Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman? Ree Drummond is a culinary icon, celebrated for her approachable recipes and down-to-earth style. From her popular blog to her cookbooks, Food Network show, and even her own product lines, she has become a household name for home cooks everywhere. Today, we’re diving into a fantastic recipe of hers: Classic Pulled Pork, adapted for the convenience of your crockpot!
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe in Crock Pot
Like many, I adore the Pioneer Woman’s recipes. Her cookbooks are filled with reliable and delicious dishes, often accompanied by helpful step-by-step photos. Recently, I was craving pulled pork after finding a Boston Butt roast on sale. While the original recipe calls for a lengthy oven cook time – around 10 hours! – I knew there had to be a quicker, easier way for a weeknight meal. That’s when I decided to adapt her Classic Pulled Pork recipe for the slow cooker. For those curious, you can find the original oven-baked recipe here.
This crockpot version maintains all the delicious flavors of the Pioneer Woman’s original recipe while significantly cutting down on the active cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want to serve a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
Effortless Crock Pot Pulled Pork: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful pulled pork in your crockpot. (Note: Some of the following are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our content free and running!)
- 5lb Boston Butt (also known as Pork Shoulder)
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand!)
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns, for serving
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide to Crock Pot Pulled Pork Perfection
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Prepare the Pork Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend creates a wonderful flavor crust on the pork as it cooks.
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Season the Boston Butt: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the Boston Butt, ensuring all sides are well coated.
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Crock Pot Ready: Place the seasoned Boston Butt into your crock pot. For easier cleanup, consider using a crock pot liner. I personally use this Crock-Pot model and it works perfectly.
Boston Butt Roast Prepared for Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Scatter the chopped onion over the pork in the crock pot. Then, pour in the BBQ sauce and ketchup. Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce – this is where you can customize the flavor to your liking!
Adding BBQ Sauce and Ketchup to Crock Pot Pulled Pork
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Add Water and Slow Cook: Pour about 2 cups of water into the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
Note: Cooking times can vary depending on the size and fat content of your Boston Butt and your specific crockpot. It’s always best to check for doneness periodically to ensure the pork doesn’t overcook and dry out. You want it to be fork-tender and easily shreddable.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Cooking Process
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the crock pot and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly.
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Serve and Enjoy! Pile the pulled pork high on your favorite hamburger or potato buns. The juices from the crockpot can be used to keep the pork moist and flavorful. Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese for a complete and satisfying meal.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork on Buns
A Husband-Approved Recipe!
The best test of any recipe is the family taste test! In my house, my husband’s appetite is a great indicator of a recipe’s success. He devoured 4.5 pulled pork sandwiches in one sitting! Need I say more? This Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious.
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later – it’s perfect for any time you crave tender, flavorful pulled pork without spending all day in the kitchen! Happy Crockpot cooking!
