Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork: Easy Crock Pot Recipe

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is a culinary icon known for her approachable and delicious recipes. From her engaging blog to her popular Food Network show, cookbooks, and home goods line, she has captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere. Among her many celebrated dishes is her classic pulled pork, and today we’re sharing a fantastic adaptation of her recipe for the slow cooker, making it even easier to enjoy her flavorful BBQ pulled pork.

Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman's BBQ Pulled Pork, showcasing its tender, shredded texture and rich BBQ sauce.

For those who admire Ree’s cooking style and appreciate the convenience of a Crock-Pot, this Pioneer Woman Bbq Pulled Pork recipe is a perfect match. While her original recipe calls for a lengthy oven-roasting process, this version streamlines it for the slow cooker, without sacrificing any of the mouthwatering flavors. If you’re looking for a simpler way to create tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or piled high on nachos, this recipe is your answer.

Raw Boston Butt roast seasoned with spices, ready to be placed in the Crock-Pot for Pioneer Woman's BBQ Pulled Pork recipe.

This recipe uses a Boston Butt, also known as pork shoulder, which is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content that renders beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The spice rub, a signature element in BBQ pulled pork, is easy to mix and creates a flavorful crust as the pork cooks.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork (Crock Pot Version):

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork in your Crock-Pot:

• 5lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder): The star of the show, providing rich flavor and perfect texture for pulling.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder: Provides a smoky depth and mild heat.
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile.
• 2 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the pork’s natural flavors.
• 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
• 1 Onion, chopped: Infuses the pork with aromatic sweetness as it cooks.
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will contribute to the signature BBQ flavor.
• 1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Potato Buns: For serving, these soft buns are a classic choice for pulled pork sandwiches.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Pulled Pork recipe, including spices, onion, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork:

Follow these simple steps to make Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork in your slow cooker:

1. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated.
2. Season the Boston Butt: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the Boston Butt, ensuring all sides are coated. This spice rub will create a flavorful bark as the pork cooks.
3. Place in Crock-Pot: Place the seasoned Boston Butt in your Crock-Pot. Consider using a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup later.
4. Add Onion, BBQ Sauce, and Ketchup: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the Crock-Pot. Pour the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork.

Adding BBQ sauce and ketchup to the Crock-Pot with the pork and onions for Pioneer Woman's Pulled Pork.

5. Add Water and Slow Cook: Pour 2 cups of water into the Crock-Pot. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork shoulder. Check for doneness periodically; the pork should be very tender and easily shreddable.

Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork cooking in the Crock-Pot, simmering in BBQ sauce and spices.

6. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the Boston Butt from the Crock-Pot and place it in a large serving bowl. Using two forks, shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork on potato buns for classic sandwiches. The pork will be sitting in flavorful juices from the slow cooking process, which you can spoon over the pulled pork for added moisture and flavor.

Close-up of shredded Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork on potato buns, ready to serve.

Savor the Flavor of Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork

This Crock-Pot adaptation of Pioneer Woman’s Classic Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender and flavorful BBQ pulled pork with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this recipe is a surefire way to bring the deliciousness of Pioneer Woman’s cooking into your home. Get ready to enjoy every savory, smoky, and slightly sweet bite of this easy and satisfying Pioneer Woman BBQ Pulled Pork!