Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? She’s a culinary icon, celebrated for her approachable recipes and heartwarming style. From her popular blog to her cookbooks, Food Network show, and homeware line, Ree has captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere. Today, we’re diving into a fan-favorite: Pioneer Woman’s Pulled Pork, adapted for your trusty crock pot, making it easier than ever to enjoy this classic dish.
Close-up shot of juicy pulled pork on a bun, showcasing its tenderness and BBQ sauce glaze.
Many home cooks adore Ree Drummond’s cookbooks for their reliable recipes and step-by-step instructions. Inspired by her original Classic Pulled Pork recipe, which traditionally requires hours in the oven, this version simplifies the process by utilizing the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a flavorful, tender pulled pork without spending all day in the kitchen, this Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Recipe is your answer.
Raw Boston Butt roast seasoned with spices, ready to be placed in the crock pot.
Ree Drummond’s original recipe calls for a lengthy oven cooking time, but this adaptation significantly cuts down on active cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. While the original recipe offers fantastic flavor, the crock pot method ensures incredibly tender and moist pulled pork with minimal effort. For those interested in the oven-baked version, you can find the original Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork recipe on the Food Network website.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Pioneer Woman inspired crock pot pulled pork:
- 5 lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder)
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Onion, chopped
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns, for serving
A curated selection of ingredients including spices in small bowls, chopped onion, ketchup and BBQ sauce bottles, ready for Pioneer Woman's crock pot pulled pork recipe.
Step-by-Step Crock Pot Pulled Pork Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious pulled pork using your crock pot and Pioneer Woman’s flavor profile:
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Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Season the Boston Butt: Rub the spice mixture generously all over the Boston Butt, ensuring all sides are coated.
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Place in Crock Pot: Place the seasoned Boston Butt in your crock pot. For easier cleanup, consider using a crock pot liner.
Boston Butt roast placed in a crock pot with chopped onions added around it, ready for slow cooking according to Pioneer Woman's recipe.
- Add Onion, BBQ Sauce, and Ketchup: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the crock pot. Pour BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork.
BBQ sauce and ketchup being poured over the Boston Butt and onions in the crock pot, enhancing flavors for Pioneer Woman's pulled pork recipe.
- Add Water and Cook: Add 2 cups of water to the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot and the size of the pork. Check for doneness periodically; the pork should be easily shredded with a fork.
Crock pot filled with Boston Butt roast, onions, BBQ sauce, and ketchup, cooking and simmering to create Pioneer Woman's pulled pork.
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Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the Boston Butt from the crock pot and place it in a large bowl. Shred the pork using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Pioneer Woman crock pot pulled pork on potato buns or hamburger buns. Top with extra BBQ sauce if desired and enjoy!
Delicious and tender Pioneer Woman crock pot pulled pork served on potato buns, ready to be enjoyed as a family meal.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time can vary based on your crock pot and the size/fat content of the Boston Butt. Check for tenderness after 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. The pork is ready when it shreds easily.
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooked pulled pork can become dry. Keep an eye on it and shred when it reaches optimal tenderness.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce. Experiment with different flavors like smoky, sweet, or tangy to personalize your pulled pork.
- Serving Suggestions: Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on buns for classic sandwiches, over nachos, in tacos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or salads. Potato buns or brioche buns are excellent choices for sandwiches.
This Pioneer Woman crock pot pulled pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious, tender results make it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Ree Drummond’s home-style cooking with this simple and satisfying recipe!
