There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a pork roast slowly cooking away in a crock pot, surrounded by a medley of fresh vegetables. This hands-off approach to cooking not only fills your home with mouthwatering scents but also delivers a tender, juicy pork roast that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping ahead for a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is designed to be both easy and satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a perfect dish for busy days when you want a wholesome, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a delicious recipe for pork roast in crock pot with vegetables that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Ready to turn your slow cooker into a flavor powerhouse? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot pork roast recipe is a real winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients and simple seasoning.
The slow cooker does all the work, making the pork roast tender and juicy while the vegetables soak up the savory flavors.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables to your liking or what’s in season.
It’s also a great way to feed a crowd or create leftovers that taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s a comforting, one-pot meal that reduces cleanup!
If you’re a fan of hearty, wholesome meals that are fuss-free but delicious, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic pork roast without heating up the oven or spending hours watching over the stove.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder roast (boneless or bone-in)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Crock pot / Slow cooker (5-7 quart capacity recommended)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for searing the pork)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl (for marinade and seasoning)
- Tongs or spatula (for handling the pork)
- Serving platter or plates
Instructions
- Prepare the pork roast: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the chopped rosemary and thyme.
- Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork roast and sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Prepare the vegetables: In the crock pot, layer the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion evenly. Sprinkle with remaining rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Make the cooking liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Combine and cook: Place the seared pork roast on top of the vegetables in the crock pot. Pour the broth mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.
- Slow cook: Cover with the crock pot lid and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft but not mushy.
- Rest and serve: Once done, carefully remove the pork roast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Stir the vegetables gently and serve alongside the shredded or sliced pork.
- Optional gravy: For extra sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) until desired consistency.
Tips & Variations
“Searing the pork roast before slow cooking is a game-changer—it locks in flavor and gives your roast a beautiful crust!”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to use parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips instead of or alongside the carrots and potatoes.
- Herb variations: Try fresh sage or oregano for a different herbal profile.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the broth mixture.
- Prepare ahead: Assemble everything in the crock pot the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning for a ready-to-eat evening meal.
- Leftover ideas: Use leftover pork for sandwiches, tacos, or stir into soups.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This pork roast with vegetables is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with some simple sides to enhance the dining experience.
- Fresh green salad: A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the roast.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the juices and any homemade gravy.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender vegetables.
- Mashed cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that complements the pork beautifully.
Conclusion
Slow cooker pork roast with vegetables is a classic comfort dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the slow cooking process transforms a modest pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
The accompanying vegetables soak up all the savory goodness, creating a hearty and balanced meal.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe fits seamlessly into any routine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals, offering that warm, home-cooked feeling with minimal effort.
For more inspiration on wholesome, flavorful recipes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals. And if you love experimenting with spices, don’t miss our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add a kick to your dishes!
📖 Recipe Card: Pork Roast in Crock Pot with Vegetables
Description: A tender and flavorful pork roast cooked slowly with fresh vegetables in a crock pot. Perfect for an easy and hearty meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder roast
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Season the pork roast with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides.
- Place carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion in the crock pot.
- Add minced garlic and pour chicken broth over the vegetables.
- Place the browned pork roast on top of the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Check tenderness and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 45 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 20 g
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