Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Style Pork Roast—a hearty, flavor-packed dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Made with tender, slow-cooked boneless pork shoulder, this recipe combines the rich, robust flavors of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs like oregano and basil. A quick sear locks in the pork's juices before it's simmered for hours in a savory tomato-based sauce infused with beef broth and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Ready in about 8 hours, this melt-in-your-mouth roast pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Finish it off with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant yet comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Keywords: slow cooker Italian pork roast, easy pork recipes, Italian-style dinner, slow-cooked pork shoulder.
Season the pork shoulder evenly with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to a slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Carefully pour the tomato mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf and beef broth.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours, or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Once cooked, remove and discard the bay leaf. Shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the Italian-style pork roast over mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Calories |
3941 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 303.1 g | 389% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.0 g | 500% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1089 mg | 363% | |
| Sodium | 6660 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.0 g | ||
| Protein | 258.4 g | 517% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 23.3 mg | 129% | |
| Potassium | 6217 mg | 132% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.