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pulled pork roast
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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!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crockpot pork roast, pork roast, slow cooker pork roast
Servings: 8
Calories: 329kcal
Author: hopewellheights

Ingredients

  • 4 lb pork roast
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 whole onions peeled and quartered
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Place the quartered onions at the bottom of the crock pot, then add the seasoned roast on top. Pour the broth over the roast.
  • 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. 
  • Shred the meat and add some of the juice to keep it from drying out.  Serve hot.

Notes

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 chickenbeef, 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 2076mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
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