This Crock Pot Pork Loin with Gravy is super easy and yummy! The pork gets tender after cooking slowly, soaking up all that delicious gravy goodness. Perfect for busy days!
I love how all I have to do is toss the ingredients in the pot and let it do the work. Serve it with mashed potatoes, and you have a cozy dinner! Who can resist that? 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A 3 to 4 lb pork loin roast is ideal. If you need a smaller portion, a pork tenderloin works great too, just adjust the cooking time to around 4-5 hours on low.
Olive Oil: You can use other oils like canola or grapeseed if olive oil isn’t on hand. They all work well for seasoning the pork.
Broth: Beef broth gives a robust flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste. What’s nice is that broth can also be homemade or store-bought, depending on convenience.
Garlic and Thyme: Fresh garlic works just as well as minced. If you’re out of thyme, dried rosemary or oregano can add a nice twist to the flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Pork Loin?
Searing the pork loin before adding it to the Crock Pot is optional but recommended. This step enhances the flavor significantly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown pork on all sides for about 3 minutes each side.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot with all aromatics and the broth.
This step locks the juices in, resulting in a much tastier pork loin!
How Can I Make the Gravy Perfectly Smooth?
Making a smooth gravy is easy with a few tips:
- Strain your cooking liquid to catch any bits from the pork and aromatics.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. This prevents lumps.
- Whisk continuously while heating until it’s thickened to your desired consistency.
This way, you’ll have a delicious gravy that pairs well with your pork! Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
Crock Pot Pork Loin with Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 lb pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus fresh thyme for garnish)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the Crock Pot. After cooking, there’s a little time to make the gravy, bringing the total to around 7-8 hours, but most of this is hands-off time! Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Start by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Rub the pork with olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Make sure it’s seasoned evenly all over.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):
To build more flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork loin on all sides for about 3 minutes each side. This is optional but locks in those delicious flavors. Once browned, transfer the pork to the Crock Pot.
3. Add Aromatics and Broth:
In the slow cooker, place the sliced onion and minced garlic around the pork. Then pour the beef broth in carefully, making sure to cover the pork. This will help keep it moist as it cooks.
4. Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Make the Gravy:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot and cover it with foil to keep it warm. Pour the remaining liquid through a strainer into a saucepan to remove any solid bits. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the hot liquid. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
Slice the pork loin and serve it with the warm gravy spooned on top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a lovely presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Crock Pot Pork Loin with savory homemade gravy! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly; tenderloin usually cooks faster, so check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on low heat.
What Should I Do if My Gravy Is Too Thin?
If your gravy doesn’t thicken up as much as you’d like, simply mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and whisk it into the gravy. Continue cooking it over medium heat, whisking until it thickens to your desired consistency.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it needs moisture.
Can I Make This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and season it the night before, keeping it refrigerated. Just add it to the Crock Pot in the morning and it will be ready by dinner. You can also prep the gravy in advance—just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.