This crock pot pork roast is made with pork loin that has been cooked slowly in a rich gravy. A quick and easy dinner option that always gets rave reviews!.
When I’m busy and want dinner ready when I get home, I love to use my crock pot. Slow cooker pot roast, crock pot BBQ chicken, and this juicy and tender pork roast are some of my favorite slow cooker recipes.
This crock pot pork roast is what I make when I want a quick dinner that everyone in the family will love. The meat is always cooked just right, and it goes so well with potatoes and a vegetable for a full meal.
Cooking pork roast in a crock pot is a great hands-off way to prepare a delicious and tender main dish. With the right timing, temperature and technique, crock pot pork roast can come out moist, flavorful and fall-apart tender every time.
Figuring out exactly how long to cook pork roast in a crock pot depends on a few key factors:
Size and Shape of the Roast
The size and shape of the pork roast will impact overall cooking time A 3-4 pound pork shoulder roast will take around 8-10 hours on low heat, A larger 5-6 pound pork roast may need 10-12 hours,
Boneless roasts will cook faster than bone-in since the bone continues cooking and insulating the meat around it Plan for a bit more time for bone-in or uneven shaped roasts.
Temperature Setting
Most crock pots have a low and high setting. Pork roast is best cooked low and slow – between 8-12 hours usually. High heat will speed up cooking time but may dry out the roast.
As a general rule, low heat takes about twice as long as high heat. So an 8 hour low cook time equates to around 4 hours on high.
Type of Meat and Fat Content
Leaner cuts of pork loin or tenderloin will cook faster than fattier, more marbled shoulder or butt roasts. The melting fat in shoulder roasts keeps them moist but also increases overall cooking time.
Vegetables and Liquid
Lots of veggies surrounding the roast or a full crock pot may require a bit more time. Make sure not to overstuff the crock which could lead to uneven cooking.
The right amount of liquid – usually 1 cup or so – is key. Too little and the roast may burn or dry out. Too much and it will take longer for the roast to become tender.
Doneness Temperature
An instant read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing into it.
If it finishes early, that’s ok.better than drying out. The residual heat will continue cooking it to safe temp.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pork Roast
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness
- Thoroughly season all over
- Sear roast first for caramelization
- Place veggies on bottom, roast on top
- Use broth, wine or cider for liquid
- Cook on low 8-12 hours depending on size
- Check temp with a thermometer
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing
With the right timing and technique, crock pot pork roast can come out incredibly moist, tender and flavorful. Low and slow cooking allows the collagen to break down into gelatin which bastes the meat from within.
Sample Crock Pot Pork Roast Recipes
Here are cooking times for some popular crock pot pork roast recipes:
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Apple Cider Pork Roast – 3-4 lb roast, 1 cup apple cider, onions, garlic, seasoning. Cook 8-10 hours on low.
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Cranberry Orange Pork Roast – 2-3 lb pork tenderloin, 1 cup cranberry sauce, orange juice, seasonings. Cook 6-8 hours on low.
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Pork Roast with Vegetables – 3-4 lb pork shoulder roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, 1 cup broth. Cook 10-12 hours on low.
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Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast – 4-5 lb bone-in pork shoulder roast, rosemary, garlic, seasoned salt, 1 cup water. Cook 10-12 hours on low.
The key is allowing enough time for the collagen to fully break down and the pork to become fall-apart tender. Crock pot pork roast is a set-it-and-forget-it meal!
How Do You Make Crock Pot Pork Roast?
Season your pork loin roast and sear it in a skillet on the stove before putting it in the crock pot. Do this first. In a hurry or if you don’t want to brown the pork first, you can put it straight into the slow cooker without sear it first. I think it’s really worth the additional time and effort because it adds a lot of extra flavor.
Some of the things that go into the crockpot with the pork are garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, and herbs. This forms the base of the gravy. The gravy is thickened at the end of the cooking time. Add a sprinkle of parsley, then serve and enjoy.
Slow Cooker Pork Roast Ingredients
Soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, butter, parsley, pork loin, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth are some of the things you will need to make this recipe.
Awesome Pork Roast Recipe for Crock Pot
FAQ
How long does it take for a roast to get done in a crock pot?
How long is it safe to cook pork in crock pot?
Is it better to cook pork in a crock pot on high or low?
Can you overcook a pork roast in a crock pot?
How long do you cook a pork roast in a crock pot?
Most crock pot pork roast recipes call for low setting. This lower temperature allows the meat to cook for long and soften as the fat melts off. It would take a 3 to 4-pound pork roast would take about 8 hours to cook on low and a little over 5 hours to cook on high. The best type of roast to cook in a crock pot is the tough and fatty roasts.
How long does a pork shoulder roast take to cook?
On low heat, it usually takes around 8 to 10 hours, while on high heat, it can be cooked in approximately 4 to 6 hours. It is important to check the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Should I sear the pork shoulder roast before adding it to the crock pot?
How long should I cook a pork roast on low?
The preferred cooking method for a wonderfully tender pork roast is 5-6 hours on low. However, you can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if needed. Are you looking for the perfect recipe to use with a pork roast?
Can you cook pork shoulder in a crock pot?
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the roast, making sure not to wash away the seasoning. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the temperature to low. Let it cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork shoulder is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board.