Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes

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

A tender slow cooker dish featuring fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder braised with sweet potatoes and warm cinnamon, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Sweet potatoes, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder, 2 lbs peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1 chopped large onion, 2 sliced medium carrots, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Pour 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup chicken broth over ingredients, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork and cinnamon sticks. Shred pork with two forks and return to slow cooker. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes 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 Cinnamon-Braised Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potatoes?

American slow cooker 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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