Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Potatoes, Carrots and Herb Broth
Slow cooker pork shoulder with tender potatoes and carrots in a savoury herb broth for an easy, comforting dinner.
This slow cooker pork shoulder with potatoes, carrots and herb broth is tender, comforting and full of savoury flavour. The pork cooks slowly until it pulls apart easily, while the potatoes and carrots soak up the seasoned broth, making this an easy one-pot dinner that’s especially good when you want something warm and satisfying.
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Tender Potatoes and Carrots
This slow cooker pork shoulder with potatoes, carrots and herb broth is cozy, savoury and easy to put together. The pork cooks until tender, while the potatoes and carrots absorb the broth and herbs, so the whole dish tastes rich without needing a complicated sauce.
Why This Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Works So Well
The slow cooker does most of the work here. As the pork cooks, it releases flavour into the broth, and the vegetables become tender without losing all their shape. I like that everything finishes in one pot and the broth stays savoury rather than heavy.
Perfect for Cozy Dinners and Easy Meal Prep
Serve this slow cooker pork shoulder for a family dinner, weekend meal or cold-weather comfort food. It’s also a good make-ahead option because the pork and vegetables reheat well, and the herb broth keeps everything moist.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
Slow Cook the Pork Shoulder with Potatoes and Carrots
The slow cooker pork shoulder with potatoes, carrots and herb broth starts with everything nestled together so the meat and vegetables can cook in the same savoury broth. As the pork cooks low and slow, it releases flavour into the liquid while the potatoes, carrots and onions absorb the herbs and seasoning.
I like making sure the vegetables sit around the pork rather than all underneath it. That helps everything cook more evenly and gives you tender vegetables without losing their shape.
Tender Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Potatoes and Carrots
After slow cooking, the pork shoulder is tender and the potatoes, carrots and onions have soaked up plenty of savoury herb broth. The vegetables stay hearty and comforting, while the broth picks up rich flavour from the pork as everything cooks together.
I like how this looks when it’s done — nothing fancy, just a really cozy slow cooker pork dinner with tender meat, soft vegetables and enough broth to spoon over everything.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
• Cut the vegetables into larger pieces. Potatoes and carrots hold their shape better during the long cooking time.
• Season the pork well. Pork shoulder benefits from plenty of herbs and seasoning because the flavour spreads into the broth as it cooks.
• Keep the pork nestled in the broth. This helps it stay moist and tender while the vegetables cook around it.
• Don’t over-stir. Once everything is cooking, leave it mostly alone so the potatoes and carrots don’t break apart.
• Taste the broth at the end. Slow cooking can mellow the seasoning, so adjust salt, pepper or herbs before serving.
Real Kitchen Tip: Let the Pork Rest in the Broth
For the best slow cooker pork shoulder with potatoes and carrots, let the cooked pork sit in the hot herb broth for a few minutes before serving. That short rest helps the meat stay juicy and gives it a little more time to soak up the savoury flavour.
I like to spoon some of the broth over the pork just before serving. It keeps every bite moist and makes the whole dish taste more finished.
Light Pork Shoulder, Potato & Carrot Herb Broth (Slow Cooker)
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot or similar, 6–8 quart recommended)
- Large skillet (optional, for browning pork)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Ladle (for serving)
- Small bowl (for skimming fat, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ½-2 lbs pork shoulder trimmed and cut into 1–1.5″ cubes
- 2 900ml chicken broth boxed cartons – about 8 cups
- ¾ cup onion white and diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger fresh and minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 potatoes medium , peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 carrots large, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2-3 cloves whole
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Optional browning (adds extra flavor)
- Lightly sear the pork cubes in a skillet with a little oil until just golden on the edges. Not required, but it does deepen the flavor a bit.
Add everything to slow cooker
- Place pork, onion, garlic, ginger, celery, potatoes, and carrots into the slow cooker. Add cloves, Herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Pour in chicken broth.
Slow cook
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
- Cook until pork is very tender and vegetables are cooked through but not mushy.
Finish the broth
- Remove bay leaves and whole cloves. Skim any excess fat from the surface if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or dill for a bright finish. Serve warm with crusty bread if you like.
Notes
- Pork shoulder is one of the best cuts for slow cooker soup because it becomes incredibly tender while adding rich flavor to the broth without needing cream or heavy ingredients.
- For a deeper, more savory slow cooker pork broth, lightly brown the pork cubes before adding them to the crockpot. It adds extra flavor but isn’t required.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into larger chunks so they hold their shape during the long cooking time. Smaller pieces can become too soft.
- This light pork shoulder soup tastes even better the next day after the herbs and broth have had more time to develop flavor.
- If you prefer a cleaner, lighter broth, skim excess fat from the top before serving.
- Yukon Gold potatoes work especially well in this recipe because they stay creamy without falling apart.
- Fresh parsley or dill added at the end brightens the broth and gives the soup a fresh homemade flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup reheats beautifully for easy lunches or meal prep dinners.
- This cozy slow cooker pork and vegetable soup is perfect for cold weather meals, busy weeknights, or simple family dinners.