This 4-ingredient slow cooker bone-in pork shoulder roast is the kind of hands-off dinner that saves busy weekdays and still feels like a meal you put real care into. Pork shoulder is a classic cut for low-and-slow cooking because the marbling and bone help create tender, flavorful meat, and with just a few simple ingredients, the slow cooker does almost all the work while your kitchen fills with that comforting, homey aroma.
Serve this roast with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the rich juices. It also works beautifully with coleslaw, cornbread, or simple sandwich rolls if you want to pile the shredded pork high for an easy family-style dinner.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Bone-In Pork Shoulder Roast
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
1 bone-in pork shoulder roast, about 4 to 5 pounds
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Directions
1. Place the bone-in pork shoulder roast in the bottom of the slow cooker with the fat side facing up.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the pork, then pour the chicken broth and barbecue sauce around and over the roast.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
4. Remove the bone, shred or slice the pork as desired, and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter finish: Use a honey-style barbecue sauce for a slightly sweeter, stickier glaze that works especially well if you're serving the pork on sandwich buns.
For easy prep: This is a great recipe to assemble in the morning before work. If your roast is especially large, make sure it fits comfortably in the slow cooker so the lid sits fully closed and the meat cooks evenly.
For richer flavor: If you have an extra few minutes, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. It is not required, but it adds deeper color and a more roasted flavor to the finished dish.
For serving leftovers: Leftover pork is fantastic tucked into tacos, stirred into baked potatoes, or stacked onto toasted rolls the next day. Store the meat with a little of the cooking liquid to help keep it moist when reheating.