Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Mardi Gras Rub

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

A tender slow-cooked pork shoulder rubbed with warm spices inspired by Mardi Gras flavors, perfect for a festive meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 555 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, brown sugar, paprika 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: 15 min Cook: 540 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your slow cooker to low heat. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the Mardi Gras spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 pounds pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker and pour 1 cup chicken broth around it to maintain moisture.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 195°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork, let rest for 15 minutes, then shred with two forks and serve with your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Mardi Gras Rub take to make?

Total time is about 555 minutes (15 min prep + 540 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 Spiced Mardi Gras Rub?

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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Mardi Gras Rub?

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 Spiced Mardi Gras Rub 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 Spiced Mardi Gras Rub?

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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