Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash

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

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder slow-smoked with applewood, served with creamy sweet potato mash and roasted green beans. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 390 minutes pairs pork shoulder, applewood chips, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 225°F. Place a smoker box or foil packet filled with 1/2 cup soaked applewood chips on the bottom rack. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Mix 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Pat pork shoulder dry, then rub spice mixture evenly over entire surface. Place on wire rack.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 2 cups trimmed green beans around pork on baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Smoke for 6 hours, or until pork reaches 195°F internal temperature.
  4. Step 4: While smoking, place 2 pounds peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to boil and cook 20 minutes until tender. Drain, then mash with 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from oven, let rest 30 minutes, then slice. Serve with sweet potato mash and roasted green beans.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 390 minutes (30 min prep + 360 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash?

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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash?

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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash 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-Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sweet Potato Mash?

American grilling 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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