Are you looking for a comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This slow cooker pork recipe with apples is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. The tender, juicy pork, perfectly complemented by sweet and tart apples, is a fall classic that's sure to become a family favorite. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals made simple, and requires minimal hands-on time – ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork loin roast
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup apple cider
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork loin generously with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Sear the pork on all sides until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Assembly: Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the seared pork loin. Arrange the apple slices around the pork.
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Add the Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork and apples in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
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Shred and Serve: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the apples and cooking liquid.
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Serve: Serve the slow cooker pork with apples over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith will balance the sweetness of the pork and brown sugar, while sweeter apples like Fuji will create a more dessert-like flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the pork and apples to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, remove about a cup of the cooking liquid before shredding the pork. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Bring the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened. Pour the thickened sauce back over the shredded pork.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- Herby Twist: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, or a combination of your favorites.
- Cranberry Sauce: Stir in ½ cup of cranberry sauce during the last hour of cooking for an extra festive touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate and should be considered a guideline.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This slow cooker pork recipe with apples is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and a great option for those seeking delicious dishes and best recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!