There’s nothing quite like coming home from a long day at work to the delicious aroma of a perfectly cooked pork roast waiting for you in the crock pot. This classic comfort food is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to meal prep for the week, a pork roast in a crock pot is a great option. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a mouth-watering pork roast that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound pork roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)
- Optional: vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery
Instructions:
Prep the Pork Roast
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prep your pork roast properly:
- Trim excess fat: Trim any excess fat from the pork roast to prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Season: Rub the pork roast with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs for added flavor.
Sear the Pork Roast
Searing the pork roast before placing it in the crock pot helps lock in flavor:
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast: Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Prepare the Crock Pot
Prepare your crock pot for cooking:
- Add aromatics: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add broth: Pour chicken or beef broth into the crock pot to keep the pork roast moist.
Cook the Pork Roast
Cooking the pork roast low and slow is key to tender and juicy meat:
- Place the roast: Place the seared pork roast in the crock pot on top of the onions and garlic.
- Add vegetables: If desired, add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery around the roast for a complete meal.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork roast is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Rest and Serve
Allow the pork roast to rest before serving:
- Rest: Once cooked, let the pork roast rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pork roast against the grain and serve with the vegetables and juices from the crock pot.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choose the right cut: Opt for a pork roast cut with marbling for juicier meat.
- Don’t lift the lid: Avoid lifting the lid of the crock pot during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
- Add flavor: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to customize the flavor of your pork roast.
- Meal prep: Cook a larger pork roast to have leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or tacos throughout the week.
Conclusion:
Cooking a pork roast in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort. By following these steps and tips, you can create a mouth-watering pork roast that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings and accompaniments to customize your pork roast to your liking. So, dust off your crock pot and get cooking!
