Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? It’s almost a rhetorical question, right? She’s a culinary icon with a successful blog, numerous cookbooks, a Food Network show, and even her own product lines. Her recipes are known for being approachable, flavorful, and family-friendly. Today, we’re diving into a delicious twist on a classic: Root Beer Pulled Pork, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s style and adapted for your trusty crockpot. This recipe takes the comforting flavors of pulled pork and elevates them with the unique sweetness of root beer, all while maintaining the ease and simplicity Ree Drummond is famous for.
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Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. The Pioneer Woman’s original pulled pork recipe is a beloved classic, and this version builds upon that foundation by incorporating root beer for a subtle yet distinctive flavor profile. Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with the sweet and slightly spiced notes of root beer, creating a mouthwatering BBQ experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. And the best part? We’re making it in a crockpot, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why Root Beer Pulled Pork?
Root beer might seem like an unconventional ingredient in pulled pork, but it’s actually a fantastic flavor enhancer. The sweetness of the root beer tenderizes the pork as it slow cooks, resulting in incredibly moist and fall-apart meat. The spices in root beer, like sassafras and vanilla, complement the savory pork and BBQ sauce beautifully, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor. It’s a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the dish but rather enhances the smoky and savory notes we all love in pulled pork. Think of it as a secret ingredient that elevates your pulled pork from ordinary to extraordinary.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Root Beer Pulled Pork Recipe (Crockpot Version)
This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s classic approach to home cooking – simple, flavorful, and satisfying. We’ve adapted it for the slow cooker and infused it with root beer to create a unique and delicious pulled pork experience.
Ingredients:
- 5 lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Root Beer
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns, for serving
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe – 4
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
- Season the Boston Butt: Rub the spice mixture generously all over the Boston Butt, ensuring every surface is coated.
- Place in Crockpot: Place the seasoned Boston Butt in your crockpot. For easier cleanup, consider using a crockpot liner.
- Add Onion and Liquids: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the crockpot. Pour in the root beer, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe – Boston Butt
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot and the size of the pork.
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe Ingredients
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the Boston Butt from the crockpot and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any excess fat.
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe 2
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded pork to the crockpot or serving bowl and mix it with the juices from the crockpot to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve the Root Beer Pulled Pork on potato buns or hamburger buns.
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork
- Choose the Right Pork: Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder are ideal for pulled pork due to their fat content, which renders down during slow cooking, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Don’t Skip the Rub: The dry rub is crucial for flavor development. Make sure to massage it into all surfaces of the pork.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Crockpots can vary. Check the pork for tenderness after 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. It should shred easily with a fork.
- Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce adds another layer of flavor. Feel free to use your go-to brand or experiment with different styles.
- Serve it Up: Root Beer Pulled Pork is delicious on buns, but it’s also great served over rice, in tacos, or even on nachos. Get creative with your serving options!
Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the Crockpot
Enjoy Your Root Beer Crockpot Pulled Pork
This Root Beer Pulled Pork recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s easy-to-love cooking style, is a guaranteed hit. The crockpot does most of the work, infusing the pork with incredible flavor and tenderness. The addition of root beer creates a unique and delicious twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable pulled pork experience!
