Weeknight dinners just got easier! Imagine a succulent, fall-apart tender pork roast, infused with incredible flavor, ready to greet you after a long day. No more complicated recipes or hours spent in the kitchen. This bone-in pork roast crock pot recipe delivers a delicious and healthy meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a special Sunday dinner, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound bone-in pork shoulder roast
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Roast
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your final dish.
Step 3: Crock Pot Magic
Place the seasoned pork roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the sautéed vegetables. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables.
Step 4: Slow Cooking Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding. Use two forks to easily shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of bone. You can mix some of the cooking liquid into the shredded pork for extra moisture and flavor. Serve on buns, over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf or a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the slow cooker.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables directly to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot wonder.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s even better the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your roast and the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This bone-in pork roast crock pot recipe is a testament to the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal! It's a perfect example of healthy meals and easy recipes that elevate homemade cooking to a new level. Share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your delicious dishes!