Pork with Apples and Onions Recipe

This Pork with Apples & Onions recipe is a cozy dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly simple. Tender shredded pork pairs beautifully with sweet‑tart Granny Smith apples and caramelized onions, creating a balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors. The touch of cinnamon and brown sugar adds warmth, while a splash of vinegar brightens everything up. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a rustic, homestyle feel with minimal hands‑on time. Serve it with creamy mac and cheese for a complete, crowd‑pleasing meal.

Pork with Apples & Onions

This pork is so hearty and satisfying. The apples and onions really make it feel special for a weeknight dinner, and a little prep work earlier in the week or subbing pork chops will make it super fast.

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Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 3 lb pork shoulder/ boneless picnic roast *see tip in instructions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 5 granny smith apples cored and cut into 1 inch wedges
• 1-2 onions sliced thinly
• ½ to 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp of Apple Cide Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar your choice

Equipment

• 1 Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. In your instant pot, add about ½ cup water to bottom and the pork shoulder, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pressure cook on high for 3 hours, until tender enough to shred. *This can be done ahead of time and stored until ready to cook meal.* Shred pork.
For a faster version of this recipe, you can grill pork chops in place of the pork shoulder
Once pork is shredded, an optional next step is to place it on a baking sheet/baking dish and put under broiler for a few minutes, until edges of meat caramelize. This adds a little depth of flavor to the pork.
2. For the apples and onions, melt butter over med high heat in a skillet. Add in onions and cook until they begin to turn translucent. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ½ cup water. Bring to a simmer and simmer until apples are just tender. Stir in vinegar and remove from heat. Serve alongside or over the shredded pork. Optional recommended side dish: mac & cheese.

Notes

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, the pork can be cooked for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker, until it’s tender enough to shred.