Put a raw pork sirloin roast in the pot and 4 other ingredients to get a meal so delicious the whole family will be begging for more.

This slow cooker pork sirloin roast is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it supper that fits right into a busy family day on the farm or in town. You start with a raw pork sirloin roast, splash it with a bright, herby green marinade, add just three more pantry friends, and let the slow cooker work its quiet magic. The result is a tender, sliceable roast with plenty of flavorful juices for spooning over potatoes or bread. It reminds me of the simple church-supper meals I grew up with in the Midwest—humble ingredients, big comfort, and plates so clean you’d swear the dog did the dishes.

Serve the sliced pork sirloin roast with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up that bright green gravy. Steamed green beans or corn on the cob fit the Midwestern table nicely, and a simple lettuce salad with ranch dressing balances the richness. A basket of warm dinner rolls or thick slices of crusty bread makes it easy to mop up every last bit of juice. If you like, pass a little extra salt and pepper at the table so everyone can season to their own taste.

Servings: 6

1 (2 1/2 to 3 pound) raw pork sirloin roast, trimmed of excess surface fat

Place the raw pork sirloin roast in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. It should sit flat in the center of the crock.

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the zesty Italian salad dressing, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and water until fairly smooth and evenly combined. The mixture will be a creamy, vibrant green from the dressing.

Pour the green marinade mixture evenly over the pork sirloin roast, making sure the top and sides are well coated. It’s fine if some of the sauce pools around the bottom of the roast.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and reaches at least 145°F in the thickest part when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Once cooked, carefully transfer the pork sirloin roast to a cutting board, letting the juices drip back into the slow cooker. Tent the roast loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes to keep it juicy and easier to slice.

While the pork rests, stir the cooking juices in the slow cooker to make a smooth, flavorful gravy-like sauce. If you prefer it a bit thicker, you can remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Slice or shred the rested pork sirloin roast and return it to the slow cooker, gently tossing the meat with some of the green-tinted gravy so every piece is coated. Serve warm with extra sauce spooned over the top.

You can easily adjust this simple five-ingredient roast to fit your family’s tastes while keeping the basic idea the same. For a slightly sweeter, more kid-friendly flavor, stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar into the green marinade before pouring it over the pork. If your crew likes a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. Any zesty or Italian-style bottled dressing that looks green and herby will work; some are more tangy than others, so taste the finished sauce and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed. If you prefer a more traditional roast flavor, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery while still keeping to the five-ingredient plan. For a heartier one-pot meal, tuck a few scrubbed, halved baby potatoes and some thick carrot chunks around the roast before cooking, but be sure not to overfill the slow cooker more than about two-thirds full. For food safety, always start with a fully thawed pork sirloin roast—never cook it from frozen in the slow cooker, as it will sit too long at unsafe temperatures. Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain proper heat, and check that the pork reaches at least 145°F in the thickest part, followed by a short rest before slicing. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, store them in a shallow covered container, and use within 3 to 4 days, reheating until hot and steamy before serving.