easy crock pot pork roast recipe
The Best easy crock pot pork roast recipe
I started making this pork roast in the slow cooker on a weeknight when I needed dinner finished before I walked in the door, and I have made it most weeks since. You season the meat, set it in the pot with a little liquid, and turn it on. Seven or eight hours later the roast pulls apart with a fork. There is no searing step that has to happen at a precise moment and nothing to watch on the stove while you help with homework.
My kids ask for this one by name, and my husband packs the leftovers for lunch the next day. The pork gets tender enough that I shred it right in the pot, and the juices left behind make a simple gravy without much effort. If your family is picky about texture, this is a good place to start because the meat stays moist instead of drying out the way it can in the oven.
I make this for ordinary Tuesday dinners and I also make it for Sunday lunch when my parents come over, so it covers both ends of the week for us. Pork shoulder is an affordable cut and a solid source of protein, and cooking it slow with broth rather than a heavy sauce keeps the meal lighter. Serve it with potatoes and a green vegetable and you have a full plate that did not eat up your whole afternoon.
Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast
A hands-off slow cooker pork roast that comes out fork-tender every time, with carrots, onions, and baby potatoes cooking right alongside it. The juices left in the pot turn into a simple pan gravy, so the whole meal comes together in one appliance.
🥘Ingredients
For the Pork Roast
For the Vegetables
For the Gravy
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast Works
This crock pot pork roast is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it feeds a crowd without much work on my end. It works just as well for a Sunday family dinner as it does for a holiday gathering, and everyone at the table finds something to love about it. If you need a dependable main dish that will not keep you stuck in the kitchen, this is the one to make.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Pork Roast
1. What cut of pork is best for a crock pot pork roast?
A pork shoulder, also sold as pork butt, is the most forgiving choice because it stays moist during long cooking and shreds easily. A pork loin roast works too, but it cooks faster and can dry out, so check it earlier.
2. How long does a pork roast take in the crock pot?
For a 3- to 4-pound pork shoulder, plan on about 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. Smaller loin roasts may finish sooner. Cook until the meat is fork-tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F, though shoulder roast is usually taken to about 200°F for shredding.
3. Should I sear the pork roast before slow cooking it?
Searing is optional. It adds browning and deeper flavor, but an easy crock pot recipe can skip it entirely. If you do sear, pat the roast dry first and brown it in a hot skillet on all sides before transferring it to the slow cooker.
4. How do I keep the pork roast from drying out?
Use a cut with some fat, add a little liquid such as broth to the bottom of the crock, and avoid overcooking. Keep the lid closed so steam stays inside, and let the roast rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
5. Can I cook vegetables with the pork roast in the crock pot?
Yes. Carrots, potatoes, and onions work well. Put firm vegetables in an even layer under the roast so they simmer in the juices, and add softer vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the last 30 to 60 minutes so they do not turn mushy.
