Slow Cooker Pork Roast So Easy It’s Genius

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This slow cooker pork roast is the perfect meal. Let me show you how you can have this seasoned juicy roast on your table for a simple weeknight dinner.

Plate with roasted meat, sliced carrots, and potatoes on a fabric mat. Fork and knife placed beside the plate.

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Are you looking for another great easy weeknight meal option? This slow cooker pork roast is an absolute must for your dinner table. It is made in the slow cooker so clean up is minimal and very easy. Cooking this pork shoulder is simple because all the ingredients can be dumped in before work and this wonderful appliance does the rest

The savory aromas will fill the whole house, and this is so nice to come back home too. The seasoned juicy roast combined with the fragrant, hearty vegetables makes for a satisfying and filling meal. I love how the slow cooker allows the meat to fall apart lending to the tender and juicy flavors that have been infused through it.

This pork roast in a slow cooker is a fantastic one pot meal all by itself. If you are looking to add a little more to it, you can throw in your favorite vegetables to make it even heartier. This butternut squash or brussels sprouts would make great add-ins this time of year.

If you are looking for more easy weeknight meals that can be made in the slow cooker, check out my slow cooker beef tips, slow cooker pork loin and this delicious slow cooker pepper steak.

Ingredients

Pork roast: I use a 4 pound pork shoulder. This is the perfect size for 2 people. You can use a boneless or bone-in, but the shoulder cut provides juicy flavor without drying out in the slow cooker.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor and depth to the roast and vegetables. I recommend a low sodium variety so that you can adjust the salt content of this recipe.
Potato: Only one medium potato is needed. Use a sturdy potato such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes to hold up in the slow cooker.
Carrot: Just one is used that is peeled and chopped.
Olive oil: For searing the roast before putting into the slow cooker.
Seasonings: Ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic and onion powder.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Let’s start by gathering our seasonings and roast to sear. Then follow the steps to finish cooking in the slow cooker.

A seasoned raw pork roast in a speckled white dish on a burlap mat.

Season pork roast with ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

A browned piece of meat in a frying pan on a textured surface.

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork roast on all sides until browned.

A slow cooker filled with sliced carrots and potato wedges in broth on a textured cloth background.

Transfer the pork roast to a slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, and chicken broth.

A top view of a slow-cooked pork roast with sliced carrots and potatoes in a black crockpot.

Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender and can be easily cut.

Hint: cooking on low for 8 to 10 hours instead of a shorter cooking time on high will ensure the meat comes out tender and juicy.

Variations

Add fresh herbs: You can add in fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage and cilantro to elevate the flavors even more.
Add a sauce or glaze: This pork roast is a blank masterpiece so you can leave and enjoy from the slow cooker, or you can add your own sauce or glaze to it. Some options would be BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, or balsamic vinegar to change the flavor profile.
Add gravy. Try this brown gravy or any homemade gravy recipe you have.
Add different vegetables: You can use whatever you have on hand or add to the potatoes and carrots. Some vegetable suggestions would be onions, parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash or celery.
Change the broth: You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable or beef broth.

Plate with sliced roast pork, carrots, and potatoes in front of a slow cooker.

Tips

Top tip: Don’t skip searing the pork. This step helps add flavors to the meat while cooking since the slow cooker alone can’t do this.

Season generously. Season the meat to your liking. Adjust as needed.
Use a low sodium broth. This allows you to adjust the salt contents of this recipe.
Cook on low. This is ideal as it gives the meat time to cook and the flavors to infuse. If you are in a rush, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, just make sure roast done by using a meat thermometer.
Check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F for optimal tenderness but 195 to 205°F for shredding.

Sliced roasted pork with brown edges, served with sliced carrots and potatoes.

Serving suggestions

This slow cooker pork roast can be a complete meal by itself especially with the vegetables added in or you can build upon it even more. Personally, I love to add a little brown gravy overtop the roast to enjoy with the potatoes and carrots.

Along with the gravy, bread accompanies this roast perfectly. I like pairing with these buttermilk biscuits or these yeast rolls.

If you are looking for a hearty meal, I’d suggest enjoying with a few more sides. This mac and cheese tastes amazing with the roast in a slow cooker. You might also enjoy a side of butternut squash or these garlic butter green beans to go along with it.To finish off this meal, try this apple crisp or this decadent coconut panna cotta. The sweetness from these desserts tastes wonderful after a savory meal.

Storage

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place pork shoulder in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 1 month. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the carrots and potatoes as they can get mushy after being frozen.

Reheat any leftovers on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What to use if I can’t find a pork shoulder?

I would recommend using a beef chuck roast. A pork loin or tenderloin is going to be too lean and will not do well in the slow cooker.

Do I have to sear the meat before putting in the slow cooker?

While it is not necessary, I would not skip this step. Searing the meat first aids in the delicious flavors of the roast.

How do I make sure to keep the roast juicy?

There are a few ways that can keep the roast moist. Make sure to use enough broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for longer time to prevent it from drying out. Lastly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

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Slow Cooker Pork Roast