Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 large onions, sliced; 2 lbs pork loin; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 3 cloves garlic, minced

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Caramelized Onions features tender pork in a smoky BBQ sauce with sweet, caramelized onions. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, it’s an easy recipe that delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ pork loin with caramelized onions is a delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meal that infuses tender pork with smoky BBQ sauce and the sweet richness of caramelized onions, making it perfect for busy days or family dinners. Versatile—serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or sandwiches—it’s ideal for meal prep and offers a juicy, flavorful dish with minimal work. The slow cooker’s simplicity creates a protein-packed, savory meal with a delightful sweet-savory balance.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Excess Fat: Remove fat for even cooking and less greasiness.

Sear for Depth: Browning adds a rich, caramelized crust.
Caramelize Onions Well: Cook slowly to enhance sweetness.
Thicken the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

Low Heat Only: Cook on low to keep pork tender.
Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to retain juices.
Use Fresh Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s aroma over powdered.

Stir Gently: Avoid breaking pork or onions when mixing.
Check Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on taste.
Serve Hot: Maximizes the BBQ-onion contrast.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Caramelized Onions

Tender BBQ pork loin with caramelized onions, easy in crock pot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

½ tsp black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, sliced

2 lbs pork loin
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp chopped parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork loin and season with black pepper.

Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, cook sliced onions over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until soft and golden. Add to the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and brown sugar until smooth.

Pour Over Pork: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and onions, ensuring even coating.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until pork is tender and juicy.
Prepare Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; set aside.

Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Rest and Slice: Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred as desired, stirring to coat with sauce and onions.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley, serve with your favorite sides, and savor this sweet-savory delight!

Notes

Trim excess fat from pork to avoid greasiness; sear in batches if needed.
Caramelize onions slowly for maximum sweetness; stir occasionally.
Adjust brown sugar or vinegar to balance sweetness and tanginess to your taste.

Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 325Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 91mgSodium 418mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 16gProtein 31g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Loin (2 lbs): Trimmed of excess fat for tenderness.
Onions (2 large): Sliced thinly for caramelization and sweetness.

BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Low-sugar or homemade for control; smoky flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for aromatic warmth.

Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds depth; use erythritol for low-carb.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce; dissolve in water before adding.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding depth.

Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.
Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): For garnish, adds fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder or ribs; adjust cooking time.

Onion Options: Substitute with shallots or leeks for variety.
BBQ Sauce Alternatives: Use teriyaki or hoisin for a different twist.
Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with honey or erythritol.

Vinegar Options: Use balsamic vinegar for a richer tang.
Spice Twist: Add smoked paprika or cayenne for heat.
Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or skip for oil-free cooking.

Gluten-Free: Ensure BBQ sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.