The whole family loves this recipe for pork loin cooked in the crock pot. It’s juicy and easy to make. With just a few ingredients, this recipe makes a lot of dinner and is very easy to put in the slow cooker. By making your pork loin roast ahead of time, you can come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
When it comes to cooking pork loin in the crockpot, nailing the ideal cook time is essential for tender, juicy results. A 2 lb pork loin benefits from the moist, gentle heat of the slow cooker. However, figuring out exactly how long to cook a smaller 2 lb cut can be tricky
Follow this complete guide to learn foolproof techniques for cooking times, temperature and more when making 2 lb pork loin in the crockpot.
Why the Crockpot Works Well for Pork Loin
The crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, excels at braising less tender cuts of meat like pork shoulder or beef chuck. But the moist environment also suits leaner cuts like pork loin incredibly well.
The main advantages of crockpot pork loin include
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Gentle, even heat prevents drying out.
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Breaks down connective tissue for tenderness.
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Infuses meat with spices, herbs and sauce flavors
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Convenience of hands-off cooking.
Pork loin particularly benefits from the crockpot method when cooking smaller 2 lb quantities.
Key Factors That Influence Cook Time
Several aspects impact how long a 2 lb pork loin takes to become perfectly tender in the slow cooker:
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Bone-in loin takes longer than boneless.
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Uniform shape cooks evenly vs irregular.
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High vs low crockpot setting.
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Level of doneness – aim for 145°F internally.
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Amount of liquid in the crockpot.
An instant-read thermometer is the best way to test doneness accurately.
Typical Crockpot Cook Times for 2 lb Pork Loin
Here are the approximate crockpot cook times to expect for a 2 lb pork loin roast:
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Low setting: 4 to 5 hours
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High setting: 3 to 4 hours
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With bone-in: Add 30 mins – 1 hour
As you can see, there is some wiggle room in the time range. Always rely on an internal thermometer over cook time.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Method for 2 lb Pork Loin
Follow these simple steps for foolproof crockpot pork loin every time:
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Trim excess fat from pork loin. Season all over with dry rub.
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Place pork in crockpot. Add 1 cup broth, water or sauce.
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Cook on low for 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Remove pork, tent with foil and rest 10 minutes before slicing.
For the juiciest results, refrain from lifting the lid during cooking.
Helpful Tips and Variations
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Pork loin benefits from a short sear before crockpotting.
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Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots or parsnips.
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Infuse pan juices into cooked pork loin after shredding or slicing.
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Make it a full meal by cooking with sauerkraut and sliced apples.
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Transform leftovers into tacos, sandwiches, pizza topping or breakfast hash.
Safely Finishing and Storing Pork Loin
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temp reaches 145°F. Let the pork rest before serving.
To store cooked pork loin:
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Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.
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Freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before use.
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Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Understanding the ideal crockpot cook times helps ensure your 2 lb pork loin turns out juicy and tender. While approximate cook times serve as handy guidelines, use a thermometer to monitor doneness accurately. With the proper method, the crockpot does the work for you, infusing lean and tender pork loin with mouthwatering flavors. Experiment with different seasonings and ingredient pairings to keep this versatile cut fresh and exciting. Master this easy crockpot pork loin recipe, and it’s sure to become a dinner table staple.
Can Pork Loin Be Used For Pulled Pork?
You can use pork loin for pulled pork, but if you shred all three to five pounds, you’ll have a lot of pulled pork! I figure that one pound of shredded pork will feed three people. If I shred pork loin to make pulled pork, I usually do this with the pork chops I have left over from the last meal, like the ones above.
Put your pork loin in the crockpot to cook, then take it out and pour off the cooking juices. This will give you pulled pork. On a cutting board using two forks, shred the meat.
Put your meat back in the crockpot. For every cup of meat, add about a half cup of either pan drippings OR broth. For every pound of meat, add about a half cup of BBQ sauce.
Shred the pork and put it in the slow cooker on high. Cook for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and juicy.
Make pulled pork and top it with my Creamy Classic Coleslaw on top, it’s super delicious together!
How To Cook Amazing Pork Loin In The Crock Pot Every Time
*This post was originally sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council, but all opinions are my own.
Crock Pot Pork Loin, Easy Slow Cooker Recipe- Family Favorite
FAQ
How long does it take to cook 2 pounds of pork tenderloin?
Is it better to cook pork in a crock pot on high or low?
How do you know when pork loin is done in a crock pot?