How Long Do I Slow Cook A Pork Roast

This crock pot pork roast is tender pork loin simmered in a slow cooker in a rich and flavorful gravy.

This crock pot pork roast is tender pork loin simmered in a slow cooker in a rich and flavorful gravy. A quick and easy dinner option that always gets rave reviews!

I love to pull out my crock pot on busy days when I want to come home to dinner waiting for me. Some of my favorite recipes include slow cooker pot roast, crock pot BBQ chicken and this juicy and tender pork roast.

This crock pot pork roast is tender pork loin simmered in a slow cooker in a rich and flavorful gravy.

Crock pot pork loin sliced on a serving plate, garnished with herbs.

When I want an easy dinner that I know the whole family will love, I turn to this crock pot pork roast. The meat comes out perfectly every time, and pairs so well with potatoes and a vegetable for a complete meal.

How do you make crock pot pork roast?

The first step is to season your pork roast and sear it on the stove top before placing it in the crock pot. If you're short on time and don't want to brown your pork first, you can place the meat directly into the slow cooker and skip the searing step. I think it's really worth the additional time and effort because it adds a lot of extra flavor.

The pork goes into the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients including garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth and herbs. This forms the base of the gravy. The gravy is thickened at the end of the cooking time. Add a sprinkle of parsley, then serve and enjoy.

Bowls of herbs, spices and seasonings next to a piece of pork.

How long should you cook pork in a crock pot?

Different cuts of pork take different amounts of time to cook. This recipe calls for a pork loin, which cooks for about 6-8 hours on low heat. If you want your pork to be tender enough to shred, cook it for 8 hours. You can cook the pork for about 6 hours if you'd prefer to cut the meat into slices. You can also use a pork shoulder or pork butt roast for this recipe. This cut of meat is naturally not as tender as pork loin, and therefore takes longer to cook. You should plan to cook a pork shoulder for 8-10 hours on low heat.

A seared pork loin in a pan.

Tips for the perfect crock pot pork roast

I typically use a 6 quart round or oval crock pot as I've found it's the right size to fit pork loin. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you can cut the pork into segments to fit into the pot.
This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be frozen for 2 months.
You can add some vegetables such carrots and potatoes to the crock pot. Just be sure to cut them into large pieces so that they don't get overly soft after the long cooking time. If you prefer firmer veggies, add them halfway through the cooking time.
Use leftover pork in a sandwich, on top of a salad or diced and put into soup.

Pork in a slow cooker coated in sauce.

Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?

You can absolutely put raw pork in a slow cooker. Be sure that your meat is thawed before you place it in the crock pot. Frozen meat will take longer to come to a safe temperature and could pose a food safety risk.

How do you keep a pork roast from drying out in the crock pot?

The key to a tender and juicy pork roast is to make sure it's at least halfway submerged in liquid as it cooks. It's also important to place the roast fat side up in the pot. As the pork cooks, the fat will melt into the meat which will prevent it from getting dry.

Crock pot pork roast inside a slow coker with gravy, garnished with parsley.

Once you try this pork roast, you'll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It's easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company.

More crock pot classics

Slow Cooker Brisket
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Mississippi Pot Roast
Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Crock Pot Pork Roast Video

Crock Pot Pork Roast

This crock pot pork roast is tender pork loin simmered in a slow cooker in a rich and flavorful gravy. A quick and easy dinner option that always gets rave reviews!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Keyword crock pot pork roast, slow cooker pork roast

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 328 kcal

3 tablespoons olive oil divided use
3 pounds pork loin can also use pork shoulder or pork butt
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter cut into slices
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
Season the pork loin generously on all sides with the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Place the pork in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown.
Place the pork in a slow cooker. I recommend using a 6 quart pot. If you have a smaller crock pot, you can cut the roast into segments to fit into the pot.
In a medium bowl, mix together the last tablespoon of olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and minced garlic.
Pour the chicken broth mixture over the pork. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
Remove the pork from the crock pot. Place the meat on a plate and cover to keep warm.
Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small pot. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and bring to a boil.
Cook for 1 minute, or until sauce has started to thicken.
Add the butter to the pot and stir until it has melted. Take the pot off the heat.
Slice or shred the cooked pork and drizzle the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.