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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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