How to Cook a Delicious Peameal Bacon Roast in a Slow Cooker

Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a lean and tasty pork loin that has been cured, rolled in cornmeal, and sliced. While peameal bacon is often pan-fried, baking it whole results in incredibly moist, fall-apart tender meat. And cooking it low and slow in a slow cooker takes this roast over the top! The peameal bacon becomes ultra tender and infused with delicious flavor.

As a busy mom who loves cooking tasty meals for my family, I’m always looking for easy weeknight dinners Being able to just throw a roast in the slow cooker in the morning and have a fantastic meal ready at dinner time is a lifesaver on hectic days.

So if you are looking for a simple hands-off way to cook a savory peameal bacon roast, then you need to try making this in your slow cooker. Just a few minutes of prep time in the morning, and you’ll have the best peameal bacon you’ve ever tasted for dinner!

Benefits of Cooking Peameal Bacon in a Slow Cooker

There are several advantages to using a slow cooker for peameal bacon roast:

• Requires minimal preparation and cooks unattended. Just season the roast pop it in the slow cooker, and let it cook all day.

• Tender, fall-apart texture. The low heat and extended cooking time breaks down the meat.

• Infuses with flavor. As it cooks, the meat soaks up the aromas and seasonings.

• Stays moist. The slow cooking retains moisture in the roast.

• Adds variety. Slow cooker peameal bacon makes an easy, delicious weeknight dinner.

• Makes leftovers. Shred leftover roast for sandwiches, omelets, pasta, etc.

Tips for Cooking Peameal Bacon Roast in a Slow Cooker

Follow these tips and tricks for foolproof slow cooker peameal bacon every time:

• Choose the right size slow cooker. Pick a size that will comfortably fit the roast without crowding. Leave some room around the meat for optimal cooking.

• Use lower power setting. Cook on low for best texture and moisture retention. High heat can dry out and toughen the meat.

• Brown roast first (optional). Quickly searing the roast adds flavor and color. But skipping this step still produces tasty results.

• Use a meat thermometer. Cook until roast reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Temperature is more accurate than cooking time.

• Let roast rest before slicing. Allowing it to rest helps retain moisture. Tent loosely with foil while resting.

• Save drippings for gravy. The flavorful cooking liquid left in the slow cooker is perfect for making gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this simple recipe for succulent slow cooker peameal bacon roast:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb peameal bacon roast
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse roast under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat.

2. Make rub by mixing together maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Generously rub spice mix all over the roast. Make sure to coat all sides.

4. If desired, quickly sear roast on all sides in a skillet to brown it.

5. Place roast in slow cooker and pour in 1 cup water.

6. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Carefully remove roast from slow cooker and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

8. Make gravy from juices, adding cornstarch or flour to thicken if needed.

9. Slice roast and serve topped with gravy. Enjoy!

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe above produces a delicious peameal bacon roast. But you can also change up the flavors with different seasoning blends:

• Apple cider & brown sugar – Sweet apple flavors
• Balsamic glaze – Tangy and bold
• Barbecue sauce – Classic BBQ taste
• Chili powder & cumin – Smoky Tex-Mex style
• Cranberry sauce – Fruity and festive
• Honey & mustard – Sweet and tangy
• Rosemary & garlic – Savory herb flavors
• Soy sauce & ginger – Asian inspired

Get creative and make this easy roast your own! The slow cooker does all the work while you add incredible flavor.

What to Serve with Peameal Bacon Roast

This succulent roast pairs nicely with a variety of simple sides:

• Mashed potatoes – Creamy comfort food
• Roasted vegetables – Choose your favorites like carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc
• Green salad – Fresh contrast to the rich meat
• Dinner rolls – For soaking up the delicious gravy
• Rice pilaf – Gentle complement to the roast
• Pasta – Rigatoni or penne add heartiness
• Polenta – Provides a nice creaminess

A slow cooker peameal bacon roast makes the centerpiece of a delightful meal. Round it out with your choice of accompaniments.

Helpful Tips and Suggestions

• Add vegetables like onions, carrots, potatoes to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
• Use broth or apple cider instead of water for richer taste.
• Shred leftover roast to make amazing sandwiches, tacos, omelets, etc.
• Cook at high heat for 4-5 hours for faster cooking time.
• Use a liner in the slow cooker for easier cleanup.
• Let roast rest 30 minutes for maximum juiciness.
• Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for aromatics.
• Cook two smaller roasts instead of one large roast.
• Use pork broth or chicken broth for extra meaty flavors.
• Add a dash of liquid smoke to mimic barbecue or smoked flavors.

Common Questions

Can you put peameal bacon roast in the slow cooker from frozen?

Yes, you can cook a frozen peameal bacon roast in the slow cooker! Just add a couple hours to the cooking time. Make sure roast is completely submerged in liquid to thaw it as it cooks.

Should you sear peameal bacon before slow cooking?

It’s optional, but searing adds nice color and caramelized flavor. Quickly brown all sides in a hot skillet before placing in slow cooker.

What temperature should peameal bacon roast reach?

Cook the roast until it hits an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness.

How long does it take to cook a 3 lb peameal bacon roast?

Cook for 7-8 hours on low OR 4-5 hours on high. Always check internal temp rather than relying solely on time.

Can you use apple juice instead of water in the slow cooker?

Yes! Apple juice or other fruit juices add sweetness and flavor. Just use same amount as water called for in recipe.

Should you make gravy from the slow cooker drippings?

Absolutely! The flavorful juices make an amazing gravy. Thicken with a roux or cornstarch if desired before serving.

The Bottom Line

Cooking peameal bacon roast in a slow cooker results in incredibly moist, fall-apart tender meat with incredible depth of flavor. The hands-off convenience lets the slow cooker do the work while you get to enjoy the succulent, soothing results.

So next time you’re looking for an easy, delicious roast, give this slow cooker peameal bacon a try. Just a bit of prep in the morning, and you’ll have amazing roast pork waiting at dinnertime!