Crockpot Pork Roast

Just 5 ingredients transform into the most tender, flavorful Crockpot Pork Roast you’ve ever tasted! This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this slow cooker recipe delivers rich flavors and an incredibly juicy roast that will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples are needed to create this delicious dish.
• Hands-Free Cooking: Set it and forget it! Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Flavorful Results: The combination of seasoning and broth infuses the meat with incredible flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers; shred the pork for sandwiches or salads throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With 12 servings, this roast is ideal for gatherings, ensuring there’s plenty to go around.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart)
• Cooking spray
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It cooks the pork evenly and retains moisture.
• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl allows you to easily combine seasonings before applying them to your roast.
• Forks: These are invaluable for shredding the pork once it’s cooked, helping to create perfect bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

Just 5 ingredients transform into the most tender, flavorful pork roast you’ve ever tasted! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Main Ingredients

• 5 pound pork shoulder roast
• 2 large sweet onions (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning Mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chicken broth

Additional Ingredients

• Baby potatoes
• Carrots
• Fresh herbs
• Black pepper
• Garlic cloves

How to Make Crockpot Pork Roast

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

1. Grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer sliced onions in the bottom of the cooker for added flavor.

Step 2: Season the Meat

1. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Mix the McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning Mix with salt in a bowl.
3. Rub this seasoning blend all over the pork roast, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker.
2. Carefully pour chicken broth around the roast without pouring it directly over the top to maintain seasoning.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on HIGH for 6-7 hours or LOW for 9-10 hours until fork-tender.
2. The meat should pull apart easily when done.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Shred the meat using forks, discarding any large fat pieces before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Crockpot Pork Roast with your favorite sides or as part of various meals throughout the week!

How to Serve Crockpot Pork Roast

Serving your Crockpot Pork Roast can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this tender, flavorful dish with family and friends.

Sandwiches

• Create hearty sandwiches using shredded pork, topped with coleslaw and BBQ sauce on a fresh bun.

Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with shredded pork, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.

Salad Topping

• Add warm shredded pork to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a satisfying salad.

Rice Bowl

• Serve the pork over rice, drizzle with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, and add steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Mashed Potatoes

• Pile the shredded pork on top of creamy mashed potatoes, adding gravy for extra flavor.

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How to Perfect Crockpot Pork Roast

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Pork Roast involves a few key tips that enhance flavor and texture. Follow these suggestions for best results.

• Choose the right cut: A pork shoulder roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during cooking.
• Season well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Rub the pork generously with spices to maximize flavor throughout the roast.
• Layer wisely: Placing onions at the bottom of the cooker not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat elevated for even cooking.
• Monitor cooking time: Cooking on LOW allows more time for flavors to meld; if you’re in a hurry, HIGH works too but check earlier for doneness.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Pork Roast

Pairing your Crockpot Pork Roast with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Toss carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers in olive oil and roast until tender.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds crunch alongside the rich pork.
3. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up juices from your pork roast.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer a wonderful contrast to the richness of the roast.
5. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide a light yet flavorful side.
6. Creamy Polenta: Soft polenta creates a comforting base that pairs beautifully with shredded pork.
7. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is great for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
8. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad adds a nice cool balance to warm roasted meat dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking is a simple method, but there are common mistakes that can affect your Crockpot Pork Roast. Here’s how to ensure success.

• Bold Seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland meat. Always rub the seasoning mix generously over the pork roast for maximum flavor.
• Bold Cooking Temperature: Cooking on the wrong temperature can ruin your roast. Ensure you use HIGH for 6-7 hours or LOW for 9-10 hours, depending on your schedule.
• Bold Adding Liquid Over Meat: Pouring broth over the top of the roast can wash away seasoning. Instead, pour it around the meat to retain flavor.
• Bold Not Resting Meat: Skipping the resting time makes the meat less juicy. Let your roast rest for at least 10 minutes before shredding.
• Bold Ignoring Doneness: Cooking times vary; always check if the meat pulls apart easily with a fork to confirm it’s done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Pork Roast

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store portions.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Pork Roast

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pork in a baking dish and cover with foil for even heating.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cuts of pork work best for Crockpot Pork Roast?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling, making it tender after slow cooking.

Can I use other seasonings for my Crockpot Pork Roast?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or herbs according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to cook a Crockpot Pork Roast?

Cooking times typically range from 6-7 hours on HIGH or 9-10 hours on LOW, depending on the size of your roast.

Can I add vegetables directly into my Crockpot with the pork?

Yes! Adding baby potatoes and carrots enhances flavor and makes for a complete meal cooked together.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pork Roast recipe is not only tender and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on what you have available. Enjoy this effortless dish for family dinners or meal prep!