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
- Drying: Meticulously pat the pork roast dry using paper towels to create an ideal surface for seasoning and browning.
- Seasoning: Thoroughly massage the roast with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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