How Long to Cook a Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker for Perfectly Tender Meat

Pork roast cooked low and slow in the crockpot delivers incredibly moist, fall-apart tender meat infused with spices and flavor. But nailing the timing is key – pork cooked too little risks harboring bacteria, while overcooking it dries it out. So exactly how long should you cook pork roast in the slow cooker?

Total cook times range from 4-8 hours on low depending on size, bone-in or boneless, and desired doneness Along with timing, temperature and preparation tips help ensure your pork roast turns out juicy, safe to eat, and delicious every time

Slow Cooker Pork Roast Cook Times

These timeframes serve as a general guide for how long to cook pork roast in a slow cooker:

• Boneless roast (3-4 lbs): 5-6 hours on low

• Bone-in roast (4-6 lbs): 6-8 hours on low

• Smaller boneless or bone-in roast (2-3 lbs) 4-5 hours on low

• Larger bone-in roast (6-8 lbs): 8-10 hours on low

The thickness, surface area, and bone impact how long pork cooks to reach safe internal temperature. Bone conducts heat slower while boneless roasts cook faster.

Internal Temperature for Pork Roast

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, not time alone.

• Pork should reach 145°F internally before removing from the slow cooker.

• The temp will rise 5-10 degrees after removing from heat.

Checking with a thermometer ensures any bacteria is killed and pork reaches ideal tenderness without overcooking.

Preparation Tips

Proper preparation is key to flavorful, tender slow cooker pork roast:

• Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness. Leave a thin layer for moisture.

• Season generously with salt, pepper and spices like garlic, rosemary, paprika.

• Brown the roast first for richer flavor (optional).

• Place veggies like onions, carrots under and around roast.

• Add a small amount of broth or water to help create sauce.

Following these tips sets you up for succulent roast pork straight from the slow cooker.

Food Safety Tips

To safely enjoy your cooked pork roast:

• Discard if not fully cooked through after recommended cook time.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking; use within 3-4 days.

• Reheat fully to 165°F and boil sauces and gravy before serving again.

Proper handling and reheating prevents bacteria growth on cooked pork.

Common Problems and Solutions

Refer to these troubleshooting tips if your slow cooker pork roast doesn’t turn out right:

• Overcooked and dry: Cook at too high temp or left cooking too long.

• Undercooked: Did not cook at warm setting long enough to reach safe internal temp.

• Not tender enough: Less expensive cuts like loin take longer to become tender.

• Bland flavor: Did not season roast properly before cooking.

• Too greasy: Leave thinner layer of fat cap next time and trim excess.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you put a frozen pork roast in a slow cooker?

Yes, but add 50% more cook time. Defrosting fully in the fridge first is best for evenly cooked meat.

• Should pork roast be cooked fat side up or down?

Cook fat side up to allow melting fat to baste the meat, resulting in juicier roast.

• Is it better to cook pork roast on high or low?

Low is preferred as the slower pace results in tender meat. High may cause overcooking on edges.

• Can I use pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?

Yes but reduce time to prevent overcooking the lean cut. Cook 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high.

Key Takeaways

• Cook boneless pork roast 5-6 hours or bone-in roast 6-8 hours on low based on size. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 145°F.

• Prepare the roast with spices and aromatics and place vegetables underneath for flavor.

• Browning roast first and cooking fat side up creates juicier results.

• Allow full cook time to ensure pork reaches safe temperature. Refrigerate leftovers properly.

The slow cooker makes pork roast an easy, hands-off meal with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Follow proper cook times and temperatures for a savory main dish your family will love.