Slow-Cooked Pork with Garlic and Oregano in Tomato Sauce

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

Tender pork shoulder simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and oregano for a hearty Greek-inspired main dish. This greek-inspired pork (mediterranean) ready in about 170 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 420 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: 150 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total, then remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced onion and 5 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to the pot, add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup water or broth, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve with crusty bread or over rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork with Garlic and Oregano in Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 with Garlic and Oregano in 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 with Garlic and Oregano in 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 with Garlic and Oregano in 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 with Garlic and Oregano in Tomato Sauce?

Greek 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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