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, a sprinkle of onion powder, or a dash of dried thyme can significantly enhance the complexity of the stew. The bay leaves are crucial for an underlying aromatic note – just remember to remove them before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions: While this stew is incredibly filling and satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few choice accompaniments. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth (just be mindful of the points if you’re on WW!). For a lower-point option, serve it over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice. A simple side salad can also add a refreshing contrast.
6. Make Ahead and Freeze for Convenience: This Campfire Stew is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
7. Adjusting Consistency: If your stew turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a little while longer or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir the slurry into the hot stew and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
8. Optional Searing for Deeper Flavor: While this recipe is designed for a direct slow-cooker assembly, if you have an extra 5-10 minutes, quickly searing the pork loin chunks in 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor and a deeper color to your stew. This step is entirely optional but recommended for an even richer taste.

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Campfire Stew (No Campfire Needed)

Servings: 6

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 6 hours hrs

Total: 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

A hearty, one-pot slow cooker stew with lean pork, beans, and abundant vegetables. Perfect for a cozy, healthy, and Weight Watchers-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients 

• ▢ ½ lb. pork loin, cut into chunks (225 g)
• ▢ 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup / 150 g)
• ▢ 2 medium carrots, sliced (1 cup / 120 g)
• ▢ 2 celery stalks, sliced (½ cup / 50 g)
• ▢ 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup / 150 g)
• ▢ 1 can, 15 oz white beans, drained and rinsed (1 ½ cups / 240 g)
• ▢ 1 can, 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1 ½ cups / 240 g)
• ▢ 1 can, 14 oz diced tomatoes, with juice (1 ¾ cups / 400 g)
• ▢ 2 cups vegetable broth, or 2 vegetable stock cubes dissolved in 2 cups water / 500 ml
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 g
• ▢ 2 bay leaf
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• ▢ 1 dried chili pepper, optional
• ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil, 5 ml

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Instructions 

• Prep the Veggies and Pork: Start by preparing all your vegetables. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and dice the red bell pepper. Set these aside. Then, cut the pork loin into bite-sized chunks. Trim off any excess fat to keep it lean.
• Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Follow with the drained white beans and kidney beans.
• Season the Stew: Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients. Add the vegetable broth or dissolved stock cubes. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, toss in the bay leafs, and season with salt. If you like a little heat, now is the time to add the optional dried chili pepper. Give everything a quick stir.
• Add the Pork: Place the pork chunks on top of the vegetables and beans.
• Cook on Low: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on the low setting for about 6 hours.
• Check the Pork and Adjust Seasoning: After 6 hours, check the pork by gently pressing it with a fork—it should be fall-apart tender. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. If the stew is too thick for your liking, you can stir in a little extra water or broth to thin it out.
• Serve: Remove the bay leaf and the dried chili pepper before serving. Serve the stew hot in bowls. Each portion should be about 1 ½ cups of this warm, comforting stew.

Notes

Just 1 WW Point per serving. This stew is even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 370gCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 18gFat: 3.9gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 970mgPotassium: 917mgFiber: 8.2gSugar: 6.9gCalcium: 126mgIron: 4.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

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