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Slow Cooker Pork Loin

This Slow Cooker Pork Loin is perfect for those busy work days. Tender, juicy, and covered in a mouthwatering gravy – you’d think this meal was hard to make, but it’s so easy!

close up of slow cooker pork loin with gravy.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin with gravy is a hearty meal that leaves amazing leftovers – if you’re lucky enough to have any.

Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Sometimes on those crazy weeknights, it can be hard to carve out enough time to make dinner. This Slow Cooker Pork Loin effortlessly solves this dilemma. Here’s you’ll love this recipe:

  • Tender, Never Dry: No fear of this pork loin getting dry! The slow-cooker is an expert at cooking meats low and slow to keep them tender and flavorful like with this super tender, smoky Kahlua Pork Recipe.
  • Saucy Gravy: We reserve the drippings from this meal to make a super simple gravy that truly elevates this dish to the next level.
  • Super Easy: One thing we love about our favorite slow cooker meals is how hands-off they are. You just throw everything together in the morning and come home to a hearty meal cooked to perfection!
  • Meal-Prep: Because one roast can feed 8-10 hungry people, this works as a perfect meal prep recipe.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin

Pork Loin (also called center cut roast or pork center rib roast) is a large cut of meat taken from the pig’s back. It has a thick layer of fat that makes it really good for low-and-slow cooking methods, which is why we love it in this recipe.

Pork Tenderloin, on the other hand, is a leaner, smaller cut of meat along the back of the pig. It’s surrounded by a thin membrane (silver skin) that needs to be cut off before cooking, because it’s too tough to eat. Tenderloin also, usually costs a little more than pork loin.

Key Recipe Ingredients

  • Pork Loin – We use a 3 lb. pork loin – not to be confused with pork tenderloin.
  • Spice Rub – A spice rub with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, dried thyme, Kosher salt, and fresh-cracked black pepper brings amazing flavor to the meat and gravy.
  • Chicken Broth – This makes the perfect base for our gravy and helps keep the pork extra tender.
  • Soy Sauce – We love adding this surprise ingredient to dishes when we want that perfect burst of umami flavor.

Substitutions And Variations

Here are a few variations to try out with this recipe:

  • Add Vegetables: Try chopping up some carrots, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, or celery and throwing them in the Crock-Pot with the pork loin for a full meal.
  • Replace Cornstarch: If you’re out of cornstarch, and need a quick replacement, no worries! Potato starch, all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, and rice flour can all be used to thicken the gravy. Just whisk in one tablespoon of your substitute at a time until the gravy reaches the right consistency.
  • Garnish: We love adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, and sage on the pork loin. They add a perfect pop of color and flavor.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

  1. Mix all spices in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Pat spice rub all over pork loin.
  1. In oiled skillet, brown pork loin on all four sides.
  2. Transfer pork loin to slow cooker and add chicken broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
  1. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. When finished, base pork loin and set aside to rest.
  2. Pour all the liquids into a saucepan and add dissolved cornstarch. Simmer and stir until the gravy thickens. Pour gravy on sliced pork loin and enjoy!

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

Take a look at some of our favorite tips and tricks to make this meal even easier:

  • Let it Thaw: If your pork loin is frozen, be sure to defrost it in the fridge a few days ahead of time. Because pork loin is generally a thicker roast, it takes time to defrost thoroughly.
  • Mix Dry Rub: Feel free to make the dry rub mixture ahead of time. Simply combine the seasonings and keep them in an airtight container until ready to use.
  • Load Slow Cooker: It takes less than 30 minutes to throw everything into the slow cooker the night before. That way you can just take the fully packed slow cooker out in the morning and plug it in before heading to work.
slow cooker pork loin with gravy plated.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Potatoes

  • Quite possibly our favorite side to serve with pork loin is this quick and easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe.
  • We love baking these extra crispy Smashed Potatoes for a super flavorful, satisfying side to any meal.

Rice

Vegetables

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does slow cooker pork loin keep?

Slow cooker pork loin will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin for this recipe?

Yes! Just note that the cooking time will be much shorter as pork tenderloin is a significantly smaller cut of meat. We recommend about 4 hours for tenderloin.

How can I tell when my pork loin is done?

If you have a meat thermometer, you’ll know it’s done when it reaches at least 145F. If you don’t have a thermometer you can tell by poking the loin with a fork or knife. When it’s fork tender and the juices come out clear, it’s done. Note that the pork loin will continue to cook while it’s resting. So, make sure not to overcook it in the Crock-Pot.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can easily become gluten-free if you replace the soy sauce with Tamari and make sure your chicken broth has no gluten added.

Do I have to sear the pork loin?

Technically no, but we really suggest not skipping this step. It creates a nice crust on the pork loin that really contributes to its flavor when it’s done. You won’t regret it!

Does pork loin get more tender the longer it cooks?

No, since pork loin is a leaner cut of meat it will actually get dry if overcooked. We like to check it at 7 hours and really watch it so it doesn’t overcook.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Pork Loin

4.87 from 95 ratings
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin is perfect for those busy work days. Tender, juicy, and covered in a mouthwatering gravy – you'd think this meal was hard to make, but it's so easy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, salt, thyme, and pepper. Rub seasoning all over the entire surface of pork loin. Do not trim pork loin, as it needs a bit of fat for a tender result.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet until very hot. Brown pork loin on all 4 sides, a few minutes per side.
  • Transfer pork loin to slow cooker. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Pour over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  • When finished, baste pork loin and transfer the pork to a plate and keep warm.
  • Pour all the liquid from the slow cooker into a sauce pan. Add dissolved corn starch. Stir well. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce turns thick and gravy-like. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Serve warm pork loin with gravy.

Equipment

Notes

  • It’s important that cornstarch is fully dissolved in water prior to using in recipe. There should be no white spots or streaks that remain. It should have somewhat of a “chocolate milk” appearance (even miniature cornstarch bits that aren’t fully dissolved will result in a lumpy gravy, which we don’t want.)
  • This recipe is written for pork loins. If you’re using the smaller cuts of pork tenderloins, reduce cook time to about 4 hours.
  • Don’t forget to cut slits in the pork loin before cooking. This will allow any fat on the outside as well as the broth mixture to really penetrate the meat leaving it extra tender and flavorful.
  • Pat the pork loin dry with some paper towels before rubbing on the spices to help them stick better.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari soy sauce for a gluten-free dish. 
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you! 
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Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 674mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Method: Slow Cooker

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Recipe Rating




102 comments

    • Nisha
    • 5 stars

    Delicious especially cooked in the slow cooker. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

    • Jo Rogers
    • 5 stars

    Today, 2-9-24, I again made this pork loin. It is so flavorful. Due to an allergy, I omitted the dried thyme. I purchased half pork loins from Aldi for $1.89/lb.
    Today I tripled the recipe since we served this at a large gathering. I also put three half pork loins in a very large covered roasting pan and cooked them in a 200°F oven for 4 1/2 hours, removed the roasts to rest for 30 minutes. The pork loins were not yet fully cooked. I made the gravy in the roasting pan, then sliced the roasts and put the slices in the gravy. I then returned the roasting pan back into the 200°F oven for another hour to fully cook. It was so tender and yummy!
    Several friends asked for your recipe. I am sharing it. Thank you Amy!

      • Amy Dong

      That is the best kind of comment, Jo! 🙂 🙂

    • Kerry

    Just saw the answer to my question in the recipe – oops and sorry.
    Looking forward to trying this.

    • Kerry Munroe

    Just wondering if this could be done with a pork tenderloin? Cooking for 2 and don’t really need a 3 lbs. Thanks~

    • Andi
    • 5 stars

    Excellent guide for a tender pork roast!

      • Amy Dong

      Thank you, Andi!

    • Maria

    Would this be the same thing as a “pork half loin”? My grocery has a 4lb for pickup but I wasn’t sure if it’s the same thing as what your recipe calls for.

      • Amy Dong

      Yes, you can use that!

    • Heather Brack
    • 5 stars

    Fabulous recipe. Easy, quick prep, and ends in the most flavorful por roast. My family loves it! Served with mashed potatoes and a side of a broccoli. Have made twice already! It’s a keeper.

      • Amy Dong

      So happy you guys loved it!

    • Karen
    • 5 stars

    First thing, You were so right about thawing the pork loin. It took a few days. I was actually not so sure about cooking it because of following another recipe last year and my friend saying It was good but tough and chewy. A lot of effort for nothing, BUT YOUR RECIPE, the rub was amazing, and things I already have in the cabinet, cooking it in the crockpot was so easy, the kitchen stayed clean the entire time, and the aroma filled the house to the point the dog outside was sniffing the air. When it was finished cooking the gravy was the easiest thing I have ever done. I served home made mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits. Everything was perfect. I am passing this recipe along to everyone, and I have to say the pork loin was the most delicious meal I have ever had. Everyone LOVED IT! It was amazing. Thank you so much for all your recipes, everything I have tried, has been PERFECT!

      • Amy Dong

      Aww, that makes me smile, Karen! Thank you for the great comment

    • Karen
    • 5 stars

    First thing, You were so right about thawing the pork loin. It took a few days. I was actually not so sure about cooking it because of following another recipe last year and my friend saying It was good but tough and chewy. A lot of effort for nothing, BUT YOUR RECIPE, the rub was amazing, and things I already have in the cabinet, cooking it in the crockpot was so easy, the kitchen stayed clean the entire time, and the aroma filled the house to the point the dog outside was sniffing the air. When it was finished cooking the gravy was the easiest thing I have ever done. I served home made mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits. Everything was perfect. I am passing this recipe along to everyone, and I have to say the pork loin was the most delicious meal I have ever had. Everyone LOVED IT! It was amazing. Thank you so much for all your recipes, everything I have tried, has been PERFECT!

    • Brooke
    • 5 stars

    Super yummy and easy to make. Reminded me of my Mom’s Sunday dinner. Will definitely add to rotation.

      • Amy Dong

      It’s definitely a Sunday dinner type of meal here, too 🙂

    • Yuliya
    • 5 stars

    So good! Made this with two smaller pork loin fillets and it was perfect. With a side of buttered noodles.

      • Amy Dong

      Awesome, Yuliya!

    • Jacqueline
    • 5 stars

    This is one of the best pork roast recipes I’ve found yet! Looking to make a list of the easiest + best tasting crock pot meals for after my second is born, and this has made the cut! So tender. Double the recipe, and my family will be set for 3-4 days, including husband’s work lunches. Thank you for sharing!

    • Debbie B.
    • 5 stars

    My favorite go to recipe for pork loin – no fuss, easy, and delicious – what more could you ask for?!! For those who think it’s salty, be sure to use no salt added broth and cut back or eliminate adding salt. The broth/gravy is delicious – sometimes we don’t thicken into gravy and just pour the juices over the pork and mashed potatoes. This time I’m making a larger pork loin because we love the leftovers!

    • Susan

    Hello,

    Getting ready to make this today. Why do the ingredients say 3 lb pork loin Trimmed when the instructions say do not trim pork loin.
    Do you trim the loin?

    Thanks!

      • Amy Dong

      Ahh, yes – no need to trim the pork. Thank you!

    • Ange Fergtown
    • 5 stars

    This was fabulous! So tender and flavorful! And the instructions were very easy to follow- thanks so much.

    • Sarina Kowall

    Can I put my veggies in the crockpot with the pork loin?

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