Slow Cooker Pork Roast

This delicious slow cooker pork roast dinner makes an excellent family meal. Juicy roast marinated with a garlic rosemary balsamic broth, and finished with carrots, tomatoes, and peppers. The heat can be intensified by throwing in some fresh peppers, or mellowed out by changing how the dinner is prepared.

Pork roasts are one of the simplest meats to cook due to the juicy and flavorful nature of the cut. We threw in some bacon to bring up the sweet, smoky flavor of the pork, added pepperoncini peppers for a rich heat. The roast cooks low and slow over several hours, maintaining a soft, juicy texture that is easy to enjoy and packed with flavor.

We love this dinner with a side of our soft dinner rolls, a scoop of homemade applesauce, or a fresh green salad.

We took the traditional slow cooker pork roast dinner and added a few unique twists. One of them being the addition of homemade “sun dried” tomatoes, and fresh garlic from our garden. The Italian herb flavor of the fresh sun dried tomatoes bring together the sweet and smoky nature of the meat.

Creating an aromatic broth with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and fresh rosemary is a nod to the classic slow cooker pork roast that we all know and love. It marries the familiar components with the less traditional additions of this recipe to build a robust dinner that is full of flavor.

Do you have to put liquid in a slow cooker with pork roast?

Although pork is a very juicy meat on its own, you do need the addition of some liquid while making slow cooker pork roast. The liquid will not only prevent the meat from drying out, but it will also act as a marinade, infusing more flavor and juice into the meat while it cooks.

Should I sear my pork roast before slow cooking it?

Searing or browning meat before slow cooking it is always a great idea. This will not only add more flavor from the crispy crust, but it will also help to lock in the natural juices of the meat which will keep it tender and delicious.

Searing only takes a few minutes on each side, and it is easy to do before transferring to the slow cooker. Some slow cooker even have the ability to be set on your stovetop and used to sear the meat, acting as an all-in-one kitchen tool.

Can I slow cook pork roast too long?

Yes, slow cooker pork roast can be cooked too long which will result in a dry interior and tough, chewy exterior. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the roast, as well as how hot your slow cooker heats.

On average, most 2 pound pork roast will slow cook in 7-8 hours on low heat, or 5 hours on high heat.

We used a hefty 3 pound roast for our slow cooker pork roast, and to ensure it fully cooked, it was sliced into 1″ steaks before being added to the slow cooker.

Should I marinate pork roast before slow cooking?

Marinating a pork roast before slow cooking is largely left to personal preference. Marinating can be done with a dry rub to create a flavorful crust before searing, a liquid marinate to help tenderize the meat and add more flavor, and a simple herb marinade to bring up the overall flavor.

What seasonings go well with pork?

Pork is a very easy meat to cook with and pairs well with an array of different spices, herbs, and condiments. We enjoy getting creative with simple slow cooker pork roast dinners by adding less traditional ingredients like we did in this recipe.

Pork goes well with brown sugars, mustards, vinegars, and stout beers. Aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander bring a robust punch to the sweet and savory meat; while familiar herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano bring comforting and homey flavors.

Our creativity led to the addition of sun dried tomatoes which have the familiar Italian herbed flavors. The marinated tomatoes bring a bold punch that we enjoyed so much.

By adding the fresh peppers, we brought some heat to the dish is always a welcomed balance with the sweet nature of pork.

What liquid is best to use for a slow cooker pork roast?

Broth is best to use when cooking meats. The broth will intensify the flavor of the meat while adding moisture. Chicken or vegetable broth or stock is the best choice to use for pork because the flavors are complimentary.

What goes well with slow cooker pork roast dinners?

Pork roast dinners are classic and traditional and can be enjoyed with a wide variety of sides. Here is a list of some of our favorite things to pair with your pork roast.

• Homemade rolls or breads
• Fresh green salads or pasta salads
• Mashed or baked potatoes
• Fresh applesauces
• Roasted vegetables
• Scalloped potatoes
• Slow cooker pork roast with gravy

Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe

This recipe is a creative spin on a classic pork roast dinner. It can be made as directed, or prepared to fit your own personal preferences. We love the addition of sun dried tomatoes and fresh peppers that balance out the sweet balsamic marinade.

Bacon can be omitted and more veggies or even potatoes can be added if you desire.

What are some other ways to use pork roast?

Because pork is so versatile and pleasing in both flavor and texture, it is an easy meat to prepare and use in a variety of ways with all kinds of different flavor profiles. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy a slow cooker pork roast.

• Pulled pork
• Asian dinners
• BBQ pork roast dinners
• Fajitas
• Shred it and add to a pasta dinner

Here is your Printable Crock Pot Recipe

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