1️⃣ Title:

Easy Homemade Roast Pork with Gravy — Traditional, Healthy Comfort Food

2️⃣ Introduction (Storytelling + Emotion)

The smell of Roast Pork with Gravy baking in the oven is one of those scents that instantly makes a house feel like home. I still remember the first time I served this recipe to my family — the kids ran to the table, neighbors peeked in the doorway, and the gravy kept disappearing before the pork even cooled. This easy, homemade Roast Pork with Gravy is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something simple and satisfying, or for a Sunday family meal and holiday table that calls for classic comfort.

Whether you choose a lean pork loin for a lighter feast or a bone-in shoulder for tender, pull-apart meat, this traditional roast delivers savory, cozy flavors that stick with you. Today I’ll walk you through a reliable method, tips to make the best gravy, and healthy swaps so everyone can enjoy it.

3️⃣ 🧂 Ingredients

Serves 6–8

• 2–3 lb (1–1.5 kg) pork loin roast (for slices) or pork shoulder/boston butt (for shredding)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (plus extra if needed)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or extra broth (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil) for the gravy
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten-free) for the gravy slurry
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for the gravy)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

Optional for serving: mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, apple sauce, or crusty bread.

4️⃣ 👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat oven and prep roast: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork dry with paper towels—this helps it brown.
2. Season: Rub the pork with olive oil, then season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), thyme, and smoked paprika.
3. Sear the pork: Heat a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (this locks in flavor).
4. Add aromatics and liquids: Scatter onion, carrots, and celery around the pork. Pour in 2 cups broth and the white wine (if using). The liquid should come about 1/3 up the side of the roast—add more broth if needed.
5. Roast: For pork loin (sliced): Roast uncovered for 45–60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For pork shoulder (pulled): Roast covered with foil for 2.5–3.5 hours until internal temp is 195–205°F (90–96°C) and meat pulls apart easily. Rotate once halfway through for even cooking.
6. Rest the meat: Remove roast from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest 10–15 minutes (for loin) or 20–30 minutes (for shoulder). This keeps juices inside.
7. Make the gravy (while meat rests): Strain pan juices into a saucepan, skim off excess fat if desired. Bring to a simmer. For a roux-style gravy: melt 2 tbsp butter in a small pan, whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in strained juices until smooth; simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. For a gluten-free option, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, whisk into simmering juices and simmer 1–2 minutes until thick. Season with salt, pepper and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard if you like.
8. Slice or shred and serve: Slice the pork loin against the grain into 1/4–1/2 inch slices. For shoulder, shred with two forks. Spoon generous amounts of gravy over the meat and serve with your favorite sides.

Cooking tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. For slicing, 145°F + 3 minutes rest; for shredding/pull-apart, 195–205°F.

5️⃣ 💡 Tips & Variations

• Healthy swaps:

  • Choose a trimmed pork loin instead of shoulder for lower fat and calories.
  • Use olive oil instead of butter; choose low-sodium broth to reduce salt.
  • Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash to make the meal lower-carb.

• Gluten-free/low-carb gravy:

  • Use cornstarch or arrowroot slurry instead of flour. For a keto/low-carb option, use xanthan gum very sparingly (a tiny pinch whisked in cold water works).

• Vegan alternative:

  • For a plant-based “roast,” try roasted, seasoned seitan or a whole roasted cauliflower, and make a rich mushroom-onion gravy using vegetable broth, soy/sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and a cornstarch slurry. Or use pulled jackfruit with mushroom gravy for a similar texture.

• Flavor variations:

  • Add apples or apple cider to the pan for a sweet-tangy accent.
  • Rub in a little brown sugar and mustard for a sticky, caramelized exterior.
  • Add fennel seeds or caraway for a northern-European twist.

• Serving ideas:

  • Classic: mashed potatoes, green beans, and apple sauce.
  • Weeknight: shred leftovers into burritos, tacos, or fried rice.
  • Sandwich: thin slices with gravy on toasted bread for an irresistible roast pork sandwich.

• Storing leftovers:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freeze portions (meat + gravy) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through.

7️⃣ 🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in (Optional)

Pork is a high-quality source of protein and important nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Choosing lean cuts and trimming visible fat helps make this a balanced choice. Cooking at home — like making this easy Roast Pork with Gravy — can save money and supports healthier eating than many takeout options. Small choices at the dinner table can add up: eating well now may reduce future health costs and help your overall financial well-being.

If you’re watching sodium or calories, swapping to low-sodium broth, trimming fat, and increasing veggies on the plate are simple ways to keep this dish nourishing.

8️⃣ Conclusion

This Roast Pork with Gravy recipe is one of those dependable, heartwarming meals you’ll come back to again and again — for quiet weeknights, family Sundays, or holiday gatherings. If you make it, tell me how it went in the comments or tag me in your photos — I’d love to see your version! #fblifestyle

Happy cooking and warm plates to you.