How Long To Cook Pork In A Crockpot Per Pound For Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Meat

Cooking pork in a crockpot is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare deliciously moist and tender meat. But to get perfect results, it’s important to know how long to cook pork in a crockpot per pound. The cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on the size and cut of the pork.

As an avid home cook and crockpot enthusiast, I’ve cooked my fair share of pork roasts, chops, and tenderloins in the slow cooker. Over the years, I’ve dialed in just the right cook times per pound for fork-tender pork.

In this article, I’ll share my simple guide on how long you should cook different cuts of pork per pound in the crockpot to get amazing results. Let’s start cooking!

Benefits of Cooking Pork in the Crockpot

Before jumping into cook times let’s quickly cover some of the major benefits of using a crockpot for pork

• Tender, juicy meat – The low, slow cooking renders the pork incredibly tender and moist.

• Infuses flavor – The extended cook time allows spices, broth, and aromatics to deeply permeate the meat.

• Hands-off cooking – Just prep and add ingredients in the morning for a complete meal later.

• Makes tough cuts tender – Shoulder and other cuts become fall-off-the-bone tender

• Adds warmth to the kitchen – The crockpot gently simmers away, providing cozy warmth.

For set-it-and-forget cooking and fork-tender pork, the crockpot can’t be beat! Now let’s look at cook times.

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder Per Pound

Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt or pork butt, is a top choice for the slow cooker. For bone-in pork shoulder, cook for 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high per pound.

For example, a 4 pound bone-in shoulder should cook for 32-40 hours on low or 20-24 hours on high.

Here are a few more pork shoulder tips:

• Cook for 8-10 hours per pound on low
• Cook for 5-6 hours per pound on high
• Use bone-in or boneless shoulder
• Add smoky rubs or chili spices
• Shred for tacos or sandwiches

With the right cook time, pork shoulder becomes wonderfully tender and full of flavor.

How Long to Cook Pork Loin Per Pound

For a boneless pork loin roast, cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high per pound.

A 2 pound boneless loin roast will need 12-16 hours on low or 6-8 hours on high.

Follow these guidelines for perfect pork loin:

• Cook for 6-8 hours per pound on low
• Cook for 3-4 hours per pound on high
• Use a boneless roast for uniform cooking
• Inject marinades for extra moisture and flavor
• Slice into medallions for serving

When cooked in a crockpot, the pork loin stays incredibly moist and makes elegant medallion entrees or slices for sandwiches.

How Long to Cook Pork Ribs Per Pound

For country-style pork ribs, cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high per pound.

For a 2 pound rack of ribs, cook for 14-16 hours on low or 8-10 hours on high.

Here are some additional tips:

• Cook for 7-8 hours per pound on low
• Cook for 4-5 hours per pound on high
• Choose meaty country-style ribs
• Add barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes
• Fall-off-the-bone tender

With the right cook time, the collagen in the ribs fully breaks down into mouthwatering tender meat.

How Long to Cook Pork Chops Per Pound

For boneless pork chops, cook for 3-4 hours on low or 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours on high per pound.

A pair of 8 ounce boneless chops will need 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Keep these cook times in mind:

• Cook for 3-4 hours per pound on low
• Cook for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours per pound on high
• Opt for boneless or bone-in chops
• Add cream soups, broths or barbecue sauce
• Check temperature for doneness

The low heat perfectly cooks the chops while keeping them incredibly juicy.

How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin Per Pound

Cook pork tenderloins for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high per pound.

For a 1 pound tenderloin, cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Here are a few tips:

• Cook for 4-6 hours per pound on low
• Cook for 2-3 hours per pound on high
• Use smaller 1-2 pound tenderloins
• Add flavorful marinades or pastes
• Cook until fork-tender

Thanks to the quick cook time, tenderloin makes an easy weeknight dinner in the crockpot.

Common Pork Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking pork perfectly in the crockpot takes a bit of practice. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not browning the pork first for flavor
• Using the wrong cook times per pound
• Cooking on high heat the whole time
• Lifting the lid frequently
• Overcooking until the pork is dry
• Forgetting to rest the pork before slicing

Master your cook times for each cut of pork, and you’ll get amazing crockpot results every time.

Tips for Moist and Tender Crockpot Pork

Beyond using the right cook times, here are my top tips for insanely moist pork from the crockpot:

• Use bone-in cuts when possible for added moisture
• Inject roasts with broth or marinade before cooking
• Add liquid like broth, Coke, or apple juice
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness
• Let roasts rest 20 minutes before slicing
• Use natural release to let crock cool down slowly

With the proper techniques, your crockpot pork will turn out perfect.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Pork Dishes

Crockpot pork pairs well with so many sides. Here are some fun serving suggestions:

• Pulled pork – sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls
• Pork roast – mashed potatoes, roasted veggies
• Pork ribs – baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread
• Pork chops – salad, roasted potatoes, ratatouille
• Pork tenderloin – wild rice pilaf, glazed carrots

With the right sides, you can create amazing family dinners or even casual game day fare. Get creative with the possibilities!

Fabulous Crockpot Pork Recipes

If you need recipe inspiration for your crockpot pork creations, here are some of my family’s favorites:

• Easy Pulled Pork – Shredded pork shoulder perfection.

• Crockpot Carnitas – Mexican spiced, fork-tender deliciousness.

• Maple Dijon Pork Loin – An easy, elegant roast.

• Coca Cola Ribs – Sweet, sticky and lip-smacking.

• Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy – Comfort food at its finest.

Load up that crockpot with your favorite pork cut and spices, and get ready for amazing results. Enjoy!