How to Cook a Perfectly Tender Pork Picnic Roast in the Crockpot

For a deliciously fuss-free pork dinner look no further than the crockpot! This humble kitchen appliance transforms a budget-friendly pork picnic roast into a mouthwateringly tender and flavorful main course.

This cheap cut of meat is fork-tender and easy to pull apart when cooked low and slow. With the crockpot, you can turn a tough cut of meat into a meal that the whole family will want to eat again and again.

Here are some tips, tricks, and recipes that will help you make the best crockpot pork picnic roast. This easy one-pot dinner will be a hit on busy weeknights.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Picnic Roast in the Crockpot

Using a slow cooker to transform pork picnic roast into a hearty entrée has some excellent advantages:

• Requires minimal preparation and hands-on time, letting the crockpot do the work.

• Infuses the pork with lots of flavor as it cooks in its own juices and aromatics

• Tenderizes the meat by breaking down tough connective tissues.

• Allows you to use an inexpensive cut of meat for budget-friendly meals.

• Provides ease and convenience on busy weeknights or for entertaining.

• Lets you relax while it cooks unattended rather than slave in the kitchen.

• Yields ultra moist and juicy meat that stays that way during warming.

How to Pick the Right Size Crockpot

Choosing the properly sized slow cooker ensures your pork picnic roast cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender.

• For a 3-4 pound roast, a 4-5 quart crockpot is ideal. This allows some room around the sides for even heating.

• A large 5-6 pound roast fits well in a 6-7 quart crockpot. Make sure the lid sits flat.

• If cooking a big 8+ pound roast, use an oval 8-quart or larger cooker.

• Avoid a crockpot drastically bigger than the meat so it cooks properly.

Make sure your crockpot has an evenly heating base and well-fitting lid. High and low settings are also musts.

Best Practices for Crockpot Pork Picnic Roast

Follow these tips to guarantee crockpot success with your pork picnic roast:

Start with a Well-Marbled Roast

Look for a roast with nice marbling throughout which bastes the meat during cooking. Avoid super lean cuts. Calculate 1⁄2 pound per person.

Thoroughly Season the Pork

Coating the meat in spices, herbs, and salt before cooking infuses it with lots of flavor. Try garlic, onion, paprika, oregano, cumin, chili powder.

Include Aromatic Veggies

Mirepoix veggies like onion, carrot, and celery lend moisture, flavor, and complexity. Diced potatoes also add homestyle appeal.

Add Flavorful Liquid

Pour in broth, apple cider, juice or beer to impart more taste. About 1-2 cups of liquid keeps the meat from drying out.

Cook on Low Setting

Let it slowly simmer on low for 6-10 hours depending on size. High can lead to dryness on the edges.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Cook until it reaches 145°F internally, then let rest before slicing. Proper temperature prevents undercooking.

Easy Recipe for Crockpot Pork Picnic Roast

This simple recipe delivers a succulent pork picnic roast with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every time.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb pork picnic shoulder roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 – 12 oz beer or broth

Instructions:

1. Pat pork dry and rub with oil. Season all over with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.

2. Place veggies and garlic in crockpot. Set seasoned roast on top.

3. Pour in beer or broth. Cover and cook on LOW 8-10 hours.

4. Remove roast to cutting board to rest 10 minutes before slicing.

5. Mash veggies into cooking liquid to thicken for gravy.

6. Slice pork and serve topped with gravy.

The onions, carrots, and celery impart a wonderful depth of flavor to the pork during the long cooking time. Serve this satisfying roast with buttered noodles, rice, or potatoes.

Recipe Variations

While the simple recipe above is a foolproof standard, you can customize your pork picnic roast to suit your tastes:

• Use alternate seasonings like chili powder, cumin, sage, rosemary, oregano, etc.

• Skip searing the roast if short on time. The crockpot does the work.

• Swap chicken or beef broth for the beer for a different flavor profile.

• Add peeled and quartered potatoes, sweet potatoes, or parsnips for a one pot meal.

• Stir in a cup of barbecue sauce or ranch dressing before serving for extra richness.

• Shred the cooked pork and mix with additional barbecue sauce for easy pulled pork.

Common Crockpot Pork Picnic Roast FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking this budget-friendly cut of pork in the slow cooker:

How long should I cook a 5 lb pork picnic roast?

• Cook for 8-10 hours on LOW until very tender and shreds easily.

What temperature should the roast reach when done?

• Cook until it hits at least 145°F internally. Let rest 10 minutes then check again to be safe.

Is pork picnic roast tough?

• Yes, it contains a good amount of connective tissue but the slow cooker tenderizes it into moist, pull-apart meat.

Can I put frozen pork in the crockpot?

• For food safety, don’t cook frozen pork in the slow cooker. Always thaw first.

How can I thicken the broth into gravy?

• Remove roast then mash veggies into the liquid. Mix cornstarch with water and stir in to reach desired thickness.

Satisfying and Simple Crockpot Supper

A beautifully tender pork picnic roast simmered to perfection really hits the spot on a chilly evening. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can come home to a wonderful home-cooked meal ready to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to use this inexpensive cut of meat – the crockpot works its magic into mouthwatering, flavorful pork perfection.