Cooking frozen pork loin in a crock pot may seem daunting, but it’s actually a great hands-off method that results in incredibly moist and tender meat. With the right timing and a few simple tips, you can have delicious pulled pork or perfectly sliced pork loin ready when you walk in the door after a long day.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot for Frozen Pork Loin
Slow cookers like the crock pot are the perfect appliance for cooking frozen meats. The low, steady heat gently defrosts the meat while cooking it through to tender perfection.
Benefits of using a crock pot for frozen pork loin include
-
Hands-off cooking Just throw in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work. No need to constantly monitor the pork.
-
Tender, juicy meat: The slow cook time allows the pork to become extremely moist and tender.
-
Busy weeknight friendly: Have a hot meal ready after work with minimal effort in the morning.
-
Flexible cook times: Cook for a shorter time for sliced pork loin or longer for pull-apart tender pork.
-
Easy clean up: The self-contained crock pot means less dishes and mess.
How Long Should You Cook Frozen Pork Loin?
The cooking time for frozen pork loin in a crock pot can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors:
-
Size of the pork loin: A small 2 lb loin will cook faster than a 4 lb roast.
-
Desired tenderness: Pulled pork requires a longer cook time than pork for slicing.
-
Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in pork takes longer to become tender.
-
Fat cap on or off: Fat caps help keep pork moist but may need more time to break down.
-
Crock pot model: Older and larger models may cook slower.
For a 3-4 lb boneless pork loin roast, the approximate crock pot cook times are:
-
Low setting: 8-10 hours
-
High setting: 4-6 hours
These cook times allow the pork to become fork tender but still hold its shape for slicing. For pull-apart shredded pork, cook 1-2 hours longer.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the pork reaches 145°F internally before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Frozen Pork Loin in a Crock Pot
Follow these simple steps for foolproof frozen pork loin cooked to perfection in the crock pot:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb frozen boneless pork loin roast
- 1-2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each onion powder, paprika
Instructions:
-
Add 1 cup broth to crock pot and place frozen pork loin inside.
-
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Rub spice mix all over pork loin.
-
Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until fork tender.
-
Use a meat thermometer to confirm pork reaches minimum 145°F internally.
-
Carefully transfer pork to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, stir together packet of pork gravy mix with 1 cup broth in crock pot.
-
Slice pork and serve topped with gravy. Enjoy!
Tips for Moist, Tender Pork Loin
Follow these tips to help ensure your frozen pork roast cooked in the crock pot turns out perfectly juicy:
-
Use boneless pork loin: Boneless cuts cook faster and more evenly.
-
Leave fat cap on: Keeping the fat helps the pork stay incredibly moist.
-
Add liquid: Broth or apple juice in the crock pot prevents drying out.
-
Cook low and slow: Gentle, slow cooking ensures tender meat.
-
Let pork rest: Allowing it to rest after cooking redistributes juices.
-
Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
-
Avoid opening lid: Lifting the lid frequently releases heat and moisture.
Best Ways to Use Leftover Crock Pot Pork Loin
One of the bonuses of crock pot cooking is having leftovers for quick meals later in the week. Here are some tasty ways to use up leftover pork loin:
-
Pork sandwiches – Slice pork and pile high on rolls with BBQ sauce.
-
Breakfast tacos or burritos – Dice pork and add to scrambled eggs.
-
Pork fried rice – Cubed pork elevates a veggie fried rice.
-
Soups or chilis – Shredded pork adds heartiness and protein to soups.
-
Casseroles – Mix diced pork into potato, pasta or green bean casseroles.
-
Salads – Top leafy greens with sliced pork and vinaigrette dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen pork loin in a crock pot?
Yes, absolutely! The slow, gentle heat of a crock pot is ideal for cooking frozen pork loin to tender perfection.
Should you thaw pork loin before crockpot cooking?
Thawing is not necessary as the crock pot defrosts and cooks the pork simultaneously. Cooking from fully frozen may take a bit longer.
What temperature should pork loin reach in a crockpot?
Always cook pork loin to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured by a food thermometer before removing from the crock pot.
Can you put vegetables in the crockpot with frozen pork?
Yes, firm vegetables like potatoes, carrots and onions can cook right alongside frozen pork in the crock pot. Soften veggies may overcook on the longer cook time.
Is pork loin done when it shreds easily?
Yes, when pork loin shreds very easily with a fork, it is fully cooked through. Shredding is easy around 190-200°F internal temperature.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen pork loin in a crock pot results in a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s ready when you are. With the right cook times and a few simple tips, you can have tender sliced pork loin or pulled pork with incredible ease. Experiment with cook times and spice combos until you find your perfect crock pot frozen pork loin.