Crock Pot Pork Loin

Ingredients:

• 1 (3–4 lb) pork loin

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce for a lighter taste)

• ⅓ cup honey (or brown sugar)

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Sear (optional but adds flavor): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).

2. Prepare crock pot: Place sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Mix sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt.

4. Cook: Place pork loin on top of onions. Pour sauce over it.

5. Set: Cover and cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

6. Make gravy (optional): Remove pork loin and let rest. Pour cooking juices into a saucepan. Simmer and thicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water if desired.

7. Serve: Slice pork loin and drizzle with gravy. Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice.