Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Potatoes and Carrots in Aromatic Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder recipe delivers fall-apart tender meat with flavorful vegetables and a rich gravy. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and lets your slow cooker do all the work while you relax.

Ingredients

• 4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 3 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 2 medium onions (thinly sliced)
• 4 tsp minced garlic (from 4 large cloves)
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes (or halved Yukon Golds)
• 1 lb carrots (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks, about 3 large)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme, optional)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary, optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup water (to deglaze the searing pan)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rub the pork shoulder evenly with 3 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Step 3: While searing, place the sliced onions, minced garlic, baby potatoes, and carrots into the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary (if using), and 1 ½ tsp kosher salt.
5. Step 5: Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Add ¼ cup water to the skillet used for searing, scraping up any browned bits, then pour this liquid into the slow cooker.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook on LOW for 9-10 hours or on HIGH for 6-7 hours, until the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked but still hold their shape.
9. Step 9: Remove the pork and vegetables from the slow cooker and keep them warm, covering loosely with foil. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
11. Step 11: Stir the slurry into the slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
12. Step 12: Serve the pork sliced or shredded with the vegetables, drizzled with the homemade gravy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the dry seasonings.
• Use fresh herbs if available, as they provide brighter flavor than dried.
• Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Store leftover pork, vegetables, and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze components separately for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless pork shoulder for this recipe?

Yes, boneless pork shoulder works perfectly and will cook evenly in the slow cooker.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook this dish in a covered oven-safe pot at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours until tender, checking periodically and adding broth as needed.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Potatoes and Carrots in Aromatic Gravy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 416 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder recipe delivers fall-apart tender pork infused with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, complemented by tender baby potatoes and carrots. The pork is first seared to develop a rich crust, then slow-cooked with a savory broth mixture that transforms into a luscious gravy, perfect for a comforting family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pork and Seasoning

• 4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 3 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Vegetables

• 2 medium onions (thinly sliced)
• 4 tsp minced garlic (from 4 large cloves)
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes (or halved Yukon Golds)
• 1 lb carrots (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks, about 3 large)

Slow Cooker Liquid

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme, optional)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary, optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt

For Deglazing and Gravy

• ¼ cup water (to deglaze the searing pan)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp cold water

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Instructions

1. Season Pork and Sear: Rub the pork shoulder evenly with 3 teaspoons kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until it develops a rich, brown crust, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
2. Prepare Slow Cooker Base Layer: While the pork is searing, add 2 thinly sliced medium onions, 4 teaspoons minced garlic, 1½ pounds baby potatoes (halved if large), and 1 pound peeled and chunked carrots to the bottom of your slow cooker. This vegetable base will absorb the savory cooking liquids and cook to tender perfection.
3. Mix Slow Cooker Liquid and Add Pork: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (if using), and 1½ teaspoons kosher salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Set the seared pork roast on top of the vegetables.
4. Deglaze Searing Pan: Pour ¼ cup water into the hot skillet used to sear the pork and scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Pour this liquid into the slow cooker to incorporate all the concentrated flavors.
5. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 9-10 hours or on HIGH for 6-7 hours. Cooking low and slow will ensure the potatoes and carrots become tender while maintaining their shape, and the pork becomes fall-apart tender.
6. Remove Pork and Vegetables: Once cooked, transfer the pork and vegetables to a serving plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Skim off as much fat as possible from the remaining liquid in the slow cooker to create a cleaner gravy.
7. Make Gravy Slurry and Thicken: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker liquid and stir well to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency.
8. Serve: Slice or shred the tender pork shoulder and serve alongside the cooked potatoes and carrots. Drizzle the rich gravy over the top for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Notes

• Searing the pork is key to developing deep flavor and seals in moisture.
• Using a bone-in pork shoulder can add extra richness to the dish.
• Low and slow cooking helps the vegetables stay intact and the pork become tender.
• The gravy can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
• If time permits, cook on low for 9-10 hours for best texture; high heat reduces cook time but may affect vegetable firmness.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if available for a fresher flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker pork shoulder, crockpot pork recipe, tender pork roast, fall apart pork, comfort food, pork with vegetables, easy slow cooker recipe