Baked Root Beer Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Season the pork loin roast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.

4. Sear the pork loin on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove pork from skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

6. Pour the root beer into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits.

7. Add the barbecue sauce, stirring to combine well with the root beer mixture.

8. Return the seared pork to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.

9. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

10. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.

11. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

12. Serve the pork with the sauce spooned over the top.

For a slightly different flavor profile, consider using a different variety of barbecue sauce, such as a spicy or honey mustard version. You can also add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the skillet before placing it in the oven, letting them soak up the delicious sauce. For an added depth of flavor, try marinating the pork in root beer overnight before cooking.