Slow Cooker Pork Roast

If your slow cooker pork roast has turned out bland in the past, this one will change your mind. The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and (the secret ingredient!) lemon zest creates a roast that’s actually worth making. The lemon zest gives a fresh flavor and cuts through the heavy richness.

Slow cooker dinner recipes are perfect for Sunday dinner or whenever you want a home-cooked meal without the stove.

The key with this recipe is not to dump everything in and cross your fingers. Take 5 minutes to pat the meat dry and add the seasonings in the right order. This helps them actually stick to the roast instead of just floating around in the liquid.

Thyme and sage are classic pork seasonings, but the cloves and lemon will add some depth and zest. And layering the garlic underneath helps it stay put instead of falling off into the liquid.

While this works with both bone-in and boneless roasts, I prefer bone-in when I can find it. The bone helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking time and adds extra flavor to the gravy. But if boneless is all you’ve got, don’t worry – it’ll still turn out great.

Tips for Success

Pat that meat DRY. Like, really dry. Extra moisture will stop the seasonings from sticking.

Don’t skip the initial rest while you mix the spices – those 2-3 minutes let the garlic start to stick to the meat.

Check if it’s done by trying to twist the bone – it should move pretty easily.

If your gravy is lumpy, whisk the cornstarch mixture well before adding it, and make sure your liquid is bubbling.

Ingredients and Equipment

Bone-in Pork Roast: Look for one with some marbling and a nice pinkish-red color

Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced works, but fresh makes a noticeable difference

Lemon Zest: Use fresh – the bottled stuff just isn’t the same

6-quart Slow Cooker: Obviously, we need a slow cooker. It will keep the heat distributed evenly. If you don’t have one, you can use a Dutch oven at 325°F for about 3 hours.

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Make It Your Own

Here are some ways you can change it up.

• Swap the herbs for your favorites – rosemary works well here.
• Add root vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Use apple juice instead of water for a subtle sweetness.
• Turn leftovers into pulled pork sandwiches

A classic Sunday dinner you’ll love. Pour the gravy over mashed potatoes, and you have a great home-cooked meal.