Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives
Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with smoked paprika, garlic, and olives for a rich Spanish-inspired dinner. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 440 minutes pairs smoked paprika, sea 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced yellow onion
- 1 cup, halved pitted green olives
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 5 minced garlic cloves. Toss well to coat the meat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Transfer the browned pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion, 1 cup halved pitted green olives, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1 cup chicken broth, and 2 tsp fresh thyme.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Step 5: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return to the sauce and stir to combine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives take to make?
Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives?
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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives?
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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives 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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Smoked Paprika and Olives?
Spanish 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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