Crock Pot Pork Loin Recipe

Crock Pot Pork Loin is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner without a lot of effort. Cooking the pork loin low and slow in the crock pot allows the meat to become fall-apart tender, while the simple seasoning and sauce enhance its natural flavor. This easy recipe makes an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal for gatherings. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying and complete meal.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pork Loin
• Recipe Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pork loin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin to evenly coat.
2. Sear the Pork Loin: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork loin and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps lock in flavor and gives the meat a nice crust.
3. Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the seared pork loin in the crock pot. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork loin.
4. Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork loin is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the pork loin from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the sauce from the crock pot drizzled over the slices for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pork Loin

• Choose the Right Cut: Make sure you are using a pork loin, not a pork tenderloin. Pork loin is larger and benefits from the long cooking time in the crock pot, while tenderloin cooks much faster.
• Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the pork loin before slow cooking adds a layer of flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking the pork loin on low for a longer time results in a more tender and juicy texture compared to cooking it on high.

Recipe Variations

• Honey Garlic Pork Loin: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the sauce mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
• BBQ Pork Loin: Replace the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Herb-Crusted Pork Loin: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the seasoning mixture for an herbaceous twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?
A: It’s best to use pork loin for this recipe, as it’s larger and better suited for slow cooking. Pork tenderloin cooks faster and may become dry if cooked for too long.

Q: How do I store leftover pork loin?
A: Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with some of the sauce to keep it moist.

Q: Can I freeze cooked pork loin?
A: Yes! Allow the pork loin to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve slices of pork loin over creamy mashed potatoes, with the sauce drizzled over the top.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pork loin with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.
• With Rice: Serve alongside steamed rice or flavored rice pilaf to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Crock Pot Pork Loin is an easy, delicious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of tender pork, flavorful seasonings, and a rich sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a slow cooker to do the work, this recipe is ideal for busy days or when you want a hearty, home-cooked dinner without a lot of effort. Try it out and enjoy the incredible flavors of this slow-cooked classic!