Slow Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley
Succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked with crisp apples and carrots, creating a naturally sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 380 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apples, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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
- 2 lbs, trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder
- 2 medium, cored and chopped into 1-inch chunks apples
- 2 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks carrots
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, fresh, chopped rosemary
- 2 tbsp, fresh, chopped thyme
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sear the pork shoulder for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and cook the chopped apples and carrots for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Transfer the apple and carrot mixture to the slow cooker. Add 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until pork is fork-tender and vegetables are tender.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley?
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 Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley?
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 Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Slow Cooker Herb Pork Shoulder with Apple and Carrot Medley whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
