Pork Loin Roast Crock Pot Recipe With Potatoes: Hands-Off Herb-Infused Tenderness

Recipes/Cooking

Pork Loin Roast Crock Pot Recipe With Potatoes: Hands-Off Herb-Infused Tenderness

This pork loin roast crock pot recipe with potatoes delivers tender, herb-infused results with minimal effort. The slow cooker transforms affordable pork loin into juicy, fall-apart meat while potatoes absorb all the flavorful drippings.

I’ve perfected the timing and seasoning to ensure every bite stays moist and flavorful. A simple blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme enhances the natural richness of the pork without overpowering it.

By the end of the cooking time, you’ll have a complete meal ready to serve—juicy pork, perfectly tender potatoes, and a savory sauce that ties it all together.

Set it in the morning and come home to a meal that tastes like it took hours of attention.

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Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for pork loin roast crock pot recipe potatoes

Affordable pork loin, hearty potatoes, and fresh herbs create this hands-off crock pot masterpiece.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Pork Loin Roast 🥩 2 lb Boneless, trimmed of fat
Yukon Gold Potatoes 🥔 2 lb Cut into 1.5-inch chunks
Fresh Rosemary 🌿 2 tbsp Chopped, stems discarded
Fresh Thyme 🍃 2 tbsp Leaves stripped from stems
Garlic Cloves 🧄 6 cloves Minced for maximum flavor
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp Extra-virgin for richness
Chicken Broth 🍲 1 cup Low-sodium preferred
Dijon Mustard 🟡 2 tbsp Smooth, not whole grain
Apple Cider Vinegar 🍏 1 tbsp Balances the richness
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Diamond Crystal brand preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Freshly ground for best flavor
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Large, thinly sliced
Carrots 🥕 2 whole Peeled, cut into chunks
Cornstarch 🌾 1 tbsp For thickening the sauce

The pork loin is the foundation—opt for boneless, well-marbled cuts from a trusted butcher or the meat counter at Whole Foods. The Yukon Gold potatoes are non-negotiable; their buttery texture holds up beautifully to slow cooking. For the herbs, fresh rosemary and thyme from the produce section (look for vibrant green stems, no wilting) make all the difference. Avoid pre-chopped garlic—it loses its punch too quickly.

No fresh herbs? Dried rosemary and thyme at one-third the amount will work in a pinch. Swap Yukon Golds for red potatoes or fingerlings if that's what you have. Out of Dijon? Whole-grain mustard adds a nice texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. For extra depth, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce (just confirm it's not the anchovy-based kind if strict vegetarian).

Store raw pork in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for 6 months. Potatoes and carrots keep in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Leftovers reheat beautifully—this dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set It and Forget: I toss everything in the crock pot before work and come home to a ready meal.
  • Herb-Kissed Bite: The rosemary and thyme infuse the pork and potatoes with that cozy, savory depth I crave.
  • Feeds My Crew: Between us, this one-pot wonder satisfies my whole family without extra dishes.
  • Budget Stretcher: A pork loin and a bag of Yukons feed us for two nights—no fancy cuts needed.

Step-by-step instructions for pork loin roast with potatoes

This method guarantees hands-off cooking with restaurant-quality results every time.

1

Season and Sear the Pork Loin Roast

Pat the 2 lb Pork Loin Roast dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Rub the entire surface with 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, and 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme, pressing the herbs into the meat so they adhere.

Heat 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork loin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. This creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. Transfer the seared roast to the crock pot insert.

2

Prepare the Aromatic Vegetable Base

In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced Yellow Onion, peeled and chunked Carrots, and 6 cloves minced Garlic Cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions begin to soften and develop a slight golden color.

Deglaze the pan with 1 cup Chicken Broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. This step captures all the fond from searing the pork, adding immense depth to your dish. Pour this mixture over the pork loin in the crock pot.

3

Add Potatoes and Create the Cooking Liquid

Arrange the 2 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes cut into 1.5-inch chunks around the pork loin in the crock pot. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, and the remaining cooking liquid from the skillet.

Pour this mixture over the pork and potatoes. The acidity from the vinegar and the sharpness of the mustard will balance the richness of the pork while creating a flavorful broth for the potatoes to absorb.

4

Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and pulls apart easily with a fork. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with no resistance.

Real talk: resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Every time you do, you lose 20-30 minutes of cooking time and the steady heat needed for even doneness. The herbs will infuse throughout, creating that signature tenderness promised in the title.

5

Thicken the Sauce and Serve

Carefully transfer the pork loin to a cutting board and tent with foil. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the crock pot, then transfer 1 cup of the liquid to a saucepan.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp Cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the cooking liquid in the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Slice the pork and serve with the potatoes, carrots, and sauce spooned over the top.

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Pro Tips For Making Pork Loin Roast Crock Pot Recipe Potatoes

  • Brown the Pork First: I learned this the hard way—searing the loin for 2-3 minutes per side in a hot pan before it hits the crock pot adds depth the slow cooker can’t. The potatoes soak up that fond like a sponge.
  • Cut Potatoes Even: Keep your Yukon Golds roughly the same size, about 2-inch chunks, so they cook through at the same rate. Nothing worse than half mushy, half crunchy spuds.
  • Skip the Pre-Soaked Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme can handle the long cook time, but don’t soak them first—it washes away the oils that make the dish smell like a Sunday dinner.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Pork loin’s done at 145°F, but I pull it at 140°F and let it rest under foil for 10 minutes. It’ll coast to perfect doneness while you finish the potatoes.

Make-ahead tips for leftovers

Night Before Prep

Trim and season the 2 lb Pork Loin Roast the night before, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This lets the salt penetrate deeply for more flavorful meat. I also chop all the Yukon Gold Potatoes and veggies and keep them in separate containers. 💡

Morning Assembly

In the morning, sear the pork as directed, then add everything to the crock pot. The hands-off cooking means you can start it before work and come home to a finished meal. Just set it to low heat for 6-7 hours and walk away.

Sauce Prep Ahead

Mix the 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard and 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar the night before and store in a small jar. This saves time in the morning and ensures the flavors meld overnight. The acidity helps tenderize the pork while it cooks.

Storage Tips

Use gallon-sized freezer bags for prepped ingredients to save fridge space. Label everything clearly so you don’t mix up the rosemary with the thyme. I keep a roll of parchment paper on hand for easy counter cleanup.

Make-Ahead Gravy

If you want gravy ready to go, make the slurry with 1 tbsp Cornstarch and 2 tbsp water in advance. Store it in a small container and whisk into the cooking liquid when you get home. This ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce every time.

Reheating Leftovers

This dish reheats beautifully for lunches. Store leftovers in shallow containers and reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. ❄️

Nutrition facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 32g12%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 4g
Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently asked questions

1

Do I need to sear the pork loin first?

Yes, searing over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side develops a flavorful crust. This step locks in juices and enhances the overall taste of your dish.

2

Can I use a different potato variety?

While Yukon Golds are ideal, red potatoes or fingerlings work just as well. Avoid waxy varieties like new potatoes, as they may not absorb the cooking liquid as effectively.

3

How do I know when the pork is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. The meat should pull apart easily with a fork. The potatoes will be tender when pierced with no resistance.

4

Can I cook on high heat to save time?

Yes, but texture differs slightly. Cook on high heat for 3-4 hours instead of 6-7 hours on low. The pork will still be tender, but may not absorb the herbs as deeply.

★★★★★4.9(14 reviews)
Categories Recipes/Cooking