Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? It’s almost a rhetorical question, isn’t it? She’s a culinary icon with a hugely popular blog, a collection of best-selling cookbooks, a beloved Food Network show, and even her own store, cafe, and home goods line at Walmart. It’s safe to say she knows her way around a kitchen and resonates with home cooks everywhere. Today, we’re diving into a fantastic recipe inspired by her classic pulled pork, adapted for the convenience of a slow cooker.
Pioneer Woman's delicious pulled pork, perfect for any gathering.
Like many, I’m a big fan of Ree Drummond’s cookbooks and have had great success with her recipes. Her step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering dishes are always a hit. Recently, I was craving her Classic Pulled Pork recipe after finding a Boston Butt roast on sale. However, the original recipe calls for a 10-hour oven cooking time. While I appreciate slow cooking, sometimes life demands a slightly quicker approach. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! I decided to adapt her recipe for the Crock-Pot, making it more hands-off and perfect for busy days. For reference, you can find the original Pioneer Woman recipe here. But if you’re looking for an easier, slow cooker version, you’ve come to the right place!
What You’ll Need to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Here’s your ingredient list for this incredibly flavorful and easy Pioneer Woman inspired pulled pork slow cooker recipe. (Note: Some of the following are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our blog!)
- 5lb Boston Butt (also known as 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
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite!)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Potato buns or hamburger buns, for serving
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe laid out on a kitchen counter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create tender, juicy pulled pork in your slow cooker, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s classic flavors.
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Prepare the Pork Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice rub is the foundation of the flavor, so make sure it’s well mixed.
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Rub 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.
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Place in Slow Cooker: Put the seasoned Boston Butt into your slow cooker. For easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
Boston Butt roast seasoned with spice rub, ready for the slow cooker.
- Add Onion, BBQ Sauce, and Ketchup: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the slow cooker. Then, pour in the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork. Don’t worry about mixing at this point.
Adding BBQ sauce and ketchup to the slow cooker with seasoned pork and onions.
- Add Water and Slow Cook: Pour 2 cups of water into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the size and fat content of your Boston Butt, as well as your specific slow cooker. It’s a good idea to check the pork periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry.
Slow cooker with pork, onions, BBQ sauce, ketchup and water, cooking to perfection.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker. It will be sitting in juices, so you might want to transfer it to a serving bowl or cutting board to shred. Use two forks to easily pull the pork apart. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to keep warm and mix it with the juices. Serve the Pioneer Woman inspired pulled pork on your favorite potato buns or hamburger buns.
Delicious Pioneer Woman style pulled pork in a slow cooker, ready to be served on buns.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Don’t skip the rub: The dry rub is crucial for building flavor. Don’t be tempted to reduce or skip any spices.
- Customize your BBQ sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce to personalize the flavor profile. Experiment with smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties.
- Low and Slow is Key (Sometimes): While this recipe is for high heat to speed things up, you can also cook it on low for 6-8 hours for even more tender results.
- Shredding is easier when warm: Shred the pork while it’s still warm for the best texture.
- Serve it up right: Potato buns are fantastic, but brioche or sesame seed buns also work well. Consider adding coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite toppings to your pulled pork sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman inspired pulled pork slow cooker recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming a simple Boston Butt into a mouthwatering, tender pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even nachos. If my husband’s reaction is anything to go by – he devoured 4.5 sandwiches! – this recipe is a definite winner. Give this slow cooker pulled pork recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Pioneer Woman goodness in your own home!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving delicious pulled pork! Happy slow cooking!
