Put a raw pork loin half in the crock and 3 extra pantry staples to create a dinner so delicious your family will scrape their plates clean.

This 4-ingredient slow cooker garlic parmesan pork loin is the kind of simple, stick-to-your-ribs supper I leaned on when our kids were in every sport under the sun and I still wanted a home-cooked meal on the table. It starts with a raw pork loin half—right out of the package—and just three pantry staples: mayonnaise, grated parmesan, and garlic powder. Everything goes straight into the crock, no browning, no fuss. By suppertime, the meat is tender, the creamy garlic-parmesan topping has melted into a rich little sauce, and the whole house smells like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s. It’s very much in the spirit of old Midwestern “dump-and-go” slow cooker recipes that let you get on with your day while supper quietly takes care of itself.

Serve thick slices of the pork loin with a spoonful of the creamy garlic-parmesan juices from the bottom of the crock drizzled over the top. This goes especially well with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or plain white rice to soak up the sauce. Add a simple green side—steamed green beans, a tossed salad, or peas and carrots—and a pan of warm dinner rolls or buttered bread. If you like, finish the plates with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a grind of black pepper for a cozy, farmhouse-style meal.

Servings: 6

1 raw pork loin half (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds), trimmed if needed

Place the raw pork loin half in the bottom of a slow cooker, fat side up if there is a fat cap. There is no need to brown it first; just set it in the crock as is.

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until you have a thick, pale, creamy mixture.

Spoon the garlic parmesan mixture over the top of the pork loin, spreading it into an even, thick layer so the meat is completely coated on top. It should look like a generous dollop of pale, creamy sauce sitting on the raw pork in the crock.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is very tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) in the center when checked with a meat thermometer.

Once done, let the pork rest in the turned-off slow cooker for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a cutting board, keeping as much of the creamy garlic-parmesan topping on the meat as you can.

Slice the pork loin into thick slices. Spoon some of the warm, creamy juices and any remaining garlic-parmesan mixture from the bottom of the crock over the slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

You can adjust this simple recipe to suit your family’s tastes while keeping the easy, 4-ingredient spirit. For a little extra kick, stir 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mayonnaise mixture (this would technically be a fifth ingredient, so think of it as optional). If your pork loin is on the larger side, closer to 3 pounds, you can add an extra couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise to be sure there is plenty of creamy coating and sauce. For a slightly lighter version, you may use light mayonnaise, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. If you prefer a saltier, more robust flavor, increase the grated parmesan to 3/4 cup and reduce the garlic powder slightly to taste. Leftover pork slices reheat nicely in the microwave with a spoonful of the sauce to keep them moist, and they’re wonderful piled on sandwich buns the next day. Food safety tips: Always start with a fully thawed raw pork loin half—do not put frozen pork directly into the slow cooker, as it may spend too long in the temperature “danger zone.” Keep the pork refrigerated until you’re ready to place it in the crock. Use a clean meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the loin reaches at least 145°F (63°C); for a more shreddable texture you can cook it to 190–200°F, but 145°F is the minimum for safety. Once cooked, don’t leave the pork sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if your kitchen is very warm). Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow, covered container and use within 3 to 4 days, reheating until steaming hot before serving.