There’s something oddly comforting about the slow, gentle hum of a crock pot simmering away on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s like the culinary equivalent of your favorite blanket—warm, inviting, and effortlessly cozy. This pork roast recipe, drenched in savory gravy, is a testament to that comforting allure. Plus, with the recent chill in the air (thanks, unpredictable fall weather), there’s no better time to indulge in this delicious, hassle-free dish.
Steps
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and pork gravy mix directly in the slow cooker.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, nutmeg, and pepper in a bowl, then rub this mixture evenly over the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Add carrots and sliced onions around the pork.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-9 hours, or choose the high setting for 5 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, optionally add 2 cups of frozen green beans to the slow cooker.
- Once cooked, serve the pork roast with your choice of potatoes and enjoy the flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (Boston Butt preferred)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet pork gravy mix
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- Carrots, quantity as desired
- Pork Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- Optional: 2 cups frozen green beans (add for the last 30 minutes of cooking)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2562kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 288g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Cholesterol: 948mg | Sodium: 5544mg | Potassium: 5766mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 35940IU | Vitamin C: 17.4mg | Calcium: 324mg | Iron: 24mg
FAQ
- What is the best cut of pork for slow cooking?
- Pork shoulders are ideal for slow cooking due to their higher fat content, which breaks down during cooking to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pork belly and cheek are also suitable options for the slow cooker.
- How long should a pork shoulder be cooked in a slow cooker?
- A 3-pound pork shoulder typically takes about 5 hours to cook on high or around 8 hours on low. The pork is fully cooked when it easily falls apart with a fork.
- Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute 2 cans of cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or vice versa. Alternatively, using a packet of onion soup mix instead of pork gravy mix is also an option.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with crock pot pork roast?
- Roast pork pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, roasted green beans, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a corn casserole.
- Can frozen vegetables be added to the slow cooker pork roast?
- Yes, you can add 2 cups of frozen green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a pork shoulder or Boston Butt for slow cooking, as their higher fat content will break down and ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
- Customize the Gravy: Feel free to substitute the pork gravy mix with a packet of onion soup mix for a different flavor profile. You can also swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, depending on your taste preference.
- Cooking Time: To achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture, cook a 3 lb. pork shoulder on low for 8-9 hours or on high for about 5 hours. The pork is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork.
- Add Veggies at the End: For added nutrition and texture, consider adding 2 cups of frozen green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crock Pot – A 6-quart slow cooker is mentioned as suitable for this recipe.
