2 Easy Slow Cooker Pork Recipes for Busy Families

Looking for quick, hearty dinners that practically cook themselves? These easy slow cooker pork recipes are perfect for busy families who want comforting, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker can transform pork into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dinner everyone will love.

Today we’re featuring two delicious favorites — Honey Garlic Pork and Apple Cider Pork Roast. Each one uses minimal prep time, common pantry ingredients, and that hands-off cooking magic we all appreciate.

Recipe 1: Honey Garlic Pork

This Honey Garlic Pork is sweet, savory, and a little tangy — the perfect combo for weeknight dinners. It’s also incredibly versatile, working great with either pork loin or chops.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork loin or pork chops
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup

Instructions

1. Place the pork in your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Shred or slice the pork, then drizzle with sauce before serving.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Honey Garlic Pork over fluffy white rice or noodles for a comforting meal. You can also spoon it over mashed potatoes or tuck it into warm tortillas for an easy pulled-pork wrap. A side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a crisp Asian salad balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Recipe 2: Apple Cider Pork Roast

This Apple Cider Pork Roast brings all the cozy fall flavors to your dinner table. The apple cider keeps the meat juicy while cinnamon and thyme give it that comforting aroma of home.

Ingredients

• 2–3 lb pork roast
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Optional: Sear the pork roast in a hot skillet until lightly browned on all sides. This adds extra flavor.
2. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the apple cider over the top, then sprinkle with cinnamon and thyme.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
5. Slice and serve with the pan juices or reduce them into a light gravy.

Serving Ideas

Pair your Apple Cider Pork Roast with roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans also complements the warm, spiced flavor. For a fall-inspired touch, try serving it with homemade applesauce or cornbread.

Bonus Tip: Enhance the Flavor

For deeper, richer flavor in either dish, try searing the pork before slow cooking. This step caramelizes the meat’s surface and locks in moisture. You can also thicken the sauce at the end by simmering it on the stove for a few minutes with a cornstarch slurry.

More Slow Cooker Inspiration

If you enjoyed these simple slow cooker meals, you’ll love Jean’s full collection of 35 tried-and-true recipes in her eBook: 35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes. It’s packed with flavor-filled meals for every season — all using your trusty slow cooker.

For more kitchen tips and easy recipes, visit our Cookbook Lane homepage. And if you want to keep your ingredients fresh longer, don’t miss our helpful guide: How to Keep Food Fresh.

Final Thoughts

These easy slow cooker pork recipes prove that homemade comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker doing the work, you can serve your family a delicious, satisfying dinner — even on your busiest days.

So plug in your slow cooker, grab your favorite cut of pork, and let these recipes make your next meal effortless and delicious!