Slow Cooker Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

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

A comforting slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with warming regional spices, served alongside tender root vegetables for a hearty meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, salt, black pepper 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.

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: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly all over with 2 tbsp olive oil and then with the prepared spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 peeled and chunked carrots, 3 peeled and chunked parsnips, and 1 quartered large yellow onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Set the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the vegetables and pour 1 cup chicken broth around it.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork and vegetables, shred the meat with two forks, and serve with the cooked root vegetables and pan juices spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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 Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

American 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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