If you search for the best pot roast recipe, you'll find thousands of options, from instant pot tricks to slow cooker pot roast methods.

But today, I want to share an easy, rustic pork roast recipe that has a special place in my heart.

It's a dish I started making during my student years when money was tight, but the craving for good, comforting food was strong.

Long story short, for this recipe, you won't need any fancy equipment — just a pot, an oven, and a lot of love.

Ad the result is so good that even now when I have access to a Dutch oven or a better kitchen setup, I keep coming back to this. Why? Because it's simple, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. So, let's see how to prepare this nostalgic butt pork roast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Cook a Pork Roast: Step-by-Step

• Marinate the Pork: Start by preparing the pork roast rub. Use a knife or a metal skewer to lightly pierce the surface of the meat.
• Rub half of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil into one side of the pork.

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• Turn it over and repeat on the other side.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
• Start the Roast Pork Dinner: Place the marinated pork into a clay pot or a Dutch oven (both work great).
• Add 1 cup of water, and cover with a lid.

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• Roast at 200°C (390°F) for 1.5 hours.
• This is key to understanding how to slow cook a roast in the oven without drying it out.
• Add Potatoes and Finish the Roast: After 1.5 hours, quarter the potatoes, season them lightly and add them to the pot.

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• Break the pork into smaller chunks so every piece soaks up the juices. Return to the oven for another hour.
• Add Mushrooms and Brown: Finally, add the canned mushrooms, uncover the pot, and roast for another 30-40 minutes.

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• This final step helps the liquid reduce into a rich sauce while everything becomes beautifully browned and irresistible.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top and serve your comforting roast pork dinner immediately!

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Why Pork, Potatoes, and Mushrooms Work So Well Together

There's a reason why pork, potatoes, and mushrooms pair so beautifully in this pot roast recipe. Let me briefly tell you why.

Simply put, the pork provides richness, the potatoes absorb the savory juices, and the mushrooms contribute an earthy umami flavor.

How to Adapt This Pork Roast Recipe for a Crock Pot

You can easily adapt this pork roast recipe for a crock pot as well!

To make pork roast in crock pot, marinate the meat as instructed, then place it with the water into the slow cooker.

Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, adding the potatoes halfway through. Mushrooms can be added during the last hour.

Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder: Which Cut to Choose

While pork butt roast is my favorite cut for this recipe because of its juicy texture, pork shoulder can also be used if you prefer a slightly leaner result.

It's all about personal preference when deciding between pork butt roast and shoulder.

What to Do with Leftover Pork Roast

Another great thing about this dish is that leftovers are a gift!

There are so many creative pork roast leftover recipes you can make out of them.

For instance, shred the meat and use it for sandwiches, quesadillas, or even toss it into a hearty pasta dish.

If you ever search for leftover pork roast recipes, you'll find endless ways to reinvent them!

The Inspiration Behind This Roast Pork Dinner

If you're wondering about the inspiration behind this pot roast, then let me tell you that this roast pork dinner has roots in traditional European home cooking.

Especially in rural areas, families relied on humble ingredients and slow cooking to create something special.

With that starting point, I've adapted it at home by focusing on affordability and flavor, turning simple pork and potatoes into a delicious family feast.

Nutrition Benefits of This Roast Pork Recipe

Last but not least, let's look at the nutrition part of this recipe.

Pork is a great source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like zinc and selenium.

Potatoes bring fiber and potassium to the meal, and mushrooms add antioxidants.

Therefore, when enjoyed in moderation, this pork roast can be part of a balanced diet — hearty, nourishing, and soul-satisfying.

FAQ

Q: How Long to Cook Pork Roast in the Oven

A: If you're wondering how long to cook pork roast in oven, this method of about 2.5 to 3 hours at 200°C (390°F) ensures tender, juicy results every time.

Q: Are pork roast and pork shoulder the same?

A: Not exactly. Pork shoulder and pork butt (also called butt pork roast) come from similar parts of the pig but have slight differences in fat content and tenderness. Both work well for roasting.

Q: Can pork roast be pink?

A slight blush of pink is safe if the pork roast internal temp has reached 63°C (145°F) and rested for three minutes, according to USDA guidelines.

Q: Can pork roast be used for pulled pork?

A: Absolutely! Pork roast (especially pork butt roast) is perfect for making pulled pork because of its marbling and ability to become tender when slow-cooked.

Q: Where is pork roast from?

A: Pork roast is popular in many cultures, but its roots are especially strong in European and American home cooking traditions, where roasting large cuts of meat was a way to feed families affordably.

Q: What is the temperature when the pork roast is done?

A: For food safety, the ideal pork roast internal temp is 63°C (145°F) with a three-minute rest. For a shreddable, pot-roast texture, cook it longer up to 90- 96 °C (195°F–205°F).

Conclusion

I hope you'll try this hearty, comforting roast pork dinner at home and enjoy it as much as we do. If you test this dish, don't forget to tag us — we would love to see your results!

The full video of the recipe is available on YouTube, so check it out — and don't forget to like and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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