Crock Pot Pork Roast Recipe
This recipe provides a straightforward method for a Crock Pot Pork Roast. A boneless pork loin is slow-cooked with a medley of root vegetables including potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, all simmered in water. The result is a tender, comforting main course ideal for a hands-off, flavorful meal suitable for a family dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot Slow cooker
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Vegetable Peeler (for potatoes)
- 1 Measuring Cup
Ingredients
Main
- 3 lb pork fresh , loin , center rib roast, boneless
- 6 medium potatoes
- 1 1/2 medium onion
- 20 baby carrots
- 4 celery stalks
- 5 cups water
Instructions
- Wash and prepare vegetables: Peel and chop potatoes into large, uniform chunks. Dice onions and celery. Ensure baby carrots are clean.
- Season the pork: Pat the boneless pork loin dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- (Optional but recommended) Sear pork: In a hot skillet, sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown. This builds a deeper flavor profile.
- Layer vegetables: Place the chopped potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
- Position pork: Place the seasoned and seared (or unseared) pork loin directly on top of the vegetable bed.
- Add liquid: Pour the 5 cups of water (or low-sodium broth for enhanced flavor) into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the bottom ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Check internal temperature: Verify the pork has reached a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.
- Rest and shred/slice: Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the vegetables and cooking liquid, adjust seasoning as needed, then serve the pork with the tender vegetables and broth.
Notes
To elevate this simple recipe, consider searing the pork loin on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker; this develops a rich, savory crust through the Maillard reaction. Crucially, the recipe omits seasoning, so generously season the pork and vegetables with salt, black pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic powder or onion powder. For enhanced flavor beyond just water, a low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth can replace some or all of the water. Cut potatoes into larger, uniform pieces to prevent them from becoming mushy during the long cooking time. For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving adds color and freshness. Always let the pork rest after cooking to retain juices for maximum tenderness.