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.
Trish says
Delicious and tender!
Alison says
Thanks Trish!
Dianne Refsland says
i do not have balsamic
vinegar but do have a garlic blend will this work”
Jessica says
I’m not sure Dianne, but it’s worth a shot? I love garlic…
Allison says
Hello! If I am using a 7-8 pount roast (or two smaller roasts), would you recommend I double all the other ingredients?
Jessica says
I think that would be a good idea, yes!
Stacey says
Can you use flour to thicken instead of cornstarch?
Jessica says
Yes, you can!
Jane says
I had a 3.5# pork loin roast I wanted to make in a slow cooker and shred. I found this and the recipe looked great and I made it exactly as written. I have to say that I really don’t like the taste of the broth/liquid cooking mixture. I think it’s the Balsamic. It’s just got a strange, sour taste to it. I couldn’t think what to add to make it taste better. I can’t go with BBQ sauce because I have a tomato allergy. I ended up adding – and I know this sounds really strange – but about 8 oz. of grape jelly. I melted it and then mixed it into the remaining brother mixture after everything was cooked. I think it will be ok. Not great but at least not that sour taste – I usually like anything with vinegar so I don’t know why this just didn’t do it. I really wanted to love it. Sorry.
Jessica says
Interesting idea! In the future, just add a bit more honey. 😉
Elaine says
No but I have a person who is allergic to Honey. What do I use instead
Jessica says
Can you use maple syrup or agave?
Sonia Schlegel Sears says
I used brown sugar!!
Ataraxia Muse says
This exactly the recipe I was looking for- A slow-cooked pork roast for the fall apart savory dinner my family loves! I have searched for a hot minute and thankfully I found this recipe! Going to start and make it now for dinner tonight! I am really excited!
Lindsay says
Did you sear the roast first?
Jessica says
Depends on how on top of things I am! 😉 I do love the taste of a seared roast prior to slow cooking, but I truly only do it about half the time.
Rio says
So good! I served it on a bed of buttered brown rice and with some corn and green beans.
Deanna says
This was absolutely delicious! Thank you for a recipe without bbq sauce.
Alison says
You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Stephanie Miller says
The roast was tender due to the slow cooker process, but the sauce is a bitter… I don’t know… It just wasn’t my thing.
Jessica says
Add more honey!
Chris Malcheski says
For us, this was one of those very, very rare OOO MMM GGG IS THIS GOOD recipes. Everything about it is as-advertised. Beyond delish!!!!
Nellie says
So glad you enjoyed it Chris!
Peter says
I have just put my slow cooker on and tweaked the ingredients up to coincide with what I have in the panty. I’ve swapped out minced garlic for garlic powder because I used the last of it the other day and haven’t been to the shops and I swapped honey for maple syrup. Everything else remains unchanged. I’m looking forward to seeing how this pans out.
I have mastered and use your basic white bread recipe as well so was rapt to see this recipe was one of yours. With the bread, I halve the sugar and add the flour one cup at a time and mix (usually about 5 cups) and the bread comes out perfect every time.
Thanks for sharing what you do.
Alison says
Thank you so much Peter! It is so great to hear that you have tried and enjoyed multiple recipes!
Scott Komondor says
This was absolutely amazing. The only thing I added was half an onion cut up in a food processor and I seared the outside of the pork tenderloin . I used an instant pot saute setting to sear the roast then set it on high and 65 minutes. Let it naturally vent for about 10 minutes then manually vented it. The pork completely fell apart. I could barely cut some of it. It was just falling apart, and the gravy. WOW! So much flavor, was out of this world delicious.
Thank you.
Scott
Alison says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one Scott!
Truediamond says
I made this recipe for 2020 Easter dinner and it was delicious!!
I did read the comments so I put 1/4 cup of honey with a couple of extra squirts, poured the balsamic vinegar not all the way upto 1/4cup.
I used 2 3 to 4 pound pork loin roasts and cooked on low 7 hours.
My sides were homeade green bean casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, penne with cheese sauce and rolls!!!
Thank you so much for your fantastic recipe
Nellie says
Sounds like a yummy dinner! So glad you enjoyed the roast!
Cortney Witmer says
I honestly think this recipe turned out better than the pork BBQ place in town. I’m amazed, my family is amazed, it’s just amazing. The cornstarch gravy in the microwave was a life hack for the books. And what’s crazy is that I keep finding myself here at your website with amazing, accurate, blow it out of the water results.
Kaylie says
So glad you and your family like it! Thank you, Cortney!
Carol Biondo says
Making it for tomorrow so if I don’t have balsamic what can I use. I do have balsamic glaze and I do have other vinegars, apple cider, rice, white and red wine. Would anything else work?
Thank you. Can’t wait to try this!
Jessica says
You can use half the amount of balsamic glaze!
Shalyce says
It was delicious. I added the carrots with just less than 2 hours to cook on low, and they were so yummy too. I’ll add little potatoes with them next time!
Dianna says
What cut of pork should I use
Jessica says
I prefer to use smaller, leaner pork roasts- I buy a 3-pack at Costco, they’re about 3 lbs each. BUT bone-in pork roasts have meat that’s more moist after you cook it. Right now, ease and speed are my thing- but the recipe is very versatile.
Karina says
Sounds delicious! If I don’t have balsamic vinegar could I just double the amount of soy sauce? I’m planning on making this tomorrow.
Jessica says
I think that sounds reasonable! : ) Hope you like it.