Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes. Fans around the world adore her blog, cookbooks, Food Network show, and home goods line. If you’re looking for a taste of Pioneer Woman’s classic comfort food, look no further than this easy Crock-Pot adaptation of her famous pulled pork recipe. This recipe takes the original oven-cooked version and simplifies it for a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Delicious Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork

Many home cooks appreciate Drummond’s recipes for their straightforward instructions and flavorful results. Her cookbooks often include helpful photos for each step, making cooking less intimidating. Inspired by her Classic Pulled Pork recipe, and finding a Boston Butt roast on sale, this slow cooker version was created for convenience without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. While the original recipe calls for a lengthy 10-hour oven cook time, this adaptation significantly cuts down on active cooking time by utilizing the Crock-Pot.

For those who prefer the original method, you can find Pioneer Woman’s original pulled pork recipe here. However, if you’re seeking a more hands-off approach, this Crock-Pot version is your answer.

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and yields incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served on its own.

Ingredients:

• 5 lb Boston Butt (Pork Butt)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Butt: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice rub is key to the signature flavor of Pioneer Woman’s pulled pork.

   Seasoned Boston Butt for Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe

   Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire Boston Butt, ensuring all sides are coated. Place the seasoned pork butt in your Crock-Pot. Using a slow cooker liner can simplify cleanup later.

2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the chopped onion around the pork butt in the Crock-Pot.

   Ingredients ready for slow cooking in Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pork Butt recipe

   Pour BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork and onions. For the best results, use high-quality BBQ sauce that you enjoy. You can customize the flavor profile by choosing different styles of BBQ sauce.

   Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork in Slow Cooker

   Add approximately 2 cups of water to the Crock-Pot. The liquid helps to keep the pork moist and creates steam for slow cooking.

   Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork Ready to Cook

3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high for 4 hours. Cooking times can vary based on the size and fat content of your Boston Butt and your specific slow cooker model. It’s recommended to check the pork periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry. The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds.

4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork butt from the Crock-Pot and place it in a large serving bowl. Shred the pork using two forks. The pork will be very tender and should fall apart easily. Discard any excess fat.

   Return the shredded pork to the juices in the Crock-Pot or add some of the cooking liquid to the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve the Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork on potato buns or hamburger buns. Potato buns are a particularly delicious choice for pulled pork sandwiches.

   Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork served on potato buns

Tips for the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork

• Don’t skip the spice rub: The dry rub is essential for developing deep flavor in the pork.
• Adjust cooking time as needed: Every slow cooker is different, and the size of your pork butt will affect cooking time. Check for tenderness after 4 hours and adjust accordingly.
• Use a meat thermometer: For guaranteed perfect results, use a meat thermometer. Pork butt is ideally cooked to an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C) for easy shredding.
• Shred while warm: Shredding the pork while it’s still warm makes the process much easier.
• Customize your BBQ sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. You can use sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces to tailor the pulled pork to your taste.

This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of classic comfort food with this simple and delicious recipe!