Slow Cooker Rosemary-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables

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

Succulent pork shoulder slow-cooked with fresh rosemary and seasonal vegetables until tender enough to fall apart. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2.5 lb pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear pork shoulder for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Transfer seared pork to slow cooker, then add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 cups chopped carrots, 2 cups chopped parsnips, and 1 lb halved baby potatoes.
  4. Step 4: Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove pork, let rest 10 minutes before slicing, and serve with vegetables and cooking liquid.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Rosemary-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Rosemary-Glazed 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Rosemary-Glazed 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 Rosemary-Glazed 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 Rosemary-Glazed Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables?

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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