Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Pork with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with classic Cajun spices and hearty root vegetables, evoking the rich culinary heritage of the American South. This Southern American-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, 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.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs, trimmed and cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
• 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces parsnips
• 1 large, sliced yellow onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh parsley

The slow cooker we’d leave this in all day → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice blend.
2. Step 2: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice blend.
3. Step 3: Place 3 large peeled and cut carrots, 2 peeled and cut parsnips, and 1 large sliced yellow onion into the bottom of a slow cooker; add 1 cup chicken broth.
4. Step 4: Arrange the seasoned pork on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Step 6: Remove pork and vegetables with a slotted spoon to a serving platter; garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.