Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further! This slow cooker shoulder roast recipe is your answer to a perfectly tender, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone goodness without the fuss of hours of oven time. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients for a succulent Slow Cooker Shoulder Roast:
- 3-4 lb bone-in pork shoulder roast (also called a Boston butt)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better and develop a deeper flavor.
- Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker:
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This creates a flavorful bed for the roast to sit on.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the roast, ensuring it's mostly submerged.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the roast. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
Shred and Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding.
- Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of bone or fat.
- Mix some of the delicious cooking liquid from the slow cooker into the shredded pork to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
Serve your slow-cooked pork shoulder on its own, or use it in a variety of dishes. Some ideas include:
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve on buns with your favorite coleslaw and BBQ sauce.
- Tacos: Create delicious pulled pork tacos with your favorite toppings.
- Nachos: Pile it high on tortilla chips with cheese and other toppings.
- Soup: Add the shredded pork to your favorite soup for extra protein and flavor.
For variations, try adding different spices like chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You could also substitute the apple cider vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy twist. Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes for added heartiness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy slow cooker shoulder roast recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The incredible flavor and tender texture will impress your family and friends, while the minimal effort makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the delicious results of this homemade cooking masterpiece!