Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with warm Moroccan spices and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting Whole30 dinner. This moroccan-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 260 minutes pairs large, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown pork in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until well caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Transfer browned pork to slow cooker. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 can (14.5 oz) no-sugar-added diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, shred pork with two forks and stir to coat in sauce. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder?

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 large, sliced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder?

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 Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder 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.

Is Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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