Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Slow cooker pork roast with potatoes and carrots is the ultimate comfort food. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb all the delicious juices. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for a meal that requires minimal effort, this dish is perfect.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to create a perfectly seasoned, juicy pork roast with soft and flavorful vegetables. We’ll also provide helpful tips on variations, substitutions, and serving suggestions to make this meal even more special.

Ingredients

For the Pork Roast:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing, optional)

For the Vegetables:

• 4 large Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, cut into chunks
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth/Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Preparation Steps

1. Season the Pork Roast

Start by seasoning the pork roast generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the seasoning all over the meat, ensuring every side is well coated.

2. Optional Searing for Extra Flavor

For a richer, deeper flavor, searing the pork before placing it in the slow cooker is highly recommended. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and adds texture to the final dish.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

While the pork is searing (if you choose to do so), wash and chop the potatoes, peel and slice the carrots, and roughly chop the onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

4. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the onions and minced garlic on top of the vegetables. Lay the seared (or raw) pork roast on top of the vegetables. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully as they cook.

5. Add Liquid and Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix the broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables. The broth adds moisture, enhances flavor, and helps create a delicious natural sauce.

6. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on:

• Low for 8-10 hours for a tender and juicy roast.
• High for 4-6 hours if you need a quicker meal.

The pork should be fork-tender and easily fall apart when done. The vegetables should be soft but not mushy.

Cooking and Serving Tips

How to Know When the Pork is Done

A fully cooked pork roast should have an internal temperature of 190-205°F for maximum tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the roast. If the meat easily shreds with a fork, it’s ready.

Making a Gravy from the Juices

For a thicker sauce, remove the pork and vegetables from the slow cooker and transfer the juices to a saucepan. Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and simmer until thickened. Pour the sauce back over the pork before serving.

Best Side Dishes

This dish pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
• A fresh green salad for a lighter side
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for extra vegetables

Variations and Substitutions

Using Different Cuts of Pork

• Pork shoulder (Boston butt): Best for slow cooking due to its marbling, which results in a juicy and flavorful roast.
• Pork loin: A leaner cut that remains tender if cooked on low heat for the recommended time.

Alternative Vegetables

• Sweet potatoes: Add a slight sweetness and pair well with the savory pork.
• Parsnips or turnips: Offer a slightly earthy taste and work well in slow-cooked dishes.
• Celery and bell peppers: Add extra depth of flavor.

Flavor Variations

• BBQ-Style: Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce to the broth mixture for a smoky, sweet twist.
• Honey-Garlic: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and add it to the broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the broth mixture.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions with the broth for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave or stovetop with a little extra broth to keep the meat moist.

Conclusion

Slow cooker pork roast with potatoes and carrots is a timeless meal that’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, this dish delivers every time. By following these simple steps, experimenting with flavors, and using quality ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful, fork-tender pork roast straight from your slow cooker.