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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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 329
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

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

Method
 

  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.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 52gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 2076mgPotassium: 919mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg

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 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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