Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots

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

A comforting weeknight meal featuring tender pork shoulder simmered with root vegetables in a sweet-tangy glaze, perfect for busy evenings. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onion 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 3 lbs pork shoulder dry, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork shoulder for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tsp dried thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then add 2 cups cubed parsnips and 2 cups cubed carrots.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove the pork shoulder and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding solids, and return to the pot. Simmer on high for 15 minutes until the sauce reduces to a glossy glaze.
  4. Step 4: Slice the pork shoulder and serve with the glazed root vegetables and reduced sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots?

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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots?

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 Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots 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 Cooker Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Carrots?

American slow cooker 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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