Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin

The Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin is a truly satisfying dish that delivers incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort. The pork loin becomes fall-apart tender as it cooks slowly, soaking up the rich blend of garlic, spices, and the smoky flavor from crispy bacon. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramelized sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory profile.

Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you simply want something hearty and delicious, this pork loin recipe is a guaranteed family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal waiting to be devoured. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded plate that satisfies every craving.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork loin

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub mixture all over the pork loin.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown.

3. Transfer the pork loin to the slow cooker. Spread the minced garlic over the top.

4. Wrap the pork with bacon slices, tucking the ends underneath the loin.

5. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped pork.

6. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.

7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.

8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin – A Hearty and Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked meal, especially one that fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of savory garlic, crispy bacon, and tender pork. This Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin is a satisfying, low-effort recipe that yields maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager and hungry.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, hosting a special occasion, or just prepping meals for the week ahead, this dish is an absolute winner. Made with simple ingredients and almost zero babysitting time thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a fuss-free way to serve a main course that feels fancy yet comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultra Tender and Juicy Pork:
Slow cooking the pork loin ensures it stays moist and tender. Unlike pork chops, which can dry out quickly, the pork loin benefits from slow, consistent heat that breaks down the fibers and locks in juices.

2. Deep, Savory Flavor Profile:
Garlic is a star ingredient here, mingling with the smoky, fatty richness of thick-cut bacon. Paprika and brown sugar create a beautiful contrast, sweet, smoky, and savory all in one bite.

3. Effortless Cooking:
All it takes is a quick sear to lock in flavor, and then the slow cooker does all the hard work. This means more time for you to relax, run errands, or prep side dishes.

4. Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing:
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add rosemary or thyme for a herby twist, use pancetta instead of bacon, or switch to a spicy rub if you prefer heat. Regardless of the variation, the result is always a flavorful masterpiece.

5. Pairs Well with Almost Anything:
Serve this pork loin with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or over a bed of wild rice. The pan juices also make a fantastic natural gravy you can drizzle over the meat and sides.

Ingredient Breakdown and Key Tips

Pork Loin:
Make sure you’re using a pork loin and not a tenderloin. Loin is thicker, cooks slower, and holds up better in the slow cooker. It’s ideal for wrapping with bacon and capturing those garlic and spice rubs.

Bacon:
Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. It crisps up slightly and creates a beautiful outer layer that locks in moisture. As it cooks, the fat from the bacon seeps into the pork, enhancing its flavor and keeping it tender.

Garlic:
Garlic is not only rubbed into the pork but also sits right under the bacon layer. As the pork cooks, the garlic softens and infuses into the meat and juices. Minced fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced can be used for convenience.

Brown Sugar:
A touch of brown sugar adds balance to the savory flavors. It helps caramelize the bacon during the cooking process, especially if you broil the pork loin at the end to crisp it up.

Spice Blend:
The blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper forms a simple but highly effective dry rub that coats the pork and locks in flavor during the searing step. If you prefer a smoky version, try smoked paprika instead of regular.

Olive Oil:
Used during the searing step, olive oil adds a light fat base to develop a flavorful crust on the pork. This step also helps enhance the final flavor once it’s slow-cooked.

Chicken Broth:
Adding broth keeps the pork moist and provides a base for the flavorful pan juices. These can be spooned over the sliced pork before serving or thickened into a sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

• Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step. It locks in juices, adds color, and boosts flavor. You only need a few minutes on each side.

• Wrap Tightly: When wrapping the pork with bacon, make sure to slightly overlap the strips. Tuck the ends under the loin to keep everything in place.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For best results, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork. This ensures it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Rest Before Slicing: Letting the pork rest for 10–15 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute. This keeps the meat from drying out when sliced.

• Finish in the Oven (Optional): For crispy bacon, you can transfer the pork to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Bacon Garlic Pork Loin

This pork loin dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes soak up the savory juices perfectly.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts contrasts well with the rich pork.

• Green Beans Almondine: A fresh, crisp vegetable side with a buttery crunch.

• Buttered Egg Noodles: A simple but comforting carb base.

• Apple Slaw: The sweetness and crunch of apple slaw adds a refreshing contrast.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the pork loin with the seasoning rub and bacon wrap the night before. Store it in the fridge in a covered container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pork also freezes well. Simply slice it and store it in a freezer-safe bag with some of the cooking juices.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave in short intervals but cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Who This Recipe is For

• Busy parents looking for an easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

• Beginner cooks who want to impress without complex steps.

• Meal preppers looking for a versatile protein that works across multiple meals.

• Comfort food lovers who appreciate bold, savory flavors.

• Low-carb eaters who want hearty, satisfying meals without pasta or bread.

Additional Variations to Try

• Spicy Chipotle Bacon Pork: Add chipotle powder or adobo sauce to the rub for a smoky heat kick.

• Herb-Crusted Pork Loin: Mix rosemary, thyme, and sage into the seasoning blend for a more aromatic version.

• Apple Bacon Pork Loin: Place sliced apples under the pork before slow cooking for a sweet-and-savory twist.

• Maple Glazed Bacon Pork: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer caramel flavor.

• Stuffed Pork Loin: Make a slit and stuff the center with spinach and cheese before wrapping with bacon.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin is the epitome of comfort food made easy. It brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into something that tastes like it came from a high-end kitchen. The slow cooker method makes it nearly foolproof, and the end result is a moist, flavorful, and utterly satisfying centerpiece for any meal.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a dinner party, this pork loin is guaranteed to wow. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. So go ahead, set it, forget it, and let the aroma of garlic and bacon lead you straight to the table. Your taste buds will thank you.