Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder - Delicious pork roast recipe cooked low and slow in a crockpot. Serve pulled pork on sandwiches, tacos, & more! You can use pork shoulder or pork butt, both work excellent for this recipe. One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is because of it's versatility.
You can make so many different types of meals using this recipe. I will share some recipe ideas with you below! But, if you just want to eat it the way it is, in its glorious state of simplicity, go for it!
Ingredients you need to make Crockpot Pork Shoulder:
Pork Roast - You can use a pork shoulder or pork butt in this recipe. You'll need about a 2-3 lb. roast.
Apple Cider Vinegar - You can also use red wine or white wine vinegar in this recipe. This will help to tenderize the meat and will compliment the brown sugar for a delicious end result.
Mustard - Yellow, dijon or grainy mustard all work great in this recipe!
Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar both work well. You can also use coconut sugar.
Garlic - Fresh garlic is best!! If you don't have fresh garlic you can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Black Pepper - Fresh cracked or ground black pepper.
Salt - I almost always use sea salt but you can use your favorite table salt or himalayan salt.
Paprika - Smoked or regular paprika. Paprika adds a delicious flavor to the pork. You can also substitute this ingredient for chili powder.
Broth or Water - I prefer to use chicken bone broth in this recipe because of the health benefits and the delicious flavor. You can also use chicken broth, vegetable broth or water.
*Full measurements and instructions are listed below.
How to make Crockpot Pork Shoulder:
First, this baby needs to be marinated. In a bowl, you are going to add mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper.
Next, add the pork to the bowl and turn it around rubbing the pork to make sure the marinade is completely rubbed all over the pork. Place a tight piece of plastic wrap on top and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Now, if you are in a mad rush. Skip placing the pork in the fridge and just go straight to searing...
Now, It's ready to sear. Heat a skillet hot and add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the skillet is very hot, carefully add the pork, searing for about 10 seconds on each side. You want your pork to develop a nice crust on the outside like the photo below.
Finally, transfer the pork along with all of those gorgeous drippings right into the crockpot. Pour ¼ cup of water along the sides, being careful not to pour over pork to be sure we don't remove any of the seasoning on the pork. Turn your crockpot on low and let it cook for about 7-8 hours.
When done, the Crockpot Pork Shoulder will be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. You are ready to serve.
Tools to have on hand for this recipe:
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot – To cook your roast in. You may also use an instant pot on slow cooker mode.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons – To properly measure all of your ingredients.
- Small Mixing Bowl – Mixing the pork marinade.
- Skillet or Medium Saucepan – To sear the pork roast.
Side dishes to pair with pork roast:
Simple Mac and Cheese - Super easy and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. Making a delicious mac and cheese at home from scratch has never been easier! This is the perfect side dish recipe and also a fun kid friendly meal!
Three Cheese Mashed Potatoes - Amazing creamy mashed potatoes made with cheddar, parmesan and cream cheese. These potatoes make for a super easy and delicious side dish to pair with your favorite main courses.
Scalloped Potatoes - Thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy sauce with cheddar cheese baked to a golden perfection. I absolutely love this classic potato side dish recipe.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots - Quick and easy balsamic glazed baby carrots with a hint of lemon and honey. These are perfect for a healthy side dish to pair with your lunch or dinner!
More Roast Recipes You'll Love:
French Onion Pot Roast - Tender and delicious pot roast recipe cooked to pull-apart perfection in a slow cooker layered with tender onions in a savory sauce. This pot roast is the ultimate easy comfort meal perfect for any night of the week!
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast - Tender and delicious pork roast slow cooked in a crockpot with a sticky balsamic brown sugar glaze. I love serving this pork roast over mashed potatoes or with steamed veggies and rice.
Slow Cooked Tender London Broil - This London broil recipe is super easy and absolutely melt in your mouth delicious. The flavor is slightly sweet but mostly savory.
Tender BBQ Beef Roast - The most delicious slow cooker pull-apart bbq beef tri tip roast. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for absolute perfection.
Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb. pork shoulder/butt
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or dijon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients except for the pork. Add pork to the bowl and turn to coat all sides in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. I recommend about 8 hours.
- Remove pork from the fridge and heat a skillet to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet and once the skillet is hot, add the pork, searing on all sides to develop a nice crust. This should be about 10 seconds per side.
- Transfer the pork and drippings to a crockpot. Pour ¼ cup of water around the pork but not directly on top. Turn the crockpot on low and cook for about 7-8 hours.
- When done, pork should be very tender and easy pull apart with a fork. You are ready to enjoy!
Notes
This recipe was originally published on June 27, 2019 and updated on January 26, 2022.
Sarah
I accidentally got got a Boston but with a bone in it. Will it work ok you think?
Amanda Cooks & Styles
Hi Sarah, That should work fine 🙂