Boneless Pork Shoulder Slow Cooker Recipes With Vegetables

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty meal slow-cooking all day. If you’re looking for a delicious, foolproof way to prepare a tender, flavorful dinner with minimal effort, boneless pork shoulder slow cooker recipes with vegetables are a perfect choice.

This cut of meat is wonderfully marbled, which means it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow. Paired with a colorful medley of vegetables, it creates a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

In this post, you’ll discover how to combine simple ingredients and your slow cooker to make a dish bursting with rich flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker enthusiast or a beginner looking for easy recipes, everything you need to know—from ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and handy tips.

Plus, I’ll share a few variations so you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This boneless pork shoulder slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it requires very little hands-on time, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on other things.

The pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of the herbs, spices, and vegetables.

The vegetables cook alongside the pork, soaking up the savory juices and adding a vibrant, fresh element to the dish. This recipe is also versatile—you can swap out veggies or add your favorite seasonings to suit your preferences.

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and vitamins all in one pot.

Finally, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. Leftovers taste even better the next day, and you can easily reheat them for a quick lunch or dinner.

This recipe also pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a flexible option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity recommended)
• Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables and trimming pork
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl for combining spices
• Large skillet (optional, for searing pork)
• Tongs for handling pork shoulder
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork shoulder: Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any thick layers of fat if desired.
2. Season the pork: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork shoulder, ensuring an even coating.
3. Sear the pork (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
4. Prepare the vegetables: Chop carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into large chunks. Mince the garlic cloves.
5. Layer the slow cooker: Place the chopped vegetables and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the pork and helps distribute heat evenly.
6. Add the pork: Set the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the vegetables.
7. Mix liquids: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables.
8. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft but not mushy.
9. Check seasoning and serve: Taste the broth and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Remove the pork shoulder and shred it with two forks. Serve the shredded pork alongside or on top of the cooked vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For even richer flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the spice rub and a splash of apple cider vinegar.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips for variety.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick, or try a teaspoon of cumin for a smoky aroma.
• Make it saucier: For more sauce, add a half cup of crushed tomatoes or BBQ sauce before cooking.
• Use bone-in pork shoulder: For extra flavor, bone-in pork works great, but cooking times may be slightly longer.
• Slow cooker alternatives: This recipe can also be adapted for pressure cookers or ovens at low temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This boneless pork shoulder with vegetables is a complete meal on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your mood or occasion.

• Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Pair with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• A side of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta complements the tender pork beautifully.
• For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed greens.

For some inspiration on hearty vegetarian sides or other slow cooker options, check out Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals and A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Conclusion

Boneless pork shoulder slow cooker recipes with vegetables are a wonderful way to enjoy a nourishing, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process turns the pork incredibly tender while infusing it and the vegetables with delicious spices and juices.

This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy lifestyles or family dinners.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you choose to stick with the classic vegetables or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other slow cooker and vegetarian recipes like Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to spice up your cooking adventures!

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