Hearty Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe for Sunday Feasts

Succulent aromas fill the kitchen when you slow cook a tender pork roast that promises pure comfort.

This hearty slow cooker pork roast recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort.

Tender meat falls apart effortlessly, melting in your mouth with each savory bite.

Packed with rich seasonings and slow-simmered to perfection, the dish creates an effortless meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a deeply satisfying main course that works for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

The slow cooker transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let this recipe become your go-to solution for a stress-free, delicious dinner that speaks straight to the soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Slow Cooker Pork Roast Ingredients

For Meat Base:
  • Pork Roast: Choose a well-marbled cut for tender, succulent results that melts in your mouth, selecting a shoulder or boston butt for maximum flavor intensity.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that awaken the meat's natural richness and create a robust taste profile.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated aromatics that infuse deep, savory undertones without overwhelming the meat's natural essence.
  • Thyme, Rosemary: Herbaceous companions that bring earthy woodland notes and complement the pork's rich character.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet complexity and beautiful reddish-brown color to the meat's exterior.
For Liquid and Aromatic Companions:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a gorgeous golden-brown sear, locking in juices and developing complex caramelized flavors.
  • Broth: Provides moisture and creates a luxurious, flavor-packed cooking environment for the roast.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami depth that elevates the overall taste profile.
  • Dijon Mustard: Contributes a zesty, slightly sharp undertone that cuts through the meat's richness.
  • Onions, Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that absorb the meat's delicious juices and create a complete one-pot meal.
  • Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic intensifies the aromatic foundation and adds bright, pungent notes.

Tools to Make Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the roast low and slow, creating tender meat.
  • Large Skillet: Perfect for searing the pork and developing deep, rich flavors.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing vegetables and preparing the meat.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in chopping onions, carrots, and potatoes with precision.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
  • Tongs: Great for handling and turning the pork during searing.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and moving ingredients in the slow cooker.

Instructions for Tender Pork Roast

  • Prep the Meat

Grab your pork roast and give it a good massage with a zesty blend of seasonings. Rub the meat all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika to lock in maximum flavor.

  • Brown and Boost

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Quickly sear the meat on all sides until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Create Your Flavor Base

Spread a colorful bed of sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes across the bottom of your slow cooker. Gently nestle the seasoned pork right on top of these veggie friends.

  • Pour in the Magic

Drizzle in broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a dollop of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle some minced garlic and rosemary for an extra flavor punch that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Low and Slow Magic

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is so tender it practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

  • Serve and Savor

Slice or shred the succulent pork and serve it alongside those perfectly cooked vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle some of those incredible cooking juices over the top for maximum deliciousness.

Flavor Tips for Pork Roast

  • Meat Selection Magic: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder or Boston butt for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and start slow cooking in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Herb Swap Trick: Replace dried rosemary with fresh rosemary sprigs for a more vibrant, aromatic profile – use one sprig for every teaspoon of dried herb.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip potatoes and replace with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or turnips to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

How to Plate Pork Roast

  • Family Dinner Hero: Serve this hearty pork roast as a centerpiece meal with warm crusty bread to soak up those delicious pan juices.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Shred leftover meat for sandwiches, tacos, or quick salad toppings during the week, maximizing your cooking efforts.
  • Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to create a complete, satisfying comfort meal that warms everyone's heart.
  • Weekend Gathering Star: Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe easily scales up and allows you to spend more time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Storage & Meal Planning Tips for Pork Roast

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover pork in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Feast: Package cooled meat in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Stays delicious for up to 3 months when sealed tightly.
  • Meal Transformation Station: Repurpose extra roast into tacos, sandwiches, salads, or quick shepherd's pie for exciting next-day lunches and dinners.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker pork roast showcases tender, succulent meat infused with rich herbal notes. Savory aromas fill kitchens while minimal preparation delivers maximum flavor for home cooks seeking comfort and convenience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3.4 lb (1.54 kg) pork shoulder (or pork loin for a leaner option)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 cups (473 ml) baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

  1. Drying: Meticulously pat the pork roast dry using paper towels to create an ideal surface for seasoning and browning.
  2. Seasoning: Thoroughly massage the roast with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Searing: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then expertly sear the seasoned roast on all sides for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in natural juices.
  4. Preparing Slow Cooker: Layer sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes as a flavorful foundation, then carefully position the seared pork on top of the vegetable medley.
  5. Liquid Infusion: Pour a savory mixture of broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard over the roast, then sprinkle minced garlic and rosemary to enhance the aromatic complexity.
  6. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, allowing the pork to become supremely tender and easily pulled apart.
  7. Finishing: Remove the roast and vegetables, let the meat rest briefly, then slice or shred. Plate the succulent pork with the perfectly cooked vegetables, drizzling the rich cooking juices over the top for a luxurious comfort meal.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Preparation: Pat the pork roast completely dry to guarantee a perfect sear, preventing steaming and ensuring a crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in rich flavors.
  • Control Seasoning Intensity: Adjust spice blend proportions to match personal taste preferences, remembering that slow cooking concentrates flavors, so start with lighter seasoning amounts.
  • Master Searing Technique: Use a heavy cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and achieve a deep golden-brown crust without burning, which develops complex flavor compounds and seals meat’s moisture.
  • Prevent Overcooking Mishap: Monitor cooking time carefully based on roast size and slow cooker performance, checking meat’s internal temperature to maintain tender, juicy texture without drying out the protein.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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