Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Featured in: Cozy Slow Cooker Family Meals

This Slow Cooker Pork Roast brings together melt-in-your-mouth pork, aromatic garlic and herbs, and a rich, savory gravy that forms right in the pot. Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Serve this tender, juicy roast with fluffy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Whether you’re planning a comforting Sunday dinner, an easy holiday main, or a busy weeknight meal, this recipe proves that the best slow cooker pork recipes don’t need to be complicated. Just a few simple ingredients, low and slow heat, and you’ll have a flavorful roast everyone will ask for again.

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By Amanda

Updated on Sat, 01 Nov 2025

Hi! I’m Amanda, and my goal is to help you make quick and easy recipes for every occasion. Here you will find inspiration, information, and delicious easy recipes that are tested, perfected, and with simple step-by-step instructions, photos, and videos.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fall-apart tender Slow Cooker Pork Roast with almost no prep work.
Elevated enough for holidays but simple enough for any weeknight.
One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Flexible base recipe that works with potatoes, sweet potatoes, or veggies.

I first made this slow cooker pork roast for a cozy Sunday dinner, and it quickly turned into a regular request from my family. The aroma that fills the house as it cooks low and slow is incredible—savory, garlicky, and rich. The pork turns silky and tender, soaking up every drop of flavorful broth, and the simple gravy is perfect spooned over a pile of creamy potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.

With just a few pantry ingredients and your slow cooker doing all the work, this is the kind of meal that makes weeknights easier and holidays more relaxing. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make it perfect every time.

Ingredients

Pork Roast

3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt: well-marbled for the most tender slow cooker pork roast.
1 large onion, sliced: creates a flavorful bed for the pork.
4 garlic cloves, minced: adds warmth and depth.
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth: keeps the roast moist and becomes the base for your gravy.
2 tbsp soy sauce: boosts umami and richness.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: adds a subtle tangy savoriness.
1 tbsp olive oil: helps the seasonings stick and aids browning.
1 tsp smoked paprika: gentle smokiness and color.
1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried rosemary: classic herb pairing for pork.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Optional Vegetables

Carrots, chopped: for sweetness and color.
Baby potatoes or cubed potatoes: turn this into a complete one-pot meal.
Celery stalks, sliced: adds classic pot roast flavor.

Optional Finishing Touches

1–2 tbsp cornstarch + cold water: for thickening the gravy.
Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish.

For more cozy sides to pair with this dish, explore our Sweet Potato Recipes on 3recipes.com.

Instructions

Prep the Pork Roast

Step 01

Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.

Step 02

Optional but recommended: heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor to your slow cooker pork roast.

Build the Slow Cooker Base

Step 03

Add sliced onions, garlic, and any chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery) to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 04

Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the vegetables. In a measuring jug, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour around (not directly over) the roast.

Slow Cook & Serve

Step 05

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.

Step 06

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred or slice. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. If you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk cornstarch with a little cold water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 07

Return the pork to the slow cooker or serve directly on a platter with the vegetables. Spoon gravy over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.

💡 You Must Know

Pork shoulder (or butt) is the best cut for ultra-tender slow cooker pork roast.
Browning the pork first gives the gravy a deeper, richer flavor.
Keep the lid closed while cooking to maintain steady heat and moisture.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pork and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep everything moist.

For longer storage, place cooled pork (with some gravy) in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until steaming hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pork shoulder: can be swapped for pork loin, but it will be leaner and slightly less tender.
Broth: use vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Soy sauce: tamari or coconut aminos work for a gluten-free option.
Vegetables: swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter pairing.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker pork roast is wonderful served with:

Creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Buttered rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.

Cultural Context

Pork roast has long been a classic centerpiece for family dinners and celebratory meals in many cultures. The slow cooker version is a more modern twist that brings those same comforting flavors into a busy kitchen, no oven required. By combining simple pantry ingredients with low-and-slow cooking, this recipe makes special-occasion taste accessible on any day of the week.

💡 Pro Tips

Use a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder so your slow cooker pork roast stays juicy.
Don’t add too much liquid—pork releases moisture as it cooks.
Let the roast rest for 5–10 minutes before shredding for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my slow cooker pork roast from drying out?

Choose a fattier cut like pork shoulder, avoid overcooking, and cook on LOW when possible. Keeping some liquid in the slow cooker also helps lock in moisture.

Can I prepare the roast the night before?

Yes. Season the pork, place it in the slow cooker insert with the onions and garlic, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, add the liquids and cook as directed.

Do I have to sear the meat first?

Searing isn’t mandatory, but it does add deeper flavor and color. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still get a delicious slow cooker pork roast.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with pork roast?

Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread all pair beautifully with the rich gravy from this roast.

Helpful Resources

Slow Cooker Pork Roast (Tender & Juicy)

Fall-apart tender Slow Cooker Pork Roast with rich savory gravy — a cozy, hands-off dinner everyone loves.

⏱️ Prep: 15 mins 🔥 Cook: 8 hrs 🧮 Total: 8 hrs 15 mins

👩🏻‍🍳 By: Amanda

🗂️ Category: Slow Cooker, Main Dish

🧭 Difficulty: Easy

🌎 Cuisine: American Comfort Food

🍽️ Yield: 6 servings

🥗 Dietary: Gluten-free option

🧾 Ingredients

— Pork Roast

3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt
1 large onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

— Optional Vegetables

3–4 carrots, chopped into large pieces
1 lb baby potatoes or cubed potatoes
2 celery stalks, sliced

— To Finish (Optional)

1–2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with cold water (for thickening gravy)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

👣 Instructions

Step 01 Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.
Step 02 Optional but recommended: sear the pork in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until browned for extra flavor.
Step 03 Add sliced onion, garlic, and any vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery) to the bottom of the slow cooker to form a flavorful base.
Step 04 Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the vegetables. Whisk together broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour around the roast.
Step 05 Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours, until the Slow Cooker Pork Roast is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Step 06 Transfer pork to a cutting board and shred or slice. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 07 Return pork to the slow cooker or arrange on a serving platter with vegetables. Spoon gravy over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

📝 Notes

For the juiciest Slow Cooker Pork Roast, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder and cook on LOW whenever possible. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends the cook time. Taste the gravy at the end and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

5–7 quart slow cooker
Large skillet (for optional searing)
Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or forks for shredding

⚠️ Allergy Information

Contains soy (from soy sauce) and may contain gluten depending on the brands of soy sauce and Worcestershire used. For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free tamari and sauces, and always check labels for hidden allergens.

🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 380

Protein: 35 g

Fat: 22 g

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Sugar: 2 g

Sodium: 520 mg

Cholesterol: 110 mg

Values are estimates and vary by ingredients.

If you make this Slow Cooker Pork Roast, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Please ⭐ rate the recipe, 💬 leave a comment below, and 📌 share it with friends or on Pinterest so more people can enjoy this cozy dinner.

Slow Cooker Pork Roast | Juicy & Easy Dinner

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe