Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy

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

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder served with a rich, savory gravy reminiscent of classic American comfort food. This american-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 8, 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: 240 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to oven and roast pork shoulder uncovered for 3.5 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to shred.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork and tent with foil. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter and sauté 1 diced yellow onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux, whisking constantly until golden and nutty smelling.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, simmering until gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve shredded pork with the warm gravy spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy?

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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy?

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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Southern-Style Gravy?

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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