Published 11/5/2023 • Updated 8/16/2024 This oven baked pork roast recipe is one of our most popular dinners on Fit Foodie Finds. It has hundreds of 5-star ratings and so many of you love it! Simply season and sear your pork shoulder roast to crisp up the sides. Then, cook it in the oven with potatoes and onions until the meat is tender and juicy. Use the drippings to prepare a simple gravy and serve! My favorite thing about this pork roast recipe is that not only does this meal provide the protein, but it’s also made with tons of veggies and gravy too!
What You Need to Make Pork Roast in the Oven
Meat: This recipe calls for a 3 lb. pork shoulder roast, which means you’ll either be able to serve the whole fam, or cook a meal you can easily (and deliciously) reheat throughout the week from leftovers. We recommend a pork shoulder, but a pork butt works too. Veggies: you need russet potatoes, onion, and carrots. We’ve also made this with sweet potatoes and fingerling potatoes and it was delightful. Seasonings: Not only does the pork rub season your pork, but it also flavors the gravy you’ll make at the end. It features garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika.
Gravy: This gravy is simple yet delicious! And because the dry rub completely covers your roast, it will infuse its savory flavors into this gravy as well. Here’s what else you need:
Chicken broth Maple syrup Worcestershire sauce
How long should I cook pork roast in the oven?
If you use a 3 lb. pork shoulder, it should take around 75-80 minutes until it reaches 145ºF (FDA). We recommend searing all ends before baking.
Best Cut of Pork for Pork Roast
This recipe calls for a boneless pork shoulder roast. Pork butt also works, but a pork shoulder is definitely the best cut of pork for this because it’s a bit fattier and will come out so tender and juicy. We knew we wanted to make a fairly traditional pork roast recipe, so we were deciding between two cuts of meat: a pork loin roast or pork shoulder roast.
Pork Loin Roast: A pork loin roast comes from the back of the pig. It’s typically a very lean piece of meat, so if you are slow roasting, you have to be careful you don’t overcook it. In this recipe, if you use a pork loin roast it will be more of a pork chop texture that requires slicing when eating. Pork Shoulder Roast: A pork shoulder comes from the shoulder of a pig. It typically has more fat, which makes it great for slow roasting. We recommend this cut of meat for this recipe because it’s a super juicy, fattier, and tender.
PS: If you’re like, man, I wish this was an Instant Pot Pork Roast recipe or I wish this was a Slow Cooker Pork Roast — we have tons of other pork roast recipes on FFF.
How do you know your pork roast is done cooking?
You know your pork roast is done when it’s easy to cut into and almost “falls apart.” The internal temperature will read 145ºF or higher.
How to Thicken Gravy
While we didn’t find it necessary to thicken the gravy, you’re more than welcome to do so. Combine 3 tablespoons of the pan drippings with 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn starch and whisk. Then, add the slurry back into the rest of the gravy and whisk to combine.
Can I make this pork roast in the slow cooker?
We have a similar recipe for crock pot pork roast, but here is the down low:
How to Store Leftover Pork Roast
Let your pork roast cool completely. Then, transfer the pork and veggies into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. For a smaller roast, start with 45 minutes and check the temperature every 10 minutes. For a larger roast, add on time to our suggested 75 minutes in 5-10 minute increments.
Will my pork roast fall off the bone?
It depends! You’ll see in these photos that we had a fattier cut of pork shoulder, and it was more fall off the bone. But if you get a leaner shoulder of pork (there is some fattiness variation between pig shoulders!), it’s more likely that you’ll have to slice the pork when you serve it.
How do I flavor pork roast?
You can flavor pork with any of your favorite spice rubs. We recommend the best dry rub for pork. No matter what spice rub you use, be sure to use enough SALT as it will help tenderize the pork!
Can I overcook pork roast?
It is hard to overcook a pork roast! Especially since it’s a fattier cut of meat. There is a sweet spot when the pork becomes tender and falls off the bone. When that happens, keep an eye on the pork before it becomes too mushy!
What to serve with Pork roast
Pork roast goes well with just about anything! It tends to be a heavier meal, so pairing it with something a little lighter is always a good idea! Here are a few of our favorite pairings with this slow cooker pork roast:
How long does pork roast last?
To store this oven roasted pork roast, let the pork cool completely before placing it in an air-tight container. You can keep the pork roast in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 7 days!
Pork Roast Recipes
Instant Pot Pork Roast Slow Cooker Pork Roast Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder Slow Cooker Pork Loin More Pork Shoulder Recipes
