This Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables is a perfect blend of juicy, tender pork and roasted veggies cooked to perfection. The meat is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, which infuses every bite with warm, herby flavors that make this dish feel both comforting and elevated. Carrots, potatoes, and onions add a touch of sweetness and earthiness that perfectly balances the savory roast. With minimal prep, this slow-cooker recipe is ideal for busy days when you still want a nourishing, homemade meal waiting for you. Simply set it, forget it, and return to a dish that fills your home with delightful aromas. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to satisfy.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Directions:
- Begin by seasoning the pork roast generously with salt, black pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the pork roast to a slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions around the roast.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the vegetables are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Once done, slice or shred the pork as desired. Serve hot with the roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Background and Inspiration
The origins of slow-cooked pork dishes trace back centuries, with similar meals prepared in European, American, and Latin cuisines, often as a centerpiece for celebrations or Sunday dinners. This recipe takes cues from traditional roast dinners, featuring a tender pork shoulder roast and aromatic herbs. By using fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, the dish incorporates timeless flavors that add depth and elevate the meal to something that feels special yet approachable. The choice to use a slow cooker adds modern convenience to a classic approach, providing that satisfying slow-roasted taste without the need for hours of monitoring.
Health Benefits of Pork Roast with Vegetables
This meal isn’t just satisfying but also balanced and nutrient-rich. Pork shoulder, the cut used in this recipe, is known for being juicy and flavorful when slow-cooked, and it’s also high in protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and selenium, all of which support immune function, metabolism, and cellular repair. Paired with a variety of vegetables, this recipe offers a mix of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots, potatoes, and onions not only provide a sweet and earthy taste that complements the pork but also add important nutrients: carrots are high in beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A), while potatoes are rich in potassium and dietary fiber.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Hands-Free Cooking: The biggest advantage of this slow cooker recipe is its convenience. Once you’ve seasoned the pork and set it up with the veggies, the slow cooker takes over, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically cooks itself.
- Perfect Texture: The low and slow cooking method transforms a budget-friendly pork shoulder into a tender, pull-apart roast. Searing the pork initially not only adds flavor but helps lock in juices, making the end result exceptionally succulent.
- Versatile for Meal Planning: This recipe yields enough for multiple servings, making it ideal for meal prepping. The leftovers can be repurposed into sandwiches, tacos, or even added to pasta or grain bowls, giving you options for the days ahead.
- Seasonal and Customizable: While this recipe uses carrots, potatoes, and onions, it’s easy to swap in seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts make excellent additions. The flexibility to use various vegetables makes it a great go-to meal year-round.
- Balanced Nutrition: Since it’s naturally gluten-free and rich in whole-food ingredients, this meal caters to a range of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. It’s also a well-balanced option that provides protein, healthy carbs, and fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied.
Tips for Success with this Recipe
- Choose the Right Cut: For slow cooker recipes, pork shoulder is ideal because it has a good balance of fat and muscle, which breaks down over time and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid leaner cuts, which may turn out dry after extended cooking.
- Pre-Sear for Extra Flavor: Although it’s optional, searing the meat before placing it in the slow cooker deepens the flavor. The caramelization from the sear adds complexity and gives the final dish a rich, roasted taste.
- Arrange Vegetables Strategically: Place denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots on the bottom of the slow cooker, as they take longer to cook. The pork roast sits on top, allowing it to cook evenly without becoming overly saturated with moisture.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: This recipe uses rosemary, thyme, and garlic, but feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. Sage or oregano are great additions, or add a touch of crushed red pepper if you enjoy a bit of spice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this slow cooker pork roast alongside a green salad or a side of steamed greens like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. For special occasions, you might pair it with a side of crusty bread or roasted root vegetables to complete the meal. A crisp apple cider, light red wine, or even a spiced tea makes a wonderful beverage pairing that enhances the dish’s hearty flavors.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish also freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Simply portion the pork and vegetables into meal-prep containers, let them cool, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture.
Why It’s Perfect for Families and Gatherings
This recipe is family-friendly, providing enough portions to feed a crowd without extra work. It’s a great option for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a warm, cozy family dinner. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to be modified for different flavor profiles. You can switch up the herbs, experiment with the vegetables, or add a dash of apple cider vinegar to the broth for a subtle tang.
Conclusion
The simplicity and flavor of this slow cooker pork roast make it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet elevated, combining tender, herby pork with wholesome vegetables for a complete meal. With its roots in traditional cooking and the convenience of modern methods, this recipe embodies the best of both worlds—comforting, nourishing, and effortlessly delicious.
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Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Description
This Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables is a perfect blend of juicy, tender pork and roasted veggies cooked to perfection. The meat is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, which infuses every bite with warm, herby flavors that make this dish feel both comforting and elevated. Carrots, potatoes, and onions add a touch of sweetness and earthiness that perfectly balances the savory roast. With minimal prep, this slow-cooker recipe is ideal for busy days when you still want a nourishing, homemade meal waiting for you. Simply set it, forget it, and return to a dish that fills your home with delightful aromas. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the pork roast generously with salt, black pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the pork roast to a slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions around the roast.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the vegetables are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Once done, slice or shred the pork as desired. Serve hot with the roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 340 kcal
