How Long Should Pork Roast Cook in a Crock Pot? An In-Depth Guide

Cooking pork roast in a crock pot is a great way to make this classic cut of meat super tender and flavorful. However, getting the right cook time can be tricky. Undercook it and the meat will be tough and dry, overcook it and you’ll end up with mush. So how long should you cook pork roast in a crock pot for perfect results every time? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

There are several factors that impact how long pork roast needs to cook in a slow cooker:

• Size of the roast – A larger cut of meat will take longer to cook through to the center. A 3-4 lb roast takes around 8 hours on low while a 5-6 lb roast may need 10 hours or more.

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in roasts require more time as the bone is denser and takes longer to heat through, Go with a boneless roast if you’re short on time,

• Fat content – Leaner cuts of pork cook faster than fattier options. Trim off any excess fat before cooking to reduce the overall cook time.

• Cooking liquid – The amount of liquid surrounding the roast affects how quickly it cooks. Use at least 1 cup of broth, wine, or other cooking liquid.

• Appliance wattage – Lower wattage crock pots heat up slower, increasing cook times. Check your manual for the wattage to determine times accurately.

• Quantity of ingredients – Overstuffing the crock can increase cook times. Don’t go over the max fill line in your slow cooker.

• Altitude – At higher altitudes above 3000 feet, foods take longer to cook due to lower air pressure. Add 30 minutes to the cook time per 1000 feet elevation.

Guide to Cook Times

Here are some general time guidelines for pork roast based on size and temperature setting:

• 2-3 lb roast on LOW: 6-8 hours
• 2-3 lb roast on HIGH: 4-5 hours
• 4-5 lb roast on LOW: 8-10 hours
• 4-5 lb roast on HIGH: 5-6 hours
• 6 lb+ roast on LOW: 10-12 hours
• 6 lb+ roast on HIGH: 6-8 hours

For the most tender, fall-apart texture, cook your pork roast on the low setting. High heat can cause the exterior to dry out before the inside is done.

Doneness Tests

It’s critical to accurately determine when the pork roast is fully cooked but not overdone. Here are some doneness tests to try:

• Temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to check the center of the roast. Pork should reach 145°F.

• Fork tender – Insert a fork into the thickest part of the meat. It should slide in easily and the meat should shred and separate.

• Visual test – Check the internal color. Pork should be slightly pink but not red. The juices should run clear.

Safety Tips

When working with pork, food safety is key. Follow these tips to avoid illness:

• Always thaw pork fully in the fridge before cooking. Never thaw at room temperature.

• Trim off excess fat to reduce the risk of the pork cooking unevenly.

• Don’t open the lid frequently as this releases heat and moisture, increasing cook time.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the pork reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F.

• Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days. Pork spoils quickly due to its high fat content.

Flavor Boosting Tips

Here are some easy ways to take your crock pot pork roast from bland to grand:

• Dry rub – Coat the pork with a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, salt and pepper before cooking.

• Brine – Soak the roast for 1-2 hours in a broth, wine, or juice mixture to infuse flavor.

• Marinade – Let the pork marinate for 8-12 hours in the fridge in a zip top bag.

• Sear – Brown the roast on all sides in a skillet before adding to the crock pot for richer flavor.

• Stuff – Insert slivers of garlic, onion, herbs or citrus fruits into slits cut into the meat.

• Sauce – Ladle your favorite barbecue sauce, salsa, or gravy over the cooked pork roast.

Sample Recipe

Here is a tasty and straightforward pork roast crock pot recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pat roast dry and trim off excess fat. Generously season with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, broth, cranberry sauce, garlic, and thyme.

3. Place roast in crock pot and pour sauce mixture over top.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until fork tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. Remove roast, tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve roast drizzled with pan juices. Enjoy!

So there you have it! Follow these tips and you’ll be a crock pot pork roast pro in no time. Low and slow cooking produces outrageously tender, fall-apart pork that makes for amazing sandwiches and entrees. Happy cooking!