Okay, let’s talk about dinner. Some days you feel like a superstar chef. Other days, the thought of cooking makes you want to crawl back into bed.
I get it. You’re busy. You’re tired. But you still want to eat something that doesn’t come from a drive-thru window. You want a real, home-cooked meal that tastes amazing without all the work.
That’s where this recipe comes in. This crock pot pork loin is ridiculously easy. Seriously. You basically throw everything in the slow cooker and walk away. A few hours later, your house smells incredible and dinner is ready.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple list of ingredients. Nothing fancy, just good stuff that comes together to make something awesome.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Loin | 3-4 pounds | Boneless works best for this. |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | Low sodium is a good choice. |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup | Or tamari for a gluten-free option. |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | You can also use maple syrup. |
| Minced Garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh is great, but jarred works too. |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon | A simple way to add flavor. |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground if you have it. |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | For searing the pork. |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Mixed with 2 tbsp cold water for gravy. |
Tools to Get the Job Done
You don’t need a professional kitchen for this. Just a few basic tools will do the trick.
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make The Easiest Pork Loin
Alright, here’s the play-by-play. It’s so simple you can do it with your eyes half-closed (but please don’t, safety first!).
Step 1: First thing, take your pork loin out of the package and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting a good sear.
Step 2: Sprinkle the pork all over with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with it!
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the pork loin in the skillet. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned.
Step 4: While the pork is searing, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and onion powder in a small bowl. This is your magic sauce.
Step 5: Place the seared pork loin into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour that amazing sauce you just mixed right over the top.
Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Your house is about to smell heavenly.
Step 7: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Don’t throw away the liquid in the crock pot! Pour it into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it’s smooth, then whisk it into the saucepan. Bring it to a simmer to make a delicious gravy.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve made this recipe a LOT. Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way that make a big difference.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: I know, I know. It’s an extra step and an extra pan to wash. But trust me, searing the pork before it goes into the slow cooker creates a deep, rich flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s worth it.
- Let It Rest: When the pork is done, don’t just slice into it right away. Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes allows the juices to settle back into the meat. This makes it so much juicier and more tender.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The cooking times are a good guide, but every slow cooker is a little different. The best way to know if your pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Go Low and Slow: If you have the time, always choose the “low” setting on your slow cooker. Cooking the pork loin slowly over a longer period makes it extra tender and flavorful.
Substitutions and Fun Variations
Want to mix things up? Go for it. This recipe is pretty forgiving.
- Different Sweeteners: No honey? No problem. You can use maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
- Add Some Veggies: You can totally add some chopped carrots, onions, or potatoes to the bottom of the crock pot to make it a one-pot meal.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Herb Power: A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme in the slow cooker adds a really nice, earthy flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re trying to save time on a busy day, you can do a couple of things ahead.
You can sear the pork the night before, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix up the sauce ahead of time. In the morning, just put the pork in the crock pot and pour the sauce over.
What Goes Good With This?
You’ve got this amazing pork loin… now what do you serve with it? Here are some simple ideas.
| Pairing Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | A classic for a reason! They are perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy. |
| Roasted Broccoli | The slight bitterness of the broccoli cuts through the richness of the pork. |
| Simple Side Salad | A light and fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the meal perfectly. |
| Buttered Noodles | Super kid-friendly and another great vehicle for the gravy. |
Nutrition and Diet Swaps
It’s nice to know what you’re eating. Here’s a general idea of the nutrition, but it can change based on your specific ingredients.
- For Keto/Low-Carb: Swap the honey for a sugar-free sweetener. Make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce for a lower-carb option.
- For Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check your labels.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), they are super easy to store.
Just place the leftover pork and gravy in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or just a quick lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Ans: You could, but a pork loin works best because it’s lean and becomes very tender in the slow cooker. A pork shoulder would also work, but it will be more like pulled pork.
Q2. My gravy isn’t getting thick. What did I do wrong?
Ans: Nothing! Sometimes it just needs a little more help. Make sure you mixed the cornstarch with cold water first. You can also try adding a little more of the cornstarch slurry and letting it simmer for a few more minutes.
Q3. Can I put the pork in the slow cooker frozen?
Ans: It’s generally not recommended to cook meat from frozen in a slow cooker because it can stay at an unsafe temperature for too long. It’s best to thaw it first.
Q4. Do I have to add the gravy?
Ans: You don’t have to, but it’s really, really good. The liquid left in the crock pot is packed with flavor. If you don’t want to make gravy, you can just spoon some of that liquid over the sliced pork.
Wrapping Up
See? I told you it was easy. This recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a fantastic meal for your family.
So give it a try. I promise you’ll feel like a rockstar when you serve this up for dinner. And when you do make it, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out