Cooking a roast in a slow cooker or Crock pot is a great hands-off way to make a delicious and tender roast. However, getting the timing right can be tricky, especially for larger roasts like a 3 pounder. Here are some tips to help determine how long your 3 pound roast needs in the Crock pot.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that will impact how long a 3 pound roast needs to cook in the Crock pot:
- Type of roast – Tougher cuts like chuck roast or pork shoulder take longer than more tender roasts like a pork loin.
- Shape of roast – A more uniform shape will cook more evenly than an irregular shape.
- Bone-in or boneless – Roasts with the bone still in often take slightly longer.
- Crock pot model – Some newer models cook hotter and faster than older ones.
- Level of doneness – You’ll need more time for well done meat vs. rare or medium doneness.
- Liquid in pot – Lots of liquid conducts heat faster than less liquid.
- Vegetables and aromatics – Adding veggies and aromatics infuses more flavor but can slightly increase cook time.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you better estimate the time needed for your specific roast.
General Time Guidelines
As a general guideline, a 3 pound roast should cook for 6-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in a Crock pot. Here are some more specific time estimates based on the type of roast:
| Type of Roast | Cook Time on Low | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck roast | 8-10 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Beef brisket | 10-12 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Pork shoulder | 8-10 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Pork loin | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours |
For most 3 pound roasts, the low end of these time ranges is suitable for roasts you want to be more rare or medium rare. The higher end of the ranges will result in very tender and fall-apart meat.
Tips for Crock Pot Success
Follow these tips for best results when cooking a 3 pound roast in the Crock pot:
- Trim excess fat from the roast for more even cooking.
- Season the roast well with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
- Use 1-2 cups liquid like broth, wine or water in the pot.
- Add veggies and aromatics during the last 1-2 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Let the roast rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Make gravy from the juices for serving.
How to Tell If the Roast is Done
The best way to test a roast for doneness is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Here are the target internal temperatures to look for:
| Level of Doneness | Target Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Rare | 130-135°F |
| Medium rare | 140-145°F |
| Medium | 150-155°F |
| Medium well | 160-165°F |
| Well done | 170°F+ |
Check the temp in the thickest part of the roast. When it registers 5-10 degrees below your desired doneness, the carryover cooking from resting will bring it up to the perfect level.
Conclusion
For a flavorful and fork-tender roast, cook a 3 pounder for 6-10 hours on low or 4-6 on high in your Crock pot. Consider the specific type of roast and adjust time as needed. Use a thermometer to test for perfect doneness. With the right timing, your Crock pot roast will come out moist, juicy and delicious every time.