5+ fantastic pork recipes for the slow cooker

Pork is definitely one of the most well-suited proteins for the slow cooker. It absorbs flavors just as well as chicken, yet shreds into juicy strips after a long braise as effortlessly as fork-tender beef. This varietal meat is also (somewhat surprisingly) one of the cheaper options for a substantial family meal. A pork shoulder is ideal for low and slow cooks, and often ranges below the $2.00 per pound mark—while the wonderfully gamey and tender loin cut is well worth the extra dollar or two for maximum flavor.

Whichever cut of pork you choose, we know that you will love these 5 amazing pork recipes for your slow cooker.

Pork goes exceptionally well with sweet accents and spicy notes, and this recipe delivers both brilliantly. Incredibly easy to fix, you can put this together in just 10 minutes in the morning, and by the time you get home in the evening, dinner is ready to be served. It's a great choice for a family roast as well; the kids will love the maple syrup!

This tender pork recipe is a great fit for a Sunday dinner, but after drooling over this recipe and watching the video, this might just become a weeknight favorite.

Pork chops make a great change of pace in a classic stroganoff preparation. The meaty chops work surprisingly well in the creamy mushroom sauce. The recipe below is made in the slow cooker, so it’s super easy and can be ready for you when you get home from work. Get the full recipe here.

The sweet and tangy aroma of pineapple combined with the tender and juicy pork is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Slow cooker pineapple pork is not just a delicious dish; it's an experience that will transport you to a tropical paradise right in the comfort of your own home. Get the full recipe here.

The sauce is actually more of a glaze than an actual sauce. The pork loin, however, gets poked with a fork several times before it's placed in the slow cooker so that glaze (and the flavor that comes with it) penetrates throughout the entire loin. That means you get flavor in every single bite. It's so pretty that it makes a perfect centerpiece for the table.

Black pepper, garlic and soy sauce accentuate different notes in the meat, while a touch of honey further mellows and sweetens. I love making this pork into sandwiches with soft potato rolls and coleslaw. It’s also delicious accompanied with summery sides like potato salad and corn on the cob.

7. Classic Dijon pork chops and gravy

This family-friendly recipe calls for simple boneless pork chops, cooked down with the savory flavors of garlic, onion, mustard and simple pantry spices. With tasty recipes such as this one, there is always room to play around with your favorite spice combinations to suit your individual tastes (for example, oregano and fennel seeds would work beautifully as well).

Garlic, Dijon mustard and rosemary are three ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. These three classic ingredients make this slow-cooked pork roast burst with flavor! As simple as it is, it sure packs a punch. And with only two steps (add meat, add seasoning), it's a recipe so simple that even the most novice cook can master.