How Long to Cook a Pork Loin Roast in the Crock Pot

Pork loin roast cooked in the crock pot results in incredibly tender fall-apart meat infused with delicious flavor. With the right timing and temperature, the crock pot breaks down the pork’s connective tissue making it supremely moist and succulent.

Cooking pork loin roast in a crock pot is one of the easiest roasting methods The slow, low heat perfectly tenderizes the meat without any risk of drying it out Follow these simple steps and tips for crock pot pork loin perfection every time.

Choosing the Right Roast

Selecting the right cut of pork is key when slow cooking. Opt for a boneless pork loin roast, ideally 2-3 pounds. This cut comes from the rib area and contains less fat than other cuts. Too much fat can make the pork greasy in the crock pot.

Look for a roast that is evenly shaped and trimmed of excess fat Irregular shaped roasts can lead to uneven cooking The roast should have a nice ratio of lean meat to marbling for best results.

Prep and Seasoning

To maximize flavor, rub the pork loin all over with seasoning before cooking. A spicy dry rub pairs nicely with pork, as do savory herb blends.

Make shallow slits across the top of the roast and rub the seasoning directly into the meat. This helps it penetrate deeply as it cooks, delivering well-seasoned results.

For extra moisture, you can inject a flavorful marinade deep into the center of the roast. Let the seasoned meat rest for 30 minutes before slow cooking.

Determining Cook Time

Cooking time can vary based on the exact size and shape of the pork loin roast, as well as your crock pot model. Here are some general timelines to follow:

• 2-3 lb roast – Low 6-8 hours, High 3-4 hours

• 4-5 lb roast – Low 8-10 hours, High 4-6 hours

• Boneless loin – Add 30 minutes to times above

• Bone-in loin – Add 1-2 hours to times above

For best results, cook the pork on lower heat. High heat can cause the exterior to overcook before the inside is finished. Check for doneness a bit before the minimum cook time.

Internal Temperature

The best way to determine if the pork is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

• Place the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bone.

• 145°F is the safe minimum temperature for pork.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

If under 145°F, re-cover and continue cooking, checking every 20-30 minutes until desired temp is reached.

Moisture and Tenderness

One advantage of crock pots is how well they retain moisture in lean meats like pork loin. To guarantee tender, juicy meat:

• Place roast directly in crock pot, no searing needed. Browning can cause exterior to overcook.

• Cook on low heat setting only. High can dry out exterior before interior is done.

• Use a cooking liquid like broth, water, soda or juice. This provides additional moisture.

• Do not open lid during cooking, escapes steam.

• Let pork rest before slicing to reabsorb juices.

Flavor Enhancing Tips

To make your crock pot pork extra delicious:

• Inject marinade deep into the center of the roast.

• Coat pork in a flavorful dry rub before cooking.

• Add herbs, garlic, onions, chili peppers to the crock pot.

• Use broth, wine or other flavorful liquids.

• Toss in veggies like potatoes, carrots, celery.

• Shred and mix cooked pork with thick BBQ sauce.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

It’s easy to dry out pork loin roast if not careful. Here are some common crock pot mistakes:

• Cooking on high heat too long

• Not adding extra liquid

• Removing lid frequently

• Not preseasoning pork

• Overcrowding crock (no room for steam circulation)

• Not resting roast before slicing

Follow the tips above to achieve guaranteed moist and delicious crock pot pork loin.

Serving Suggestions

Crock pot pork pairs nicely with these side dishes:

• Mashed potatoes – For soaking up extra juices

• Roasted veggies – Balances richness of the pork

• Cranberry sauce – Provides tangy contrast

• Rice pilaf – Absorbs flavorful drippings

• Salad with vinaigrette – Adds welcome brightness

• Buttered egg noodles – Classic comfort

• Fresh bread – For pulled pork sandwiches

Freezing and Leftovers

Like many crock pot creations, leftover pork roast keeps well:

• Let cool completely, then refrigerate.

• Separate into meal-sized portions and freeze in airtight bags or containers.

• Frozen pork will keep 6 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

• Reheat individual portions in oven or microwave until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional helpful hints for crock pot pork loin success:

• Use sauce packets on top of roast when cooking for extra flavor infusion.

• Insert slivers of garlic into pork for added depth.

• Flavor drippings for gravy by adding flour and broth.

• Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for pop of color.

• Shred leftovers for quick pork tacos or sandwiches.

• Wrap bone-in roast in foil to prevent over-browning of exposed bone.

The Perfect Crock Pot Pork Loin

Cooking pork loin roast in the crock pot yields amazing results when you:

• Select a 2-3 lb boneless loin, trimmed of excess fat

• Season all over with a flavorful dry rub

• Cook on low 6-8 hours until internal temp reaches 145°F

• Add liquid to crock and keep lid on for moisture

• Allow meat to rest before carving

With minimal effort, the crock pot does all the work for you, delivering unbelievably moist and succulent pork roast. Follow these tips for mouthwatering crock pot pork loin every time.