Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast: Tender, Flavorful, & Easy Family Dinner

Discover the secret to a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth family meal with this incredibly simple **Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast recipe**. Designed for convenience and bursting with flavor, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Whether you prefer to serve it as elegantly sliced roast or effortlessly shred it for versatile uses like sandwiches, quesadillas, or hearty rice bowls, its irresistible sweet and savory notes will delight everyone at your table.

I’m thrilled to collaborate with the Ohio Pork Council today to bring you this incredibly simple slow cooker pork recipe. Their commitment to quality pork makes all the difference in achieving a truly outstanding meal.

This particular Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast stands out with its signature brown sugar rub. This carefully crafted blend of spices creates a delightful sweet and subtly spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich taste of **pork**. It transforms a simple cut of meat into a deeply satisfying dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily serve the succulent pork as a traditional sliced roast, perhaps alongside your favorite roasted vegetables. Alternatively, shred it into tender, juicy pulled pork – perfect for crafting delicious BBQ pulled pork sandwiches that are always a hit.

My own children absolutely adore BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and this recipe offers the easiest way to prepare the pork. You simply set it in the slow cooker in the morning, and let it work its magic throughout the day, leaving you free to handle your other tasks. By dinnertime, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to go with minimal fuss.

For a complete and comforting meal, I often pair this versatile pork with delightful sides such as Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans and creamy **Gouda Mashed Potatoes**. If I’m making pulled pork sandwiches, a side of zesty **roasted buffalo cauliflower** adds a wonderful kick and balances the richness.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for more easy and delicious pork crockpot recipes, you’ll also love exploring options like these **Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs**, comforting **Crockpot Pork Meatballs**, quick and flavorful **Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas**, or these classic **Slow Cooker Pork Ribs**. For truly tender, fall-apart pulled pork, my **Boston Butt Recipe** is another must-try that delivers exceptional results every time.

I understand many of you appreciate the simple and delicious pork recipes I share, including popular posts like **How to Make Pork Tenderloin**, the vibrant Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki, and these incredibly flavorful **Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops**. This slow cooker roast is another fantastic addition to that collection.

What I particularly love about today’s recipe is the ultimate convenience it offers. It cooks gently throughout your day, filling your home with an enticing aroma. By the time dinner rolls around, you’re rewarded with a generous amount of tender, flavorful pork, perfect for feeding a hungry family or for strategic meal prepping. I often prepare a large batch and freeze half of the delicious pulled pork for effortless future meals.

How to Cook a Perfect Pork Roast in Your Slow Cooker

Achieving a succulent, fall-apart pork roast in your slow cooker is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

1. Prepare the Flavorful Rub: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients thoroughly. Generously rub this aromatic mixture over every side of the pork roast. This step is crucial for building deep flavor.
2. Sear for Maximum Flavor: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the pork roast and sear each side for approximately 2 minutes until beautifully browned. This quick searing step locks in juices and enhances the overall taste.
3. Assemble in the Crockpot: Arrange the cut onion, minced garlic, and chunks of carrots evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then carefully place the seared pork shoulder directly on top of the vegetables.
4. Cook Low and Slow for Tenderness: For the most tender, fall-apart pork, cook on the low setting for 10 to 12 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. The goal is an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, ensuring a safe yet incredibly juicy roast.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, you have the option to slice the roast for a more traditional presentation or, for ultimate tenderness, use two forks to easily shred the pork. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix it well with the delicious juices and tender vegetables. Serve it warm with the cooked carrots and onions, perhaps with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s also perfect served on soft buns with extra BBQ sauce for classic pulled pork sandwiches.

Achieving the Perfect Doneness: What Temperature Should a Pork Roast Be Cooked To?

For a deliciously tender and safe pork roast, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. At this temperature, you might notice a slight “blush of pink” inside the pork, which is perfectly safe according to FDA recommendations. Many people mistakenly believe pork must be cooked until all pinkness is gone, but overcooking will lead to dry, less flavorful meat. Using a meat thermometer is key to hitting that sweet spot of juicy perfection.

Why Searing Your Pork Roast is a Game Changer

While not strictly mandatory, searing your pork roast in a large skillet before placing it in the slow cooker is a highly recommended step that significantly boosts flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a beautiful brown crust on all sides of the meat. This browning develops complex, savory flavors that can’t be achieved through slow cooking alone. It truly helps to lock in the seasonings from the rub and adds an extra layer of richness to your final dish. Taking those extra few minutes will make a noticeable difference in the depth and appeal of your pork roast.

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Pork Roast

This slow cooker pork shoulder roast is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for transforming into a variety of meals throughout the week. Whether you slice it or shred it, you’ll find countless delicious ways to serve this flavorful pork. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

1. Creative Rice Bowls: Elevate your weeknight dinners by adding this tender pork, either sliced or pulled, to a bed of warm rice. Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings – I love combining it with black beans, fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and creamy avocado for a satisfying and colorful meal. A drizzle of lime juice or a spicy sauce takes it to the next level.
2. Delicious Mexican Dishes: The rich flavor of this pork makes it an ideal addition to a wide range of Mexican-inspired dishes. Use the shredded pork as a succulent filling for your favorite tacos, cheesy quesadillas, or even as a flavorful substitute for chicken in recipes like these **cheesy chicken enchiladas**. It’s also fantastic in burritos or tostadas.
3. Hearty Soups and Stews: Don’t let any leftover pork go to waste! It’s a fantastic ingredient to add depth and flavor to various soups and stews. Consider stirring it into a comforting bowl of **Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde** or creating a rich and savory **Slow Cooker Pork Pozole**. It also works wonderfully in a simple vegetable soup to make it more substantial.
4. Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Shred the pork, toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and pile it high on toasted buns for an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Serve with coleslaw or pickles for an authentic experience.
5. Salads and Wraps: For a lighter option, add sliced or shredded pork to a fresh green salad or wrap it in a tortilla with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s a great way to use leftovers for a quick lunch.

Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Roast

• Choosing Your Pork: While “pork shoulder roast” is specified, cuts like “Boston butt” or “pork butt” are also excellent choices for slow cooking as they have good marbling, which contributes to their tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on the Rub: Ensure the rub is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the pork. For best results, you can even apply the rub a few hours or even the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Liquid is Key: The chicken broth at the bottom of the slow cooker helps create a moist environment, preventing the pork from drying out and contributing to the delicious pan juices that you’ll mix the shredded pork back into.
• Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the slow cooker lid frequently releases heat and extends the cooking time. Let it do its job undisturbed for optimal results.
• Freezing for Later: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Once the pork is shredded and cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.

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Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 8 hours hrs

Total: 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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This Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe is the perfect family meal that is easy to put together. You can serve it as a sliced roast or shred it for sandwiches, quesadillas or rice bowls. Your family will love the sweet flavor of the pork!

Video

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 pound pork shoulder roast
• ▢ 2 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 onion, cut into big chunks
• ▢ 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• ▢ 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth
• ▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional}
• ▢ 1 teaspoon oregano
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl combine the spice rub ingredients. Rub the spice rub on all sides of the pork roast.
• In a large skillet heat the 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the pork and sear each side for about 2 minutes per side.
• Place the onion, garlic and carrots in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the broth and then place the pork shoulder on top.
• Cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or high for 6 to 8 hours {low is better for a more tender, fall apart pork}.
• Use two forks to shred the pork and return it to the crockpot. Mix well with the juices. Serve it with the carrots and onions and BBQ. You can also serve the shredded pork with buns and the BBQ sauce.

Notes

• When cooking pork tenderloin you want to see that blush of pink inside the pork or reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I know a lot of people still think that pork should be cooked until all of the pink is gone, but the FDA recommends a blush of pink as safe.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g, Calories: 297kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 93mg, Sodium: 672mg, Potassium: 683mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 7222IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 55mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!

Heartfelt thanks to Ohio Pork for sponsoring today’s post. As always, all opinions and enthusiasm for delicious pork are entirely my own. I’m truly excited to continue our partnership this year, bringing you more insights into quality pork and sharing a variety of easy, mouthwatering recipes for you to try at home!