Savor the rich flavors and tender juiciness of a perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Pork Loin. This hassle-free recipe allows you to create a mouthwatering, fork-tender pork loin with minimal effort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 stalks of celery, sliced
- Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme sprigs) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Loin:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
2. Sear the Pork Loin:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork loin with the spice mixture from step 1.
- Sear the pork loin on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor to the meat.
3. Prep the Slow Cooker:
- Place the sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add the Pork Loin:
- Place the seared pork loin on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Deglaze the Skillet:
- Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the skillet where you seared the pork loin. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This liquid is packed with flavor.
6. Pour Over the Pork:
- Pour the liquid from the skillet over the pork loin in the slow cooker.
7. Slow Cooker Settings:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
8. Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
9. Rest and Slice:
- Once done, remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
10. Slice and Serve:
- Slice the pork loin into thick, juicy pieces. Arrange it on a platter alongside the cooked vegetables.
11. Optional Garnish:
- For a final touch, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme sprigs if desired.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Slow Cooker Pork Loin with the flavorful vegetables, and enjoy a tender and flavorful meal that practically cooked itself.
You can make a perfectly cooked and flavorful pork loin with little hands-on time and the convenience of a slow cooker. This dish is versatile enough to be used for both everyday dinners and special occasions, making it a go-to for any occasion.