Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-braised pork shoulder cooked until tender with aromatic root vegetables and herbs, inspired by Oklahoma City's comfort food favorites. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks evenly with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 3 peeled and 1-inch chopped carrots, 2 peeled and 1-inch chopped parsnips, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot and add 3 cups chicken broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
  5. Step 5: Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the pork is fork-tender and vegetables are soft. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheever's Inspired Braised Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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