Tasty Crockpot Pork Shoulder Roast with Gravy

There’s something comforting about walking through the door after a long day and smelling a delicious pork roast that’s been cooking slowly all afternoon. I’ve tried lots of different ways to cook pork shoulder, but my crockpot recipe has become my go-to favorite. It’s perfect for those busy days when I don’t have time to stand over the stove.

The best part? This recipe practically makes its own gravy as it cooks. No extra pots and pans to wash, and no complicated steps to follow. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ve got tender, juicy meat that falls apart with just a fork. I usually prep everything the night before, so in the morning, all I have to do is pop it in the crockpot and head out the door.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this pork shoulder recipe is one of those dishes that always delivers. And trust me, you’ll want to save that gravy – it’s good on everything!

What Kind of Pork Shoulder Should I Use?

For this crockpot recipe, you’ll find pork shoulder labeled either as “pork shoulder” or “pork butt” at your grocery store – they’re actually the same cut of meat, just with different names. Both bone-in and boneless options will work great here, though bone-in tends to add a bit more flavor during the long cooking process. When shopping, look for a piece with good marbling (those white streaks of fat running through the meat) since this fat helps keep the meat moist and tender during slow cooking. If you’re buying a larger piece than the recipe calls for, you can always ask your butcher to cut it down to size, or freeze the extra portion for another meal.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy crockpot recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps:

• Pork shoulder: While pork shoulder (also called Boston butt) is ideal for slow cooking, you can use pork loin – just note it won’t be quite as tender and rich. Cooking time might need to be reduced by 1-2 hours since loin is leaner.
• Cream soups: Out of cream of chicken or mushroom? Any ‘cream of’ soup works well here – try cream of celery or cream of onion. For a homemade option, mix 2 cups of chicken broth with 1 cup of heavy cream and add 3 tablespoons of flour.
• Pork gravy mix: Brown gravy mix or chicken gravy mix can step in if needed. You could also skip the packet and add an extra can of cream soup instead.
• Fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs, use them! Triple the amount called for dried herbs. No rosemary? Italian seasoning makes a good stand-in for any of the dried herbs.
• Carrots: Baby carrots work just fine, or swap in parsnips for a different root vegetable flavor. Just cut them similarly sized so they cook evenly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when cooking pork shoulder in a crockpot is lifting the lid too frequently during cooking, as each peek can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time and release precious moisture. A common error is not browning the pork shoulder before placing it in the slow cooker – taking just 5 minutes to sear all sides creates a richer flavor and better texture in the final dish. When it comes to vegetables, avoid cutting your carrots too small or they’ll turn mushy during the long cooking process – bigger chunks hold up better and absorb more flavor. For the best results, place your vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot, as they take longer to cook than the meat and need to be closer to the heating element. Finally, resist the urge to add extra liquid beyond what’s called for in the recipe – the pork and vegetables will release their own juices during cooking, and too much liquid can make your gravy watery.

What to Serve With Pork Roast?

This tender pork roast with its rich gravy is begging to be served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Since the roast already comes with carrots, you might want to add another veggie side like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or simple sautéed spinach to round out the meal. For a comforting touch, warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up any extra gravy left on your plate. If you’re feeding a crowd, a crisp apple slaw would add a nice fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the roast.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This tender pork roast with gravy keeps really well in the fridge. Just put it in an airtight container with all the veggies and gravy, and it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better after a day or two as everything mingles together!

Freeze: If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes great! Place the cooled pork, vegetables, and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. I like to portion it out before freezing so I can thaw just what I need for a meal.

Reheat: To warm it up, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then heat slowly in a covered pot on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy seems too thick. Stir occasionally while reheating to make sure everything heats evenly.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	300-540 minutes
Total Time	315-560 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2500-2800
• Protein: 180-200 g
• Fat: 150-170 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-170 g

Ingredients

For the roast:

• 2 lb carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
• 1 packet pork gravy mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 yellow onion (large, cut into wedges)
• 3 lb pork shoulder (bone-in Boston butt works well)

For the seasoning:

• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated is even better)
• 3/4 tsp dried sage
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture

Start by mixing the soups and gravy mix together in the slow cooker.

This will create a flavorful base for your pork and vegetables to cook in.

Step 2: Season the Pork

Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick well.

Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then thoroughly rub the mixture over the entire surface of the pork.

This step is essential for infusing the pork with flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Arrange Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, nestling it in the soup and gravy mixture.

Add the carrots and sliced onions around the pork, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Dish

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-9 hours, or if you prefer a quicker option, set it to high and cook for 5 hours.

This slow cooking process will tenderize the pork, making it juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork and vegetables from the slow cooker.

Serve the tender pork and vegetables with your choice of potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked dinner!