This easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin recipe includes a flavorful garlic herb rub, and is slow cooker in apple juice for extra flavor! It is fall apart tender with minimal effort!
Table of Contents
I know. It seems kind of boring.
But I’ve been making this slow cooker pork loin at least once a month for a year or two. And it’s so good, and so tender.
Plus, I’ve finally got my dry rub down and ready to share!
It’s similar to my dry rub on this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, but there’s so much more area to cover when you’re making a pork loin.
I love to pick up a couple boneless pork loins when they go on sale and stash them in the freezer for those weeks I need an easy, hearty meal with minimal effort.
You can really just throw the pork loin in the crockpot with some water and salt and pepper and it will come out just fine, especially considering you only spent about 2 minutes getting it ready.
But if you want to take it up a notch? You’ve got to try this dry rub for pork. It would be so easy to make a big batch and store in an old spice jar to make the prep for this pork loin even simpler.
But even if you don’t, it’s still only going to take about 5-10 minutes of your time in the morning and you’ll have easy meals for the rest of the week! My average pork loin is about 5 lbs, so there’s lots to go around and it freezer perfectly, too!
What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Since my Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin have been so popular, I’ve gotten a lot of questions or comments about cooking pork loin.
I think a lot of people make the mistake of assuming they’re interchangeable when they are definitely not, so I wanted to include my recipe for pork loin over here on The Recipe Rebel, too! (Since it’s one of our favorites anyway!)
A pork tenderloin is much smaller than pork loin, it usually weights around 1-1.5 lbs, whereas the pork loin I used for this recipe was 5 lbs. You can see why the recipes can’t be used interchangeably — pork loin requires much more seasoning and much more cook time.
You can read more about the differences between pork loin and pork tenderloin here.
How to make Slow Cooker Pork Loin:
- Low and slow. Although you can cook a pork loin on high in the slow cooker, I definitely prefer low heat for a longer period of time. It breaks down the meat until it easily falls apart!
- Season well. The pork loin is a large cut of meat, so I like to give it a solid coating of the dry rub before cooking. It can soak up a ton of flavor!
- Fresh or frozen. If you want something that cooks over a longer period of time, try putting the pork loin in frozen. If you want the rub to adhere to the meat, you will need to let it thaw at room temperature for an hour or two so the outer layer has thawed. Season and cook for 9-10 hours on low (up to 11 is fine — it won’t hurt it!).
What to make with leftover pulled pork:
One of the reasons I love this Slow Cooker Pork Loin is because it shreds so easily, and there are a ton of ways to reinvent leftover pulled pork.
- Freeze it! Leftover cooked, shredded pork can be frozen plain or in barbecue sauce. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- As a pizza topping for regular or mini naan pizzas.
- Add it to pasta.
- Make a pulled pork grilled cheese.
- Top a salad with it.
- And on and on and on the list goes. What are your favorite things to do with it?
Slow Cooker Pork Loin
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 5 lbs pork loin
- 1 ½ tablespoons seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
Instructions
- Trim fat off around pork loin if desired.
- Combine seasoning salt (if you are reducing your salt intake, use only 1 tablespoon), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, onion powder and pepper. Rub all over pork loin.
- Place pork loin in 4-6 quart slow cooker and add apple juice. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours). *See notes below to cook from frozen.
- Shred pork or remove from slow cooker and cool for 15-20 minutes to slice.
- Optional: add barbecue sauce or other sauces and serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Jason says
How much of the loin should be covered by the liquid? Doesn’t sound like it will be covered but then how does it cook evenly? Will the submerged part be different than the top? I didn’t see anything about flipping the loin.
Jennifer L Click says
Won’t the pork loin dry out cooking so long in the crock pot?
Ashley Fehr says
A pork loin that is 5 lbs requires a long cook time
Dave B says
I really wish being an 8 hour commitment, not a lot of desire to experiment and the wonders of a crockpot there were maybe carrots, potatoes, baby onions, or something more to this than shredded meat. What do you serve it with? My guys would probably like slices over shreds too. I’ll look around but I think this would be amazing in bbq sauce on a hoagie bun with lettuce, tomato and provolone
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Dave! You are obviously smart so it would be no problem to add those things if you desire them 🙂 I also wouldn’t say that turning the slow cooker on and letting it cook without any work on your part is a “commitment”. It’s one of the easiest recipes we make!
Chris Cunnane says
Seriously – so glad I “clicked” on your recipe!! (I confess I went nuclear and “enhanced” with a few things)
Just the rub and apple juice base is magic and certainly wasn’t much of a commitment. Thank You!!
I cooked a few 1.5-2lb pork roasts with potatoes, onion and carrots lately in the crock but for the effort it seemed like a small return. This week my usual grocer had a great deal on pork loin so I dove in.
Once you’ve got all the meat (as You mentioned) dinner is easy for the week!
Great suggestions on your end. Also great for tacos and a Philly pulled pork with broccoli rabe and provolone on a quality long roll! (Don’t attempt without good bread).
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Chris! I’m thrilled you liked it!
Julie Altenburger says
I tried with Dr Pepper, hope it turns out good!!??
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sure it will be great!
Danielle says
Starting it now for 10 hours frozen, I’ll let you know…thanks
Danielle says
So yummy! I’m freezing some for a future meal. Should I freeze it in the juice or drain it first?
Ashley Fehr says
I think in the juice is a great idea!
Adam Metz says
I’m cooking this right now, loin has been cooking on low for 4 hrs now.. Just checked temp it’s reading 185 f … Do I switch to warm setting or allow it to keep going on low for the last 4 hrs????
Ashley Fehr says
I find that pork loin needs a little extra cook time to become tender, after the point where it is technically safe to eat. I like to let it go for the full 8 hours, but it will depend on the size of the loin
Deborah anderson says
I have a 3# want to cook it in a crockpot looks like 8 hours with your rub and apple juice is recommended . Would I throw the potatoes , carrots and onions in at the same time or would potatoes get over cooked ?
Ashley Fehr says
If you cut the potatoes fairly large it should be all right, but you can always add them a little later to make sure they’re not overcooked.
Patricia Javier says
Ive tried cooking the Pork Loin in my Instapot, ill let you know tomorrow.
Ashley Fehr says
I’d love to hear!
Robin says
Hi there, I’m curious about this recipe but I have an unusual situation- I cut a 3lb pork loin into threes so now I have 1lb cuts in my freezer. Can you recommend how long to cook just 1 lb pork loin In a crock pot? (Or Dutch oven if that’s better) I’m afraid to overcook such a small cut. Thanks in advance for your time ?
Abbe says
I have a 1.2 lb pork loin roast I just started cooking in the crockpot myself, and I’m doing it totally blind.
Ive been to the end of the internet and back looking for someone just to tell me in plain English how long to cook the frickin thing, and not one person out there seems to know.
So I’m doing one hour on high temp, then Im turning it to the low setting and just letting it cook….and cook..and cook…do I do this forever??
Does ANYONE know?
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Abbe. It is rare to have a 1 lb pork loin, which is why you are not finding any recipes. Pork tenderloins are usually around the 1lb mark, so either that is what you are actually cooking or you have chopped a pork loin roast into a 1lb chunk. Maybe someone would tell you if you tried asking nicely? 😀
Beverlee says
I had a 2# pork loin that I wanted to cook for supper and I didn’t have time to use a slow cooker, even set on High. My microwave also has convection oven capability, with a setting to use the oven with intermittent microwave blasts. The loin cooked in about 45 minutes using this CombiCook method. It was SO delicious. I did add about 1/2 cup of water because I knew the microwave blasts would demand more moisture – there was little liquid left at the end of cook time. I added a bit more apple juice to the drippings and poured it over the shredded meat.
I have tried many pork loin recipes, but this is now my favorite. So quick and easy to prepare and the result is not overly seasoned and not bland either. It was JUST RIGHT. We’ll use the rest for sandwiches this weekend. Thank you for the perfect rub!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Beverlee! I’m definitely intrigued by that microwave you have — it sounds like a lifesaver!
Ann says
What if you do t have apple juice? Can you substitute it with something else?
Ashley Fehr says
You could also use chicken broth, cranberry juice or even Dr. Pepper is a great addition.
Cindy says
how much dr.pepper?
or chicken broth?
Ashley Fehr says
The amount of liquid required is in the recipe
Zach says
I used A&W Root Beer and was really good
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks!
Eleanor says
I used Kansas city rub on my lion will it work
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, it will be great 🙂
Lisa DiMusto says
I made this recipe!! I used a cup of unsweetened applesauce!! Really awesome! Serving on the Hawiann brand slider buns for Super Bowl!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lisa!
Laura Segers says
I made this dish yesterday, so yummy! Unfortunately , I didn’t have apple juice, so I just used chicken broth instead. I also cooked it on high for about 3 hours and on low for 2 hours since it was getting late. Came out so tender and juicy! Will definitely use again!
Quinton Craven says
I just got it started I didn’t have apple juice nor chicken broth so I’m going a bit brave and using cherry 7up..I’ll let you know how it went in approximately 8hrs
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Laura!
Mary Camley says
Does this make enough juice to make a gravy with
Ashley Fehr says
It makes quite a bit of liquid and yes, you can thicken to make a gravy!
Quinton Craven says
I just got it started I didn’t have apple juice nor chicken broth so I’m going a bit brave and using cherry 7up..I’ll let you know how it went in approximately 8hrs
Quinton Craven says
***UPDATE***
THE CHERRY 7UP SUBSTITUTE WAS GREAT!! THANK YOU AMY WONDERFUL RECIPE!!
I just got it started I didn’t have apple juice nor chicken broth so I’m going a bit brave and using cherry 7up..I’ll let you know how it went in approximately 8hrs
Ashley Fehr says
I’m thrilled to hear that! Thanks for the tip!
Anna says
freeze small portions of shredded pork and throw them (still frozen!) into your ramen while it’s cooking on the stove, you won’t regret it 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
That’s a brilliant idea!
Nickie says
Mrs Dash would be a good alternative
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, that would work fine!
Renee W. says
I’m busy remodeling my bathroom and needed a super easy and delicious home cooked meal that didn’t make another mess in my house and didn’t take too much time away from my bathroom remodel and your slow cooker port loin recipe was the perfect solution! I followed your recipe and it turned out incredibly delicious!!! I will make this again and again! Thank you for the recipe! My only problem now is that my dogs are closely following me and my dinner plate of your slow cooker pork loin every where I go.
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! I can definitely imagine that happening! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Missy Rummie says
any suggestions on something I could replace the seasoning salt with? I’m allergic to paprika (and any other nightshades…)
Zoe says
I tried your recipe and it was wonderful! Mine was incredibly similar but had a kick to it since my family loves spicy food. Everything was the same in mine except no dry mustard or Italian seasoning. Instead I use roasted green chili ( Hatch preferably) & sliced green onions layered over the roast.. then the apple juice poured over it all or in a pinch.. unsweetened apple sauce with a little chicken stock substitutes well. (1/2 c of each). My family loved yours! We made pulled pork sliders and savored every bite.
Ashley Fehr says
I am so happy to hear that Zoe! I think my husband would love your spicy version!
Eva Lindley says
I have a 3.5 loin roast how much less time on low? Please and Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
I would still cook 7-8 hours!
Cori says
I used 2/3 cup of apple cider vinegar instead of the apple juice, to keep it low carb. OMG it came out amazing! New favorite recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Cori!
Nicole says
I am using a pork loin for this recipe, and I just realized that I don’t have apple juice. Would unsweetened orange juice work? Or should I go with chicken broth instead?
Nicole says
Update. Didn’t use orange juice either. I ended up putting in a can of apricots…and OMG! It’s delicious!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks for sharing your swaps and I’m glad you liked it!
Zoe says
A great substitute for apple juice is equal amounts apple sauce & chicken stock
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks for sharing Zoe!
Denise says
Can I put slices of apples in the crockpot with the pork loin?
Also, can I add potatoes, onions and peppers?
When do I add the above ingredients? (The onions are already diced and the peppers are sliced).
Ashley Fehr says
You definitely can, it just depends on how tender you like your vegetables. The onions and potatoes would be fine for a longer cook time, maybe 7-8 hours, but the peppers only need a few hours before they are tender, so I would like add them in the last 2-3 hours.
Brooke says
I boiled some water and add unsweetened apple sauce for “apple juice”. I’m excited to see how this turn out with Mac n cheese! I think the pulled pork and Mac n cheese with a drizzle of BBQ sauce will be exactly the meals I need this week
Ashley Fehr says
I love those two together! Let me know how it goes!
Betty says
I have a cajun flavored 2.06 lb pork loin filet. I was wondering if I should still use apple juice. I won’t be putting any rub on it. I will be cooking on high while we are in church on Sunday. Would like to put potatoes in with it. Thanks for your help.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Betty! Your loin is quite a bit smaller than mine usually are, so you may find you don’t need quite the same cook time. You could use apple juice or any other liquid you think would work well.
Jeanette says
I was so excited.. The smell when it was cooking was amazing… Let it cool a bit.. Tried a nice most piece… It was like moist cardboard.. Maybe it was the loin… It wasn’t awful.. It just had no real flavor.. Just bland meat..we are going to try and save it by adding bbq sauce to it. Im just wondering if pork loin is maybe not a great cut off meat or if my tastebuds are off.. So many great comments on how flavorful it was.
Ashley Fehr says
It shouldn’t be bland, but we usually serve it with barbecue sauce or something on the side. We love the flavor on its own but it’s not super strong!
Cheri says
Would you change anything if you add onions and carrots?
Ashley Fehr says
I wouldn’t change anything! They’ll be pretty tender after the cook time.
Ann says
I tried your recipe and thought it was good. I don’t remember ever putting a pork loin in the slow cooker. I had cut my pork loin in half and froze it because there is just the two of us. I cut the seasoning in half because my husband is on a salt restriction. I also didn’t have any apple juice. I chopped up an apple in my chopper and then added a little more than a cup of water and poured that in the slow cooker. The meat was not all the way thawed so I set the timer for nine and a half hours on low. Then took it out and let it sit for 20 minutes. When I tried to cut it it fell apart like shredded. I added the remaining juices to the meat, stirred it up. We reheated the meat in microwave and put in buns. The smell while cooking made my mouth water. Will used this recipe again when I cook the other half. I rate it a five star!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Ann! I’m so happy to hear that you liked it!
Sarah says
Have you tried this recipe with a whole chicken?
Ashley Fehr says
I haven’t but I bet the seasoning would be amazing on chicken as well!
Kathy says
I only have regular apple juice. Will that work?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, definitely!
Danae Stewart says
I only had a cranpinapple juice. I tried it!! Will.let u know how it comes out!
Kerry says
My pork loin is only 2 lbs. Should I shorten the cook time?
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Kerry! It will depend on the diameter of the pork loin. If it’s a pork tenderloin (long and skinny), then you’ll want to reduce the cook time by about half. If it is short and fat (a piece of a pork loin), then you may want to reduce it slightly but not considerably. I hope that helps!
Margaret McDaniel says
This recipe is so delicious! It is tasty without adding any sauces! I’d love to hear what sides you recommend making with it!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Margaret! I’m so glad you liked it! We love it with mashed or roasted potatoes, but it goes really well with a lot of things!
CV Chapman says
I use pineapple juice with pork tenderloin and sometimes use apple slices, too.
Ashley Fehr says
Great ideas!
Grace Coleman says
Any reason to drain the fluids after slow cooking the pork loin, before adding bbq sauce?
Ashley Fehr says
Just so the flavor of the sauce isn’t diluted, but you can definitely save the juices!
Nicole says
What if you don’t have the dried mustard? Could you use something else in place of that?
Ashley Fehr says
You can easily leave it out 🙂
Edyta says
Can I use apple sauce instead apple juice? And maybe add a little water?
Ashley Fehr says
I probably wouldn’t use applesauce but chicken or vegetable broth would work just fine!
Jerome Madden says
Only 1 cup of juice? No other liquids?
Ashley Fehr says
No other liquids 🙂
Linda C says
I’m going to try this one. I have everything but the apple juice ? is there an alternative?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, you can definitely use chicken broth instead!
Becki Elkins Woodsmall says
I used grape juice. We’ll see how that goes, lol!
Ashley Fehr says
I’d love to hear!
Liz says
Did the grape juice work!? I considered using a grape cranberry juice blend because it’s what I have but wasn’t sure how that would work.
Ashley Fehr says
I think cranberry/grape would be great!
Courtney O'Dell says
I love delicious easy pork dinners, and this one is a star! Love the flavors and SO easy!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Courtney!
Jennifer Lehner says
YUM!! I can’t wait to make this for dinner next week!
Ashley Fehr says
I’d love to hear how it goes!
Tara says
This looks so juicy and delicious! Love a good slow cooker recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Tara!
Jamielyn says
Yum! Looks so flavorful and delicious!
Rachael Yerkes says
Well this is amazing! I was just looking for a new way to cook my pork loin and I’m definitely trying this one!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rachael! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Lauren says
I’m looking for the dry rub recipe for the pork tenderloin?
Ashley Fehr says
It’s in the recipe box 🙂
Callen says
What kind of “seasoning salt” do you recommend? Thank you.
Ashley Fehr says
I use Lawry’s — it’s what I’ve used forever!
[email protected] says
I only have a 2.38 pound of pork Loin so be slow cocked any suggestions please
Ashley Fehr says
You likely don’t need to cook it as long, maybe 5-6 hours on low.