Slow-Cooked Pork Roast with Garlic & Herbs

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a Slow-Cooked Pork Roast simmering all day — tender meat, rich juices, and cozy aromas filling the kitchen. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and low-and-slow magic for a meal that practically cooks itself.

Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a hint of brown sugar, this pork roast turns melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful. Whether it’s Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prep for the week, this dish delivers Southern comfort at its finest. This tender roast pairs perfectly with Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole and Homemade Cranberry Sauce. End the meal with a slice of Classic Hummingbird Cake.

Why You’ll Love This

• Tender, fall-apart pork cooked low and slow

• Rich garlic and herb flavor in every bite

• Easy set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe

• Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep

• Versatile leftovers for sandwiches and bowls

Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 6–8 hours

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 620mg

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

Instructions

1. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).

2. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and thyme. Rub the mixture all over the roast.

3. Slow Cook: Place onion and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the pork on top, pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around (not over) the meat.

4. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until pork is tender and easily pulls apart.

5. Serve: Transfer the roast to a platter and spoon some of the flavorful juices over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside Southern Biscuits or Cornbread to soak up those juices.

• Add a side of Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Green Bean Almondine for the perfect Southern meal.

• Leftovers make incredible pulled-pork sandwiches the next day!

Tips & Variations

• Use pork shoulder or pork butt — they’re ideal for slow cooking.

• For a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the juices at the end.

• Serve this roast with sides like Mashed Potatoes or Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a complete, cozy meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the pork moist

• Freeze shredded pork for up to 3 months

• Great for meal prep and leftovers like sandwiches or bowls

FAQ

Q: Can I use pork loin instead of pork roast? Yes — pork loin works well and cooks a bit faster. Just check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Q: What herbs taste best with roasted pork? Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and parsley are classic and pair beautifully with garlic.

Q: How do I keep the pork juicy? Sear it before roasting, use a meat thermometer, and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes — you can season and prep the pork up to 24 hours in advance and roast when ready.

Q: What sides go well with garlic herb pork roast? Garlic Mushrooms, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, Rice Pilaf, or Honey-Glazed Carrots will pair deliciously.

Final Thoughts

This slow-cooked pork roast is a classic comfort food dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Tender, juicy, and infused with garlic and herbs, it’s perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to make-ahead meals.

For more hearty, comforting meals like this, explore our Cozy Dinner Recipes Collection for even more easy, satisfying ideas.