Slow Cooker Pork Roast made with simple ingredients, ready to cook in minutes! Fall-apart tender pork with a flavorful gravy on top make this crock pot pork recipe amazing. Now with Instant Pot instructions!
Crock Pot Pork Roast made with broth, balsamic vinegar for a great boost of flavor, soy sauce, honey and garlic. This crock pot pork dinner goes together in minutes and is made in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. The gravy is made with the juice that cooks off the roast too. It’s moist and flavorful and perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Updated with nutrition information!
Easy Slow Cooker Pork dinner
Today I’m bringing you a delicious dinner that cooks to perfection in the crockpot! Don’t you love meals like that? I know I do. Just a handful of ingredients and you can practically forget about it. I served this pork roast with brown rice and a side of green beans. Healthy, easy to make and minimal effort. I’ve used bone-in pork roast as well as boneless pork roasts and I think they’re both amazing. I tend to use the boneless variety more often because I buy them in bulk at Costco.
How long does it take to slow cook pork?
When you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker, how long you cook it for depends on how large your roast is. I use a small 3-4 pound boneless pork roast for this recipe and I like to cook it in a slow cooker on LOW for 10-12 hours. You can cook it on HIGH for 6-8 hours, but I think the texture and flavor is better when you cook it on low.
I cook this Pork Roast recipe in a 4.5 quart basic crock pot. (Basic but so pretty!)
Can I make Pork Roast in an Instant Pot?
Yes! I’ve also begun making this in my Instant Pot and it’s AMAZING. It’s quite a bit faster than using a Slow Cooker (it takes about 2 hours total!) and I think I like the results even more! I use a small, 2-lb Pork Sirloin Tip Roast from Costco and add the remaining ingredients. It’s fall apart tender and so flavorful! Instant Pot instructions included below- I’ve even made it in my baby 3-qt Instant Pot with great success! Scroll down to find the full instructions.
Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this recipe:
— PORK ROAST: You’ll need a 3-4 lb pork roast of any type, really. Sometimes I use a boneless pork roast from Costco. Other times I use a larger, bone-in roast from the grocery store. Both work well! If you do use a bone-in roast, it can be larger, because of course, the bone has some weight.
— BROTH: You’ll add 1 cup broth to the slow cooker. My favorite to use is chicken broth, but you can use vegetable broth if you prefer.
— FLAVOR: To add flavor, we use 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2-4 TBSP honey and 2 tsp minced garlic. Feel free to adjust to your liking, using more honey or less depending if you like sweeter recipes or not.
— THICKENING AGENT: To thicken the gravy, we use 2 tsp cornstarch at the end of the recipe.
How to make this Crock Pot Pork Roast recipe
First I spray my crock pot with non stick spray. Place your boneless pork roast in your crock pot.
Measure all of the remaining ingredients except the cornstarch in a 2 cup measuring cup. I prefer to use chicken broth, but you can also use vegetable broth or even beef broth if you’d like.
Whisk the sauce ingredients and then pour over the pork roast. Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-12 hours.
When the roast is done, strain out about 1/4 cup of the liquid into a separate bowl and stir the cornstarch into that liquid.
Add about 1/2 cup additional juice from the crockpot and microwave for about 1 minute. Taste the gravy and add water as needed.
Use tongs to pull the pork roast out from the crockpot and onto a serving plate. I like to shred the roast and drizzle some gravy on and serve with additional gravy.
How do you cook a Pork Roast in an Instant Pot?
Place Pork Roast roast in Instant Pot. Combine remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) in a small bowl, increasing broth from 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups. Whisk together and pour over roast.
Lock lid on and set Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 65 minutes (for a 2-lb Sirloin Tip Roast that was fall-apart tender. Add 10 minutes per additional pound of pork roast.)
When timer beeps, let it Natural Pressure Release.
Remove lid and ladle out about 1/4 cup of the juice and strain into a measuring cup.
Whisk in 2 tsp cornstarch. Add in additional juice to make 1 cup.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds and whisk again. Drizzle sauce over meat prior to serving.
Can I use a pork loin roast in place of a pork roast in this slow cooker recipe?
Pork loin comes from a different section of the pig as a pork roast does. It’s a longer, thinner piece of meat and it’s very tender. I think the flavors in this recipe would work beautifully for a pork loin, I’d just decrease the cooking time to 4-5 hours.
How to make pork roast gravy
This recipe includes broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey and garlic not only to flavor the pork, but also to make a delicious base for gravy! Prior to serving, ladle out about 1/4 cup of the juice in the crock pot and strain into a measuring cup. I like to strain it to remove all the bits and pieces the pork meat gives off as it cooks. It’s not necessary, but I like to have a smooth gravy. Whisk in 2 tsp cornstarch. Add in enough juice to make 1 cup. Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent.Microwave on high for 30 seconds and whisk again. Drizzle sauce over meat prior to serving.
You can use flour if you’d prefer, but I’d switch to heating the gravy in a small saucepan on the stove (instead of using the microwave like the directions indicate) so that you can whisk continually to smooth out the flour lumps.
Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Ingredients
- 2-4 lb pork roast
- 1 cup broth
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2-4 TBSP honey
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
How to cook a pork roast in a slow cooker
- Place roast in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) in a 2-cup measuring cup. Whisk together and pour over roast.
- Cook on low 10-12 hours for that fall-apart, insanely tender type of meat. (Or on high 6-8 hours.)
- Prior to serving, ladle out about 1/4 cup of the juice in the crock pot and strain into a measuring cup.
- Whisk in 2 tsp cornstarch. Add in enough juice to make 1 cup.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds and whisk again. Drizzle sauce over meat prior to serving.
How to cook a Pork Roast in an Instant Pot
- Place Pork Roast roast in Instant Pot. Combine remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) in a small bowl, increasing broth from 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups. Whisk together and pour over roast.
- Lock lid on and set Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 65 minutes (for a 2-lb Sirloin Tip Roast that was fall-apart tender. Add 10 minutes per additional pound of pork roast.)
- When timer beeps, let it Natural Pressure Release.
- Remove lid and ladle out about 1/4 cup of the juice and strain into a measuring cup.
- Whisk in 2 tsp cornstarch. Add in additional juice to make 1 cup.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds and whisk again. Drizzle sauce over meat prior to serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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What to serve with pork roast?
I like to serve this pork roast with other comfort food favorites like Alfredo Potatoes, fresh Buttermilk Bread or Creamy Parmesan Potatoes and Peas. Finish off with Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert!
Can I add vegetables to this pork roast recipe?
There is a lot of moist flavor in this recipe so I think adding vegetables is a great idea! I’d cut the vegetables in larger pieces and add them after the pork has been able to cook for a few hours. Vegetables like quartered potatoes (or whole baby red potatoes) and carrots would be fantastic. I also think adding chunks of cabbage would be delicious; I’d just add in a teaspoon of brown sugar to compensate for the bitter flavor that cabbage has. Have you added vegetables to this slow cooker pork roast recipe before? I’d love to hear what vegetables you added and how it turned out!
What broth do you cook a pork roast in?
Several people have asked what type of broth to use in this recipe. I really think you can use any broth you have on hand! Just to experiment, I’ve used chicken broth, beef broth and even vegetable broth. All were wonderful! The other flavors in the recipe are much stronger than the flavor of the broth, so even with the slight taste differences in each broth, the end results were very, very similar. I most often use chicken broth because I have that on hand in my pantry all the time.
Looking for more Pork recipes? Check these out:
- Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade recipe
- Sausage Potato Boat Recipe
- Easy Lil Smokies & Meatballs Recipe
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
- Crock Pot Ham Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Recipe
- Grilled Italian Sausage Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin Filet Recipe
- Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Crock Pot Pork Roast made with broth, balsamic vinegar for a great boost of flavor, soy sauce, honey and garlic. This crock pot pork goes together fast and is made in your slow cooker. The gravy is made with the juice that cooks off the roast too. It’s moist and flavorful and perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
SHELLEY says
Made this tonight. Turned out great. I used a small boneless pork loin. I added carrots, celery and onion. I also added rosemary, thyme and black pepper. I was wondering if I could double the amount of liquids in order to have more gravy?
Jessica says
Hi Shelley! So glad you liked it. YES, you can double the liquids to have more gravy!
Stacey Gregory says
I made this today, so delish and easy! Thank you!
DonnaLynn Garrity says
I loved the recipe but I cooked roast for 6 hours and it was not fall apart roast and the potatoes were still slightly hard also I made the sauce just as the recipe called for and it was very thin. I have a?? If you have a slow cooker/pressure cooker can you take the inside line pot out and cook that way?? Was wondering if that why roast was not fall apart ready. The roast was only 5 lbs.
Jessica says
The recipe states: “When you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker, how long you cook it for depends on how large your roast is. I use a small 3-4 pound boneless pork roast for this recipe and I like to cook it in a slow cooker on LOW for 10-12 hours. You can cook it on HIGH for 6-8 hours, but I think the texture and flavor is better when you cook it on low.”
So your roast was 1-1.5 pounds larger than the one I used and you cooked it for the minimum amount of time. So you didn’t cook it long enough to be fall apart tender.
Tina Howell says
I don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand. Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar for another ingredient perhaps?
Alison says
Tina, you can use 1 tbl of cider or red wine vinegar plus 1/2 tsp of sugar to substitute for every 1 tbl of Balsamic Vinegar the recipe calls for!
Laura Rojano says
Hello! Making this now, it smells so good. I am doing low for 10 hours. When should I add the potatoes and carrots? That last 2 hours or 1 hour?
Jessica says
It really depends on how big the carrots and potatoes are cut. I’d say during the final 3-4 hours should be fine!
Angela says
I’m going to try this today in my new instant pot! Any chance you can tell me how much time to tack on for a 3 lb roast? Should I assume 30 min per lb or is that too much?
Tammy says
Trying this in my instant pot. We were out of soy sauce so I’m using teriyaki. 4.33 lbs so doing 90 minutes. Hope it’s yummy!
Chris says
This was delicious. Followed the recipe to a tee and my pork turned out tender and flavorful. Thanks for the great recipe!
Alison says
Chris, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this!
Felicia says
This recipe sounds great and I can’t wait to try it. I was wondering if xanthan gum could replace the cornstarch for a keto diet? I assume I’d need to whisk it in a sauce pot on the stove like you suggested for using flour.
Jessica says
I have zero experience with xanthan gum, but let me know if you try it!
Sheila A Pence says
Making pork roast tonight.
Alison says
Enjoy!
Peg says
Best pork roast I ever made! I didn’t have the balsamic vinegar so I just left it out, the roast was still yummy!
Alison says
Peg, great to know it works both ways! Glad you enjoyed this recipe, we love it at our house too!
Victoria says
So excited to try this but my son has a soy allergy… any thoughts on something I can use other than soy?
Jessica says
I’m honestly not sure- did you try doing a web search on alternatives?
Trish Zwakenberg says
Try coconut aminos.
Lara says
I use coconut aminos in place of soy its made the same way. soy sauce is made from fermenting the soy and coco aminos is fermented coconut. so they say it comes out similar flavor. i dont like soy but like coco aminos. just make sure that its not made with soy. i use a brand called big tree farms. its jsut strictly coconut blossom nectar, water, and balinese sea salt. love that in place of soy bc i too cant have soy.
Jessica says
Good to know Lara! I actually bought a bottle of coconut aminos and haven’t tried it yet- I should!
Jan says
It was so delicious, followed recipe except I added chopped onions. Cooked for 10 1/2 hours, which worked out perfectly for a long day at worked. I used an immersion blender on the leftover liquid and thickened lightly with the cornstarch. Again, just so good!
Alison says
Jan, so glad you enjoyed this!
Quick Lean Keto Review says
Awesome information indeed. We have been waiting for this tips.
Alison says
Glad this helps!
Tammy says
Just put this in my instant pot but not going to serve until tomorrow night. If you were me, would you shred tonight and make the gravy and add the gravy tonight?
Karen says
This was a very simple and delicious recipe. I had all the ingredients on hand. I did have the opportunity to simmer it overnight- very flavorful and tender. This is now in my recipe box!
Alison says
Karen, I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! It’s a regular go-to recipe for us as well! Thanks for your kind words!
Alena says
4.6 pound bone-in roast was overdone and dry after 10 hrs on low. Disappointing, but boyfriend says “it tastes like it would be good.” :/
Jessica says
Really? Wow. That’s so surprising- that’s a super standard time for bone-in roast of that size. Did you use a smaller, round crock pot?
Penny Axtman says
The flavor of this was really great, and the recipe so easy! Thanks!
Alison says
Thanks Penny!
Brittney Pulford says
I used this recipe to make the best pulled pork I’ve ever eaten. I make it exactly the way you say, except at the end. I use the 1 cup of strained juice and cornstarch to make gravy in a pan on the stove and then add in 1 cup of my favorite bbq sauce and whisk until sauce is thick.
I shred the pork in the crock pot while removing the fat/gristle, mix in the gravy/bbq sauce mix, and serve on a bun. Was absolutely fantastic! This is now my go-to pork recipe.
Brittney says
Sorry, I forgot to add that the one other change was that I used a pork shoulder instead of a pork roast because it was cheap and on sale at the time.
Alison says
Brittney, I love what you added, it sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Roma Cowan says
I’m cooking A port tenderloin in my crockpot now. You advised a pork tenderloin should be cooked 4 to 5 hours but is