Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and Italian herbs for tender, flavorful meat. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, olive oil, medium, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 120 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return pork to the pot and pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until pork is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil over the pork before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

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 Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce 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 Italian-Style Braised Pork with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

Italian 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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