Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary

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

Tender pork shoulder braised with sweet apples and fragrant rosemary, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, large apples, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim 3 lb pork shoulder of excess fat, then season all sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, then add 2 peeled and diced large apples, 1 diced large onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Braised Apples and Rosemary?

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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