Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? It’s almost a given! She’s a culinary icon with a popular blog, numerous bestselling cookbooks, a Food Network show, and even her own product lines. Her approachable style and delicious recipes have made her a household name. Today, we’re diving into one of her classics: Pulled Pork, but with a super convenient twist – adapting it for your Crock-Pot!
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Delight
I’ve cooked extensively from Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks and have always been impressed by the results and how easy her recipes are to follow. Recently, I was craving her Classic Pulled Pork recipe after spotting a Boston Butt roast on sale. However, the original recipe calls for a lengthy 10-hour oven cooking time. While I love oven-roasted pulled pork, sometimes time is of the essence. That’s when the Crock-Pot comes to the rescue! This adaptation maintains all the delicious flavors of the original while significantly cutting down on active cooking time and making it incredibly hands-off. For those interested in the original oven-cooked version, you can find it here. But trust me, this Crock-Pot version is a game-changer for ease and flavor.
Effortless Crock-Pot Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. The slow cooking process in the Crock-Pot ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart with just a fork. Let’s get started with what you’ll need:
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 medium Onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns, for serving
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Instructions:
- 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.
- Season the Boston Butt: Place the Boston Butt on a cutting board and generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring every surface is coated.
- Crock-Pot Assembly: Place the chopped onion at the bottom of your Crock-Pot. This will act as a bed for the pork and add flavor as it cooks. Place the seasoned Boston Butt on top of the onions in the Crock-Pot.
- Add Liquids: Pour the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork in the Crock-Pot.
- Add Water & Cook: Add 2 cups of water to the Crock-Pot. This liquid is essential for the slow cooking process, keeping the pork moist and creating steam for tenderizing. Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high for 4 hours.
Boston Butt Roast Seasoned for Crock-Pot Pulled Pork
*Note:* Cooking times may vary based on the size and fat content of your Boston Butt and your specific Crock-Pot model. It’s crucial to check the pork periodically to prevent overcooking. The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds.- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the Boston Butt from the Crock-Pot. Place it in a large serving bowl. Using two forks, shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly.
Shredding Crock-Pot Pulled Pork
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the delicious Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Pulled Pork on your favorite hamburger or potato buns. The juices left in the Crock-Pot can be drizzled over the pulled pork for extra flavor and moisture.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Pulled Pork on Buns
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Pulled Pork
- Don’t Skip the Spice Rub: The dry rub is key to building flavor. Make sure to coat the Boston Butt thoroughly.
- Quality BBQ Sauce Matters: Choose a BBQ sauce you love, as it significantly impacts the final flavor profile.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: While this recipe is on “high” for 4 hours, you can also cook it on low for 6-8 hours for even more tender results.
- Shredding Technique: Two forks are the easiest way to shred pulled pork. If you prefer chunkier pulled pork, shred it less; for finer pulled pork, shred it more.
- Serving Suggestions: Potato buns are fantastic, but brioche or sesame seed buns also work well. Consider adding coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite toppings for the perfect pulled pork sandwich.
This Crock-Pot adaptation of Pioneer Woman’s Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s unbelievably easy to make, and the slow cooking process results in incredibly flavorful and tender pulled pork perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served on its own. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Pioneer Woman’s classic comfort food made simple!
