This crock pot pork roast is full of flavor and so easy to make. It’s done in the crockpot and only has 5 ingredients. Dinner has never been easier or more delicious.
Crockpot Pork Roast was the perfect post holiday meal. After the holidays I always struggle a bit with getting back into the swing of cooking. My excuse is usually that I cooked so much over the holidays that I’m just cooked out. I can’t use that excuse this year because I didn’t really cook for Thanksgiving. We were in Utah and I bought the pies!.
Cooking pork roast in a crock pot is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare this classic cut of meat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have fork-tender, juicy pork roast ready and waiting for you at dinnertime.
But to get the best results, it’s important to cook the pork roast at the right temperature Crock pots cook low and slow, making them ideal for tough cuts of meat that need time to become tender Follow the guideline below for the perfect crock pot pork roast based on size.
How Long To Cook Pork Roast In A Crock Pot
The cooking time for pork roast in a crock pot depends on the size of the roast:
- 2-4 pounds: Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 5 hours on high.
- 4-6 pounds: Cook for 8-9 hours on low or 6 hours on high.
- 6-8 pounds: Cook for 9-10 hours on low or 7 hours on high.
- 8-10 pounds: Cook for 10-11 hours on low or 8 hours on high.
For best results, cook pork roast on the low setting. The low, slow cooking allows the collagen in the meat to break down over time, resulting in a very tender, pull-apart texture.
Cooking on high can work for smaller roasts under 6 pounds. But for larger roasts, the high heat can cause the outside of the roast to overcook and dry out before the inside is fully cooked through. Stick to the low setting for juicy evenly cooked pork.
Benefits Of Cooking Pork Roast In A Crock Pot
There are several advantages to using a crock pot for pork roast:
Convenience – Simply prep the roast in the morning and go about your day. Dinner will be ready when you get home.
Moist and Tender Meat – The slow cooking renders the fat and connective tissue, resulting in incredibly moist, fall-apart tender pork.
Enhanced Flavor – The low heat allows the seasonings and aroma to deeply permeate the meat.
No Monitoring Required – Set it and forget it. No need to check on it or worry about burning.
Easy Clean Up – With just the inner crock pot to clean, post-dinner clean up is a breeze.
Tips For Crock Pot Pork Roast Success
Follow these tips for foolproof crock pot pork roast:
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Pat the pork roast dry before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere.
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Generously season the roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs or a spice rub. The flavor will penetrate the meat as it cooks.
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Brown the seasoned roast in a skillet on all sides before placing in the crock pot. This adds richer flavor.
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Place onions, carrots, potatoes or other veggies in the bottom of the crock. The pork roast juices will flavor the veggies.
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Add 1 cup of liquid like broth, wine or apple juice to the crock pot. This helps keep the meat moist.
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When done, let the roast rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Simple Pork Roast Recipes
A basic pork roast needs nothing more than salt and pepper, but you can also add complementary flavors:
Italian Pork Roast
Coat pork roast with:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Add one jar pasta sauce and 2 diced bell peppers to the crock pot.
Apple Cider Pork Roast
Coat pork roast with:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Add 1 cup apple cider and 1 sliced apple to the crock pot.
Cuban Pork Roast
Coat pork roast with:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Add 1 diced onion and the juice of 1 orange to the crock pot.
How To Know When Pork Roast Is Done
The best way to test pork roast doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. At this temp, the pork will remain lightly pink but be juicy and safe to eat.
If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the roast with a fork. When done, the meat should be very tender and the fork should slide in and out easily.
Once removed from the crock pot, the internal temperature of the roast will rise about 5°F, so remove it right when it hits 140°F. After resting, it will hit the safe 145°F mark.
Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for a juicier finished roast.
Cooking pork roast in the crock pot couldn’t be easier. Just add your seasoned pork roast and a splash of liquid to your slow cooker, set the temperature, and let it cook hands-free for 7-11 hours depending on size. With the right cook time and temp, you’ll end up with a super moist, fall-apart tender pork roast that makes for amazing sandwiches or a delicious roast dinner. Give it a try for your next Sunday supper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This week’s Crockpot Pork Roast recipe was just what the doctor ordered. We love a good pork roast or pork tenderloin around here. It smelled wonderful as it cooked and tasted great. The best part was how easy it was. A great way for me to get back into cooking! One great thing about this pork roast is that you can make it in a lot of different ways. It’s good as is, or you can add potatoes and vegetables and call it a meal. We decided to make Pork Nachos out of it and they were delicious. Another great way to use the pork is to shred it and put it in a taco, burrito, enchilada, quesadilla, etc.
Awesome Pork Roast Recipe for Crock Pot
How long do you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker?
To cook a pork roast in a slow cooker, first rub soup mix all over it. Then, place the roast in the slow cooker and pour cranberry sauce over the top. Cook on Low for about 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is slightly pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
How do you cook a pork roast in a crock pot?
Whisk the sauce ingredients and then pour over the pork roast. Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-12 hours. When the roast is done, strain out about 1/4 cup of the liquid into a separate bowl and stir the cornstarch into that liquid.
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 a pork shoulder roast in a slow cooker?
A pork shoulder roast or Boston butt can be cooked in a slow cooker. To ensure successful cooking, add at least 1 cup liquid to the slow cooker and cook for a range of 6 to 8 hours. If the roast is larger than 3 pounds, you may need to cook for longer.