Few meals are as comforting and simple as a Crock Pot pork roast — a family favorite that's packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week. Slow cooking not only makes the meat fall-apart tender but also infuses every bite with rich, savory goodness, all with minimal effort on your part.
We're walking through the step-by-step instructions to prepare a delicious Crock Pot pork roast recipe, plus pro cooking tips for the best results every time.
Pork loin roast: A busy family's best friend
A Crock Pot pork roast is a lifesaver for busy families, delivering big flavor with hardly any effort. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can prep this hearty main dish in minutes and let it cook to perfection while you go about your day.
Not only does it feed the whole family, but the leftovers are just as delicious — perfect for easy lunches or repurposed meals. Get ready to master the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-step instructions for perfect slow cooker pork roast
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Ingredients
- 2 packs Hatfield® Tuscan Herb Boneless Pork Roast.
- 1 cup chicken broth or beef broth.
- 1 onion, sliced.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (for searing, optional).
- 2 tsp salt.
- 1 tsp black pepper.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- 1 tsp dried thyme.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary.
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce.
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce (optional).
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar or honey (optional).
- 2-3 carrots, cut into chunks (optional).
- 2-3 potatoes, cut into chunks (optional).
How to prepare a Crock Pot pork roast recipe
- Step 1 (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side) to enhance flavor.
- Step 2: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Lay the seared (or unseared) pork roast on top.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, soy sauce (if using) and brown sugar or honey (if using).
- Step 4: Pour the mixture over the pork roast. If using, add the chopped carrots and potatoes around the pork.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Remove the pork from the Crock Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Step 7: Serve with the cooked vegetables and drizzle with the flavorful juices. Enjoy!
If you're ready to get started, head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Pro tips for a tender, flavorful pork roast
Here are tips for a perfectly juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork loin roast every time:
- Season like a pro: Try different seasoning blends to enhance your roast. For a smoky, spicy kick, mix garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder. Prefer something more savory? Go with a blend of sage, marjoram and mustard powder.
- Choose the right liquid: Keep your pork juicy by adding broth, wine or even apple cider. Chicken or beef broth adds richness, while wine or cider brings out deeper flavors.
- Avoid overcooking: For the most tender pork, cook on low for up to eight hours. If you're short on time, use the high setting and reduce the cooking time to three to four hours to prevent dryness.
- Match cook times to your Crock Pot: A larger Crock Pot may cook faster due to its increased surface area, while a smaller one helps retain moisture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to get the best results.
- Find the perfect pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or butter noodles to soak up the flavorful juices. For a lighter option, try a fresh side salad, onion soup or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness.
- Make the most of leftovers: Shred leftover pork for sandwiches, tacos, soups, or grain bowls — it's just as delicious the next day! Pair it with cranberry sauce or gravy for a quick meal, or mix it with BBQ sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. You can also toss it into a stir-fry for an easy, flavorful dish.
Crock Pot pork roast FAQs
Ready to jump in? Consider some of the most commonly asked questions you may run into about this pork recipe:
What's the best type of pork for this recipe?
For this recipe, a boneless pork loin roast or pork tenderloin is a great choice. Slow cooker pork loin and pork tenderloin are tender, lean and cook beautifully in the Crock Pot. You can also use a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt if you prefer a slightly fattier cut, which will result in even more tender, pull-apart meat.
Should I sear the pork before cooking?
Searing isn't required, but it makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Browning the pork on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker helps lock in juices and creates a rich, caramelized crust. If you have a few extra minutes, it's well worth the effort for a deeper, more savory taste.
What's the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover shredded pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. To keep it from drying out when reheating, add a splash of broth and warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. For a crispy finish, try reheating it in a skillet.
Can I use frozen pork, or should it be thawed first?
Frozen pork can cook unevenly in a slow cooker, leading to dry or undercooked spots. It's best to thaw it first — either in the fridge overnight or using your microwave's defrost setting. If cooking from frozen, allow extra time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the pork roast?
Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions and celery enhance flavor and soak up the pork's delicious juices. For best results, use root vegetables and cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate. If you prefer firmer veggies, add them halfway through instead.
Do I need to flip or rotate the pork roast while it's cooking?
Nope! The slow cooker provides even heat, so flipping isn't necessary. Just place the pork in, cover it and let the magic happen. Be sure to avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
How do I keep the pork from drying out in the slow cooker?
For the most tender pork, cook on low instead of high and use enough liquid to maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking, and if it's done early, switch the slow cooker to "warm" to keep it juicy without further cooking.
An easy, flavorful meal your family will love
Pork slow cooker recipes are a busy-weeknight favorite — simple to prepare, full of comforting flavor and sure to please the whole family. With minimal effort, you get a hearty meal and plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.
Hatfield® makes it even better with high-quality, expertly pre-seasoned pork products that take the stress out of cooking. Bold flavors, reliable quality and our commitment to responsible farming make us a trusted choice for families who value both convenience and taste.
Ready to bring something delicious to the table? Pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products at your local grocery store today.
