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This recipe for Pork Roast in a Slow Cooker is an easy way to get a tasty meal on the table without having to do much work! With a delicious blend of herbs, spices and savoury broth, it’s incredibly tender, juicy and packed full of flavour.

Yes, I may be a food blogger with a focus on homemade recipes. And yes, I may be able to work from home either from my couch, in my studio or even in my very own bed. Sure, that sometimes means in PJs. And yes, I get to follow my own dang timing and schedule (what could be better?!?!). Buuuut I promise you one thing – that doesn’t in the slightest bit mean that I have even an ounce of time left for myself after all is said and done for th day. It doesn’t mean I don’t work the 40 hours I would if I was working a different job. And it sure as heck doesn’t mean that I don’t go into “overtime” on a regular, regular basis.

I mean, in all honesty (and I know I’m not the only one that thinks this), is there really enough time in a day?!?! It’s non-stop. Go-go-go. If i’m not doing this, I’m doing that. If I’m not doing that, it’s something else. It’s one thing after the other. Am I starting to sound like you now?!

slices of cooked pork loin on a plate with some onions, parsley and mustard, pickled red onions and sauerkraut in the background

In all seriousness, if that really does sound like you, then I hope you own a slow cooker. I mean, seriously. There’s nothing better than setting all of your ingredients up in it in the morning and literally forgetting about it until you return back to it some odd hours later. Because after a 40+ hour work week, can we really be bothered to cook?! Something tells me that the person who invented the crockpot was a hard working genius. Whether I’m throwing together some chicken fajitas or cookin’ up some Italian Wedding Soup, I live by the slow cooker on busy weekdays! And I know you will too after trying this easy recipe for cooking pork loin in a slow cooker!

And let’s be real, who has the time or energy to slave over a hot stove after a long day? Not me, that’s for sure! That’s where the slow cooker swoops in to save the day. It’s like having your own personal chef doing all the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax. So, whether you’re juggling work, family or just trying to squeeze in some “me time,” a slow cooker can be your secret weapon for delicious, hassle-free meals. Trust me, once you experience the convenience and mouth-watering results of cooking with a slow cooker, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So go ahead, dust off that crockpot and get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy pork loin recipe. You won’t regret it!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS SLOW COOKER PORK LOIN ROAST

ingredients for recipe for pork roast in a slow cooker - pork loin roast, broth, honey, thyme, salt, pepper, rosemary, onions, garlic, dijon, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this slow cooker pork roast is sure to impress with its tender, juicy goodness and flavourful appeal. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and well-balanced dish that I just know you’re going to love! Let’s discuss each one in a little bit more detail down below:

Pork Loin Roast: This cut of pork comes from the loin area of the pig, known for its tenderness and mild flavour. It’s relatively lean compared to other cuts. Therefore, it’s a great choice for slow cooking as it remains juicy and tender without becoming overly fatty. When selecting a pork loin roast, look for one with a good amount of marbling for added flavour and moisture.
Onions: Provide a savoury base for the pork roast to cook on, infusing the it with flavour as they soften and caramelize. They add depth of flavour and sweetness to the final dish. White or yellow onions work best in this recipe.
Garlic: Adds pungent, aromatic flavour to dishes and pairs wonderfully with pork. It not only enhances the overall taste but also complements the sweetness of the onions, creating a delicious foundation of flavour for the pork roast. Therefore, fresh minced garlic (and not garlic powder) works best in this recipe.
Broth: Serves as the liquid component of the recipe, imparting moisture and richness to the pork roast as it cooks. You can use chicken, beef or vegetable broth depending on your personal preferences or the flavour profile you’re going for. Chicken and beef broth add a savoury depth of flavour, while vegetable broth provides a lighter, more neutral base. Either option works well, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, salty flavour to this crockpot pork roast. It adds a burst of umami to the sauce, enhancing the overall savoury profile of the dish.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness to the dish, balancing out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adding a touch of caramelization as the pork roast cooks. It helps create a beautifully glazed exterior on the pork while imparting a hint of sweetness to the sauce. You can use maple syrup instead, if you prefer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the pork and enhancing its overall flavour profile. It also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent and juicy pork roast. You can use a different kind of vinegar instead, if you prefer. White, red wine or balsamic all make great options.
Dijon Mustard: Contributes both flavour and texture to the sauce, lending a tangy, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and the savoury notes of the soy sauce. It also helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a smooth and cohesive consistency. You can use a different kind of mustard instead, if you prefer. Yellow, honey or whole grain all make great alternatives.
Dried Rosemary and Thyme: Add aromatic complexity and earthy flavour to the dish. They infuse the pork roast and sauce with their distinctive herbal notes. Thyme brings a slightly floral, lemony undertone, while rosemary offers a piney, woody essence, enhancing the overall depth of flavour. You can use fresh herbs instead if you prefer. However, use 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb instead of the 1 teaspoon of dried.
Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning the pork loin roast to taste. Salt enhances the natural flavours of the meat and other ingredients. While pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavour. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
Cornstarch: While optional, adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking helps to thicken the sauce. This creates a rich, flavourful gravy to accompany the pork. It binds the liquids together, resulting in a more cohesive and visually appealing sauce. Additionally, it adds a velvety texture to the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

cooked slices of pork loin roast in a plate with some onions, more in the background with pickled red onions

HOW TO COOK A PORK ROAST IN A SLOW COOKER (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a slice of pork loin with onions over a plate with more

You can find full instructions for how to make this crock pot pork roast in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Select the right pork roast. Choose a pork loin roast that is well-marbled with fat. This will help keep the meat juicy and tender during the slow cooking process. Look for a roast that is uniform in size and shape for even cooking.
Pat the pork roast dry with clean paper towels before beginning. Patting the pork loin dry not only removes excess moisture but it allows any seasonings or marinades to adhere better to the surface, resulting in more flavourful results.
Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Layering the sliced onions and minced garlic on the bottom of the slow cooker creates a flavourful base for the pork loin roast to cook on. This helps infuse the meat with aromatic flavours as it cooks. Layering the ingredients also helps keep the pork loin from making direct contact with the bottom of the slow cooker and therefore, prevents any possibility of sticking.
Season, season, season. Season the pork loin roast GENEROUSLY with salt and pepper before placing it in the slow cooker. You want to get the seasoning all over the pork roast including the bottom and top, as well as all of the sides. This helps enhance the flavour of the meat and ensures it is well-seasoned throughout. While salt and pepper get the job done just fine, feel free to use a different combination of spices instead, if you prefer. If you’re going for a different, more complex flavour profile, try this recipe with my homemade pork chop seasoning instead!
Use the right liquid ratio. Be mindful of the amount of liquid you add to the slow cooker. Too much liquid can result in a watery sauce, while too little liquid can lead to dry meat. Follow the recipe measurements for the broth and other liquid ingredients, and adjust as needed based on personal preference.
Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce! While optional, adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) towards the end of cooking helps to thicken the sauce and create a rich, flavourful gravy to accompany the pork.
Test for doneness. To ensure the pork loin roast is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should register 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness. If you prefer the meat to be more well-done, aim for a slightly higher temperature.
Let it rest. Once the pork loin roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. I like doing this on a cutting board underneath a foil tent. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful final dish. EXTRA TIP: Don’t forget to serve it up with all of the delicious onions and sauce at the bottom of the pot!

cooked slices of pork loin roast in a plate with some onions and parsley, pickled red onions in the background

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO YOU NEED TO ADD WATER TO SLOW COOKER FOR PORK?

Whether you need to add water to the slow cooker for pork depends on the recipe and cooking method you’re using. In this particular recipe for slow cooker pork loin roast, water is not explicitly called for because the liquid components include broth, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and mustard, which provide plenty of moisture and flavour to cook the pork.

However, if you’re using a different recipe or cooking method that doesn’t include sufficient liquid, you may need to add water to prevent the pork from drying out during the cooking process. Additionally, some slow cookers recommend adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the cooking vessel to create steam and help regulate the temperature.

CAN YOU ROAST PORK IN A SLOW COOKER WITHOUT LIQUID?

Yes, you can roast pork in a slow cooker without adding additional liquid, but it’s essential to keep in mind a few factors to ensure successful results:

Natural Juices: Pork naturally releases juices as it cooks, especially when cooked slowly over a long period. These juices can provide sufficient moisture to prevent the meat from drying out, especially if you’re cooking a cut with a higher fat content, like pork shoulder or pork butt.

Fat Content: Cuts of pork with a higher fat content, such as pork shoulder or pork butt, are more forgiving when cooked without additional liquid. The rendered fat helps keep the meat moist and flavourful during the cooking process.

Seasoning: It’s crucial to season the pork well before roasting it in a slow cooker without liquid. Rubbing the pork with a mixture of salt, pepper and your favourite herbs and spices will help enhance its flavour and ensure that it’s seasoned throughout. If you’re looking for a basic but delicious way to season your pork loin roast, try my homemade pork chop seasoning!

IS IT BETTER TO SLOW COOK PORK ON LOW OR HIGH?

Slow cooking pork on low heat is generally recommended for the best results. Cooking pork on low heat allows the meat to become tender and juicy over an extended period. This results in a more flavourful and succulent dish. The low temperature helps break down the connective tissues in the meat slowly, resulting in a more tender texture.

While cooking on high heat may be faster, it can lead to less tender and juicy results, as the meat may cook too quickly and become tough. However, in some cases, cooking on high heat for a shorter period may still yield satisfactory results. It depends on the recipe and your personal preference.

DOES PORK ROAST GET MORE TENDER THE LONGER YOU COOK IT?

Yes, pork roast generally becomes more tender the longer you cook it, especially when using slow cooking methods like roasting or braising. This is because slow, moist heat breaks down the collagen and connective tissues in the meat, transforming them into gelatin, which results in a softer, more tender texture. However, it’s essential to balance cooking time with temperature and monitoring to achieve the best results. Slow cooking methods like roasting or braising are ideal for tenderizing pork roast and creating a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

cooked slices of pork loin roast in a plate with some onions and parsley, more in the background

RECIPE FOR PORK ROAST IN A SLOW COOKER

Yield: 3 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

This recipe for Pork Roast in a Slow Cooker is an easy way to get a tasty meal on the table without having to do much work! With a delicious blend of herbs, spices and savoury broth, it's incredibly tender, juicy and packed full of flavour.

Ingredients

1 2 pound Pork Loin Roast
1 Onion, sliced
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Beef, Chicken or Vegetable Broth
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Honey
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1 tsp Dried Rosemary
Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 tbsp Cornstarch and Water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Pat the pork loin dry with clean paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the pork loin roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a small bowl, mix together the broth, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme and dried rosemary.
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the seasoned pork loin roast on top. Pour the broth mixture over the pork loin roast.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Once the pork is cooked, you can thicken the sauce if desired: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot with the pork and sauce. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing or shredding. Serve with the flavourful sauce poured over the top.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 943Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 334mgSodium: 1827mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 109g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.