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slow cooker pork and apple dinner - featured image

Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Dinner: 5-Ingredient Fall Recipe

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A cozy, fall-inspired slow cooker meal featuring tender pork shoulder and sweet apples in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (butt)
  • 3 large apples (peeled and sliced, about 600g)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Optional: Sear the pork in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes total to brown all sides.
  3. Place the pork in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Slice the onions and apples into wedges. Toss them around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider, minced garlic, dried thyme, and cinnamon.
  6. Pour the mixture over the pork and apples, ensuring the meat is coated well. Add butter on top if using.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
  8. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard large pieces of fat if desired.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to reheat and absorb flavors.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Pork loin can be used but may dry out; reduce cooking time to 4-6 hours on low. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: slow cooker, pork shoulder, apple dinner, fall recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, pork and apples

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Find it online: https://dinnerecipes.online/slow-cooker-pork-and-apple-dinner-5-ingredient-fall-recipe/