Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato Sauce

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce infused with garlic and smoked paprika. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends pounds pork shoulder, tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely chopped 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 350 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: 480 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden and caramelized. Transfer pork to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the tomato sauce over the browned pork in the slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the dish for brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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