Easy slow cooker pork roast that’s fall-apart tender, flavorful, and simple to make. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Equipment
Slow Cooker
Large Pot
Ingredients
5lbPork Butt (Boston Butt) or Shoulder
3tbspYellow Mustard
2Yellow Onions , (sliced)
10clovesGarlic, (diced)
3/4 cupChicken Broth
1tbspWorcestershire Sauce
6tbspSalted Butter
Seasoning Mix
1/4cupBrown Sugar
1tbspKosher Salt
2tspBlack Pepper
1tbspSmoked Paprika
1tbspOnion Powder
1tbspGarlic Powder
1tspGround Mustard
1tspChili Powder
Instructions
Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix together and set aside.
Pat the pork butt roast dry with a paper towel and rub mustard all over. Sprinkle heavily with the season seasoning blend, ensuring the entire roast is covered. There will be a lot of seasoning leftover, don't worry, we're going to use it all! (optional: place onto a wire rack and place into the refrigerator to dry brine for 24 hours - this will provide the maximum flavor)
Place a large skillet onto the stove over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and place the roast into the skillet, searing on all sides for about 5 minutes, until a nice crust develops.
Add sliced yellow onion, and diced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the remaining seasoning mixture on top. Toss together to coat, then pour in the chicken broth and worcestershire sauce. Place the seared roast into the slow cooker and top with butter.
Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, until tender and falling apart. (for a more sliceable roast, cook on low for 5-6 hours).
Optional Finish - For crispy edges, spread shredded pork on a sheet pan and broil for a few minutes. Drizzle with some of the juices before serving.
Notes
Best Options: pork shoulder (Boston butt) or pork butt, they’re marbled with fat and connective tissue, which break down beautifully in the slow cooker.
Avoid lean cuts like pork tenderloin; they can dry out with long cooking.
Season Generously - a little brown sugar in the rub can help balance the savory flavors and caramelize during searing.
Sear Before Slow Cooking - Browning the roast in a skillet adds a ton of flavor and makes the roast nice and juicy.
Cook Low and Slow for 8 hours is best for tenderness. High heat tends to make the meat stringy instead of silky.
Don’t lift the lid too often, every peek releases heat and adds up to 30 minutes cooking time.