Easy Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe with Crock Pot 

The easiest slow cooker pork roast recipe made with a few simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes of hands-on time with crock pot!

We’ve always bought meat in bulk or raised and butchered our own throughout our marriage. But until our last hog, we had never gotten a pork roast. We usually opt for loins to smoke, but this time, we decided to try a few bone-in pork roasts. My husband smoked one, but it turned out a bit dry, so I decided to toss one in the crock pot to see how it would turn out—it was delicious!

Slow-cooked pork roast has become a regular in my recipe rotation because it’s so easy to make. I love how versatile the meat is—you can pull it for sandwiches, make carnitas, nachos, and so much more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This slow cooker pork roast recipe can be thrown together in no time with less than 5 minutes of prep before putting it in the crock pot and letting it cook.
• You can add potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, celery, etc . for an easy one-pot slow cooker meal.
• Other methods of cooking pork roast typically result in a tough, dry-cut final product – but with slow cooking, it’s super tender and moist.

If you prefer watching people prep meals over reading text, here’s a video of me making crock pot pork roast. 

What You’ll Need

INGREDIENTS

• 4 lb pork roast
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme leaves 
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 whole onions, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

TOOLS

Crock Pot

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika pepper, thyme, and brown sugar in a small bowl, and then rub the pork roast with the seasoning blend.
2. Place the quartered onions at the bottom of the crock pot, then add the seasoned roast on top. Pour the broth over the roast.
3. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8–9 hours or until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork. 
4. Shred the meat and add some of the juice to keep it from drying out.  Serve hot.

FAQ

Can I Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot With the Pork Roast?

Yes, adding vegetables like red potatoes, carrots, and onions can be a great way to create a complete meal.

Do I Need to Brown the Pork Before Adding it to the Slow Cooker?

Browning is optional but recommended for extra flavor. It’s not required for a tender pork roast, but it adds depth to the taste. Searing in olive oil can make the end results even better.

Can I Use a Different Liquid Instead of Broth?

Absolutely! You can use water, apple cider, red wine, or a mix of soy sauce and chicken stock to create different flavor profiles.

How Much Liquid Should I Add to the Crockpot?

Add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 to 1 inch. The pork will release its juices as it cooks, so you don’t need a lot of extra liquid. Low-sodium chicken or beef broth works well.

Can I Use the High Setting Instead of Low?

Yes, you can use the high setting to reduce cooking time, but the pork may be less tender. Cooking on high takes about 4-5 hours, but low heat is best for achieving the most tender result.

Tips

1. Choose the right cut: Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is great for a tender, juicy pork roast. You want to avoid leaner cuts like boneless pork loins or pork tenderloin, as they can become dry.
2. Season well: Use a dry rub with Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, or even onion soup mix for a flavorful roast. Adding a touch of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can enhance the taste.
3. Sear first: Sear the pork on medium-high heat in olive oil before slow cooking. This helps lock in flavor and create a nice crust outside.
4. Add Liquid: Use low-sodium chicken, beef, or balsamic vinegar to keep the roast moist during the longer cook time.
5. Cook on low: For a tender pork roast, cook on low heat for 8-9 hours. This longer cook time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become so tender that it easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. Check temperature: Let the internal temperature reach 190°F for the best results. An instant-read thermometer comes in handy for this.

Storage

• Room temperature storage: Crockpot pork roast should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that, bacteria can start to grow, making it unsafe to eat. 
• Refrigerator storage: Store your crockpot pork roast in the fridge for 3–4 days. For best results, place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. Refrigerating is a great option, but the juicy pork roast may slightly dry out over time. Reheating on low heat or adding a bit of low-sodium chicken broth can help retain its tenderness. 
• Freezing: After freezing, your crockpot pork roast can last for 2-3 months. Ensure it’s wrapped well in freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. The roast freezes well, though the end result might be a bit drier after thawing. Adding enough liquid, like chicken stock, when reheating can help restore its original texture. 
• Leftover roast pork: Whether it’s a pork shoulder roast or boneless pork roast, freezing and refrigerating are great options for busy days when you want an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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