This 5-ingredient slow cooker pork loin is exactly the kind of Labor Day weekend dinner that saves the day when you want something hearty and crowd-pleasing without babysitting the stove. It has that sweet-savory, fall-apart texture people love in pulled pork, but it starts with a simple boneless pork loin roast and a handful of pantry staples, making it ideal for busy holiday weekends, potlucks, or low-effort family dinners.
Serve this shredded pork on soft buns for sandwiches, over creamy mashed potatoes, or piled onto rice for an easy plate dinner. It also goes really well with classic cookout sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, or potato salad, so it fits right in with the whole Labor Day spread.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Weekend Winner
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 boneless pork loin roast, about 3 to 4 pounds
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Place the boneless pork loin roast in the slow cooker basin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender.
4. Remove the pork to a large cutting board or bowl and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, toss it in the sauce, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Sandwich Style: Pile the shredded pork onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw for an easy cookout-style sandwich that feeds a crowd with almost no extra work.
Make It Sweeter or Smokier: If you like a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar. For a smokier flavor, use a smoky barbecue sauce so you can change the personality of the dish without adding more ingredients.
Keep It Moist: Because pork loin is leaner than pork shoulder, it helps to cook just until tender and then let the shredded meat soak in the sauce before serving. That quick rest makes a big difference in keeping every bite juicy.
Meal Prep Tip: This pork reheats well, so you can make it a day ahead and store it in its sauce in the fridge. Warm it gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for an easy next-day dinner or party meal.