Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables

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

A tender pork shoulder braised with seasonal root vegetables and a hint of maple, perfect for cozy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Carrots, Potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil until shimmering. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 large chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and the prepared root vegetables (4 medium peeled carrots cut into 1-inch chunks, 2 large peeled potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks).
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the vegetables and sauce, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid. Return the vegetables to the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 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 Maple-Glazed 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Maple-Glazed 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Maple-Glazed 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables?

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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