How Long to Cook Pork Roast in a Slow Cooker for Perfectly Tender Meat

Cooking pork roast in a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to make a delicious, tender and juicy roast. The low, slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender while still retaining moisture. But exactly how long does it take to cook a pork roast in a slow cooker? Here are some tips and guidelines for perfect slow cooker pork roast.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

There are a few key factors that affect how long you need to cook a pork roast in a slow cooker:

Cut of Pork – The specific cut of pork will impact cooking time. Cuts like pork shoulder/butt or pork picnic roast take longer than loin roast
Size of Roast – A 3-4 lb roast will take longer than a 2 lb roast.
Bone-in or Boneless – Boneless roasts cook faster. A bone-in roast may take 1-2 hours longer.
Fat Content – Fattier cuts like pork shoulder take longer than leaner loin Fat breaks down slower.
Slow Cooker Settings – Most slow cookers have a High and Low setting. High heat reduces cooking time.
Root Vegetables – Adding veggies increases overall cooking time slightly

Taking these factors into account will help determine the timing.

Pork Roast Cooking Times

Here are some general guidelines for pork roast cooking times:

Boneless Pork Loin Roast

On Low: 4-6 hours
On High: 3-4 hours

A 2-3 lb boneless pork loin roast typically takes 4-5 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High.

Boneless Pork Shoulder/Butt Roast

On Low: 8-10 hours
On High: 4-6 hours

A 3-4 lb boneless pork butt/shoulder roast usually takes 8-10 hours on Low or 5-6 hours on High.

Bone-in Pork Roast

On Low: 9-12 hours
On High: 5-8 hours

Bone-in pork roasts tend to take 1-2 hours longer. Plan for 9-12 hours on Low or 5-8 hours on High for a bone-in pork shoulder roast.

Small Roast (1-2 lbs)

On Low: 6-8 hours
On High: 4-5 hours

For a smaller 1-2 lb pork roast, cooking times may be 6-8 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High. Extend time for bone-in.

Large Roast (4-5 lbs)

On Low: 10-12 hours
On High: 6-8 hours

A bigger 4-5 lb pork roast usually needs 10-12 hours on Low or 6-8 hours on High.

How to Tell When Pork Roast is Done

It’s important not to rely solely on cooking time when making pork roast in a slow cooker. The best way to tell when it’s done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Target Internal Temp

The target internal temperature for pork roast is:

145°F (63°C) – for safe but slightly pink pork
160°F (71°C) – for well-done pork

Once the roast reaches the desired internal temp, it can be removed from the slow cooker.

Check in Multiple Locations

Since slow cookers often have hot and cool spots, check the temperature in a couple different locations to ensure even doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.

Maintain Temperature

For super tender and succulent meat, many chefs recommend maintaining the finished temperature for an extended period. You can wrap the cooked roast in foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to evenly distribute.

Appearance

In addition to using a meat thermometer, visual signs can help determine doneness. The meat should appear fork-tender and easily pull apart. Clear juices are also an indicator that the pork roast is thoroughly cooked.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips for making the perfect slow cooker pork roast:

Sear or brown the roast first for deeper flavor.
Add aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Allow the roast to rest before slicing into it.
Make gravy from the delicious cooking juices.
Shred and serve the pork in tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Sample Cooking Times

To give you an idea of timing, here are some sample slow cooker pork roast recipes with cooking times:

3 lb boneless pork loin roast – 4 hours on High
4 lb boneless pork butt roast – 6-8 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High
3 lb bone-in pork shoulder roast – 8-10 hours on Low
2 lb boneless pork sirloin roast – 6 hours on Low

Getting the right timing when cooking pork roast in a slow cooker comes down to understanding what factors impact the cooking time and using a meat thermometer to test for doneness. With the proper timing guidelines, you’ll enjoy fall-apart tender and juicy pork roast every time.

Slow Cooker Sunday Pork Roast Recipe – How to make pork pot roast

FAQ

Is it better to cook pork on high or low in slow cooker?

Set the cooker to low; the high setting will boil the meat instead of braise it, so it’s only a quicker trip to an undesirable outcome.

Can you overcook a pork roast in a slow cooker?

The pork roast is done after about 3 hours on high or about 6 to 8 hours on low. To avoid overcooking the pork, check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. If overcooked, the pork can become dry and could be difficult to slice.

How do you know when pork roast is done in a slow cooker?

One way to determine your porks’ doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they’re mostly or entirely pink or red, it’s best to continue cooking.