The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Pork Roast: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful
As the weather cools, cozy comfort food takes center stage, and this Crock Pot Pork Roast is a true champion! Incredibly simple to prepare with just a few staple ingredients, it yields perfectly tender and juicy pork, ideal for any busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday dinner.
There’s nothing quite like the embrace of a hearty meal when the first hint of chill enters the air. For me, a beautifully cooked pork roast, slow-simmered to perfection and draped in rich, savory gravy, holds a top spot on that comfort food list. This particular slow cooker recipe simplifies the process dramatically, allowing you to enjoy a mouthwatering meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of dinner already waiting, ready to be served over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.
Why This Slow Cooker Pork Roast is a Must-Try
This Slow Cooker Pork Roast recipe is not only incredibly simple but also consistently delivers outstanding results. The magic lies in allowing the pork to slowly cook all day with just a few key ingredients – a savory onion soup mix and chicken stock. This low-and-slow method ensures the pork loin or shoulder becomes exceptionally tender, falling apart with ease, and infused with deep, delicious flavor. The drippings from the cooking process form the base for an instant, rich gravy, making it an all-in-one meal solution.
While you can certainly impress with a scratch-made homemade gravy, the beauty of this recipe often lies in its convenience. For those busy evenings, a simple packet of gravy mix whisked into the pan drippings creates a surprisingly flavorful and quick sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender pork and any side, especially fluffy mashed potatoes.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork for Your Slow Cooker
The type of pork roast you choose will influence the final texture and cooking time, though both options below yield fantastic results in a slow cooker:
- Pork Loin Roast: A leaner cut, typically 3-4 pounds, perfect for slicing or shredding. It cooks beautifully, retaining moisture when slow-cooked. This is the primary recommendation for this recipe.
- Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt or Boston Butt): A fattier cut with more marbling, making it incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, ideal for shredding. If you opt for a pork shoulder, you might want to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure it truly breaks down and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
For this recipe, a 3-4 pound pork loin roast is ideal, offering a balance of lean meat and tender texture. Most grocery store pork loins are conveniently sized, so no need for extensive butchering.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
You’ll be amazed at how much flavor these few ingredients bring! Scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Pork Loin Roast: A 3-4 pound cut is perfect. Look for one with a thin fat cap for added moisture and flavor.
- Onion Soup Mix: This is a secret weapon for flavor! A single packet adds a depth of savory, umami notes. You can use a store-bought mix for convenience or even make your own if you prefer to control the ingredients and sodium.
- Chicken Stock: I highly recommend using low sodium chicken stock. The onion soup mix and gravy packet can be quite salty, so opting for low sodium stock helps you manage the overall seasoning of your dish. Feel free to use vegetable broth or even beef broth if that’s what you have on hand.
- Packet of Pork Gravy Mix: For a quick and easy gravy. This allows you to create a thick, flavorful gravy from the pan drippings in minutes.
The beauty of this short shopping list is that these ingredients are often pantry staples or easily found, making it a fantastic go-to recipe for any day of the week, especially when you need a delicious meal without a trip to the store.
How to Cook a Pork Roast In Your Crock Pot: Step-by-Step
Preparing this succulent pork roast couldn’t be easier. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Lightly grease or line your slow cooker with a liner for easier cleanup.
- Place the Pork: Carefully place your 3-4 pound pork loin roast into the bottom of your slow cooker. If you have a larger roast, or prefer smaller portions, you can cut it in half to ensure more even cooking and tender results.
- Season with Soup Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix over the pork roast. This mix will dissolve into the liquid and infuse the meat with incredible flavor.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the 2 cups of low sodium chicken stock around the pork. This provides the necessary moisture for slow cooking and creates the flavorful base for your gravy.
- Cook on Low: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to the “low” setting. Allow it to cook undisturbed for approximately 8-10 hours.
- Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete and the pork is incredibly tender (it should shred easily with two forks), remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the pork directly in a serving dish or on a cutting board. Prepare the gravy as instructed below.
The “set it and forget it” nature of this recipe makes it perfect for busy mornings. You can assemble everything before heading out for the day and return to a house filled with the inviting aroma of a delicious dinner.
Crafting the Perfect Gravy (Quick or From Scratch)
The pan drippings from your slow cooker pork roast are liquid gold, bursting with concentrated flavor. You have two excellent options for turning them into a delicious gravy:
1. The Quick & Easy Gravy (Recommended for Busy Nights)
This method uses a pre-made gravy packet and is incredibly fast:
- Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove about 1 cup of the pan drippings from the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup of drippings with the packet of pork gravy mix until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately over your shredded pork.
2. Homemade Gravy from Scratch (for a gourmet touch)
If you prefer to make gravy from scratch and have a few extra minutes, it’s a rewarding process:
- After removing the pork, strain all the pan drippings into a fat separator or a bowl. Allow the fat to separate and skim it off, leaving the flavorful broth. You’ll want about 2 cups of broth.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the flour paste is lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the reserved pan drippings (broth) into the roux, a little at a time, to avoid lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
I often lean on the packets for convenience, but both methods yield a rich, satisfying gravy that perfectly complements the tender pork.
How Long To Cook Pork Roast In the Crock Pot?
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, as newer ones sometimes cook more efficiently. However, a general guideline is crucial for perfect results:
- For a 3-4 pound pork loin roast, approximately 8-10 hours on the LOW heat setting is ideal. Cooking on low allows the meat fibers to break down slowly, resulting in maximum tenderness and moisture retention.
- I almost always recommend cooking on the LOW setting. High heat tends to dry out the meat, especially leaner cuts like pork loin, before it has a chance to become truly tender.
- If you are using a slightly tougher cut like a pork shoulder or Boston butt, aim for closer to 10 hours on LOW to ensure it’s fall-apart tender. The extra time helps break down the connective tissues in this cut.
- A little fat on the meat (like a small fat cap on the loin or the marbling in a shoulder) is your friend! It helps keep things moist and adds flavor, especially if the roast ends up cooking a little longer than planned.
No matter the cut, the pork is done when it easily shreds with two forks. If it still feels resistant, give it another hour or so. If you’re a fan of shreddable pork and own an Instant Pot, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe for another amazing, faster option!
If you’re using a particularly large pork loin roast (say, over 4 pounds), consider cutting it into two smaller pieces. This prevents the outer parts from becoming overcooked and dry while the center finishes cooking. However, most store-bought pork loin roasts are conveniently sized, so this step is rarely necessary.
This crock pot pork roast isn’t just for quick weeknight meals; it’s also fantastic for entertaining. The hands-off nature means you can prepare it in the morning, leaving you free to focus on guests or other tasks, then simply shred and serve when dinner time rolls around. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious, stress-free meal.
Can I Add Vegetables To This Pork Roast Recipe? Absolutely!
Adding vegetables to your slow cooker pork roast is an excellent way to create a more complete, one-pot meal. The ample liquid in the crock pot ensures they’ll cook down to be tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the pork and seasoning. For best results, add firmer vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning or halfway through, and softer vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers in the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
Here are some fantastic vegetable options to consider:
- Baby Carrots: Add them whole at the beginning for sweet, tender results.
- Celery: Cut into large chunks, celery adds a subtle savory note.
- Mushrooms: Whole or sliced mushrooms can be added about halfway through cooking for an earthy flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (any color) add sweetness and a pop of color; add them during the last 2 hours.
- Sliced Potatoes: Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks, can be added at the start to cook alongside the pork.
- Onions: Quartered or thickly sliced onions are a natural pairing for pork and can be added with the roast.
- Garlic: Whole peeled garlic cloves will melt into the sauce, adding incredible aroma and flavor.
Putting the pork roast in the crock pot in the morning truly sets the tone for a wonderful day. The incredible aromas that fill my house all day long are intoxicating. The only “downside” to working from home when a slow cooker is on is battling the delightful hunger pangs all day!
Delicious Sides to Serve with Pork Roast
A tender pork roast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Beyond the classic mashed potatoes and gravy, here are some other excellent accompaniments:
- Oven Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they offer a great textural contrast.
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Edamame: A unique and flavorful green vegetable option.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting – a perfect match for rich pork.
- Easy Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Roasted Green Beans with Sesame and Garlic: A fresh and vibrant side that balances the richness of the meat.
- Creamed Spinach: A rich and savory green side.
- Apple Sauce: A traditional and delightful sweet-tart pairing for pork.
- Dinner Rolls: Always a good choice for dipping in gravy.
Storage and Leftovers
This slow cooker pork roast makes fantastic leftovers! Store any uneaten pork and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can also freeze the cooked pork and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leftover shredded pork is incredibly versatile. Use it to make:
- Pulled pork sandwiches with a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
- Pork tacos or quesadillas.
- A topping for salads or baked potatoes.
- Stirred into pasta dishes or rice bowls.
More Crock Pot Recipes for Easy Meals
If you love the convenience and flavor of slow cooker meals as much as I do, here are some other must-try recipes to add to your rotation:
- Crock Pot Potato Soup: Creamy, hearty, and perfect for a chilly day.
- Crock Pot Chili: A classic, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor.
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops: Tender and juicy pork chops with minimal effort.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde: A vibrant and flavorful Mexican stew.
- Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: A fun and family-friendly dinner.
Slow Cooker Pork Roast
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Equipment
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Slow Cooker
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Liquid Measuring Cup
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Whisks
Ingredients
- 1 3-4 pound pork loin roast
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 packet pork gravy mix
Instructions
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Place pork loin, onion soup mix and chicken stock into a slow cooker. Place on low for 8-10 hours.1 3-4 pound pork loin roast, 1 packet onion soup mix, 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
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Once pork is cooked, and tender remove from slow cooker and use 2 forks to shred pork.
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Whisk together 1 cup of juices from the slow cooker and packet of gravy mix. Add to a small sauce and a bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken.1 packet pork gravy mix
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Serve shredded pork with gravy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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