Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Roast (Easy Tender Crockpot Recipe)
If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth, sweet-savory pork roast that takes almost no effort, this Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Roast is the answer. With just brown sugar, salt-and-pepper seasoning, and a boneless pork shoulder, you get a deeply flavorful, fork-tender meal with a naturally rich sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—and the slow cooker does all the work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 3 simple ingredients, all pantry staples
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Slow cooker method = truly hands-off cooking
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Pork becomes extra tender and juicy
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The brown sugar melts into a caramelized, flavorful sauce
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Versatile: perfect for shredding, sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and more
Ingredients
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3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
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1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
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2 tbsp kosher salt (or 1 tbsp fine sea salt)
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Roast
Step 1: Pat the Pork Dry
Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the pork roast.
This helps the salt, pepper, and sugar stick while encouraging better browning and flavor enhancement during slow cooking.
Step 2: Season the Pork
In a small bowl, mix the salt and black pepper together.
Rub this mixture all over the pork—top, bottom, sides, and ends—ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Add the Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar generously over the entire roast.
Gently press it into the meat so it adheres.
Any sugar that falls into the slow cooker will melt and turn into a delicious sauce.
Step 4: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the pork into your slow cooker, fat side up (if there is a fat cap).
As it cooks, the fat will baste the meat and create a richer, more tender roast.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
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On LOW: 8–10 hours
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On HIGH: 4–5 hours
The roast is done when it is extremely tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
Start checking toward the early end of the time range since slow cookers can vary.
Step 6: Remove the Pork & Skim the Liquid
Transfer the cooked pork to a board or large bowl.
Let the cooking juices settle, then skim off excess fat from the top of the liquid.
Step 7: Shred the Pork
Use two forks to shred the pork, removing any large pieces of fat.
Pour some of the warm cooking juice over the shredded meat and gently mix to coat.
Add more liquid as needed to achieve your preferred sauciness.
Step 8: Taste & Serve
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve warm with your favorite sides—or pile it high on sandwich rolls for an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal.
Serving Ideas
This brown sugar pork roast pairs perfectly with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Rice or buttery noodles
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Coleslaw or green salad
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Steamed veggies
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Dinner rolls or slider buns
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Cornbread
It’s also fantastic for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy different meals all week.
Variations & Expert Tips
Balance Sweetness with Acidity
Add 2–3 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the slow cooker for a slightly tangy, more complex sauce.
Boost the Savory Flavor
Replace 1 tbsp of salt with 1 tbsp soy sauce (reduce added salt slightly).
Add Gentle Warmth
Mix in 1 tsp smoked paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder with the salt-and-pepper blend.
Make a Thicker Glaze
After cooking, simmer some of the liquid in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes until reduced and pour it over the shredded meat.
Store Leftovers Correctly
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Store them in their cooking juices for maximum tenderness and reheat gently with a splash of water.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Roast is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a memorable meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.