Spicy Cajun-Style Crock Pot Pork Loin Roast
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Spicy Cajun-Style Crock Pot Pork Loin Roast. This one-pot wonder combines tender pork loin with a medley of vegetables, infused with a perfectly balanced blend of spices. As the roast slowly cooks, the Cajun seasoning seeps into the meat, creating a flavorful dish that’s satisfying and aromatic. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this recipe serves 10-12 people and pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, you'll love how the crock pot does all the work while you enjoy time with your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Celery ribs
2 (diced)
Bell pepper
1 (diced (red or yellow for sweetness))
Carrot
1 (diced)
Potatoes
6-8 (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
Butter
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
4-5 (minced)
Thyme
1 tablespoon
Paprika
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1 teaspoon
Ground mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon
Hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon
Bay leaves
2
Boneless pork loin roast
1 (roughly 4 lbs.)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Cold water
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Layer the potato slices evenly across the bottom of your crock pot for a hearty base.
2
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate the hot pepper sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and ground mustard powder into the vegetable mixture, stirring well.
4
Prepare the pork loin by making deep slits in it to enhance flavor absorption. Place the pork loin in the crock pot on top of the potatoes, ensuring the slit side is facing up.
5
Using a spoon, generously fill the slits in the pork with the sautéed vegetable mixture and scatter any remaining vegetables over the top. Nestle the bay leaves among the ingredients in the crock pot.
6
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and fully cooked.
7
Once the cooking time is complete, gently transfer the roast to a serving platter and use a slotted spoon to arrange the potatoes around it. Cover the platter with foil to keep the roast and potatoes warm while you prepare the gravy.
8
If necessary, remove the bay leaves from the crock pot. Pour the delicious cooking juices into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth, then stir this into the pan.
9
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a boil while stirring constantly. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
10
Serve the thickened gravy alongside the sliced roast and potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook the Spicy Cajun-Style Pork Loin in a crock pot?
The pork loin roast should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until it is fork-tender.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve a large group of 10 to 12 people.
What size pork loin roast do I need?
You will need a boneless pork loin roast weighing approximately 4 lbs.
Do I need to add water or broth to the crock pot?
No extra liquid is required; the juices from the meat and vegetables, combined with the butter used for sautéing, provide enough moisture for cooking and making gravy.
Why do I need to make slits in the pork roast?
Deep slits are made in the pork loin to allow the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture to penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall flavor.
What is the best way to slice the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds to ensure they cook evenly and form a sturdy base for the roast.
How do I make the gravy for this dish?
Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the juices, and boil for 2 minutes until thickened.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce and Cajun spices like paprika and ground mustard, providing a medium level of heat that is flavorful but balanced.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
Yes, while red or yellow bell peppers are suggested for their sweetness, you can use any variety you prefer.
What should I serve with this Cajun pork roast?
This dish pairs exceptionally well with white rice or crusty bread, which help soak up the homemade Cajun gravy.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaves from the crock pot before preparing the gravy and serving the meal.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
While 6-8 hours on low is recommended for the best texture, you could cook it on high for 3-4 hours, though the meat may not be quite as tender.
Do I have to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, sautéing the onions, celery, peppers, and carrots in butter helps soften them and releases the aromatics of the garlic and spices.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh cloves?
Fresh minced garlic (4-5 cloves) is recommended for the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch for thickening the gravy rather than flour.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked pork roast?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork and gravy for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing.
What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well during long slow-cooking sessions, but Russets also work if you prefer a softer texture.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a dairy-free margarine for sautéing the vegetables if you need a dairy-free option.
Can I use pork shoulder instead of pork loin?
Yes, pork shoulder (butt) can be used. It is Fattier than loin, so it will be very tender, but you may need to skim more fat off the juices before making gravy.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
You can, but this recipe provides a custom blend using thyme, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper for a more balanced flavor.
What if my gravy isn't thickening?
Ensure the cornstarch is mixed with cold water first and that the gravy reaches a full boil for at least one minute to activate the thickening properties.
Can I add more vegetables like carrots or green beans?
The recipe already includes carrots, but you can certainly add more or include other hearty vegetables like green beans during the last hour of cooking.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in this specific dish, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic style.
How do I keep the roast warm while making gravy?
Transfer the roast and potatoes to a platter and cover it tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat while you finish the sauce on the stove.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use about 3 tablespoons of fresh thyme to replace the 1 tablespoon of dried thyme called for in the recipe.
What kind of hot pepper sauce should I use?
Any standard vinegar-based hot sauce like Tabasco or Louisiana-style hot sauce works perfectly for this Cajun flavor profile.
Is it okay to use a frozen pork roast?
It is safer and yields better results to fully thaw the pork roast in the refrigerator before placing it in the crock pot.
Can I prepare the vegetable mixture the night before?
Yes, you can sauté the vegetables and spices ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then assemble everything in the crock pot in the morning.