The Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Family-Approved

Have you ever heard of the Pioneer Woman? It’s almost a rhetorical question, right? Ree Drummond has become a household name, a culinary icon with her charming blog, a collection of bestselling cookbooks, a popular Food Network show, her own mercantile, and even a home goods line at Walmart. It’s safe to say she’s a culinary force! Today, we’re diving into one of her classics, adapted for the modern kitchen: the Pioneer Woman’s Classic Pulled Pork recipe, made incredibly easy in your Crock-Pot.

Close-up of delicious Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork, piled high and ready to serve.

For anyone who loves flavorful, fuss-free cooking, slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver. And when you combine the convenience of a Crock-Pot with the down-home deliciousness of Pioneer Woman recipes, you know you’re in for a treat. I’ve personally cooked from several of her cookbooks and have always been impressed by how approachable and tasty her recipes are. Recently, while browsing for a budget-friendly meal idea after spotting Boston Butt pork shoulder on sale, her Classic Pulled Pork recipe immediately came to mind.

Raw Boston Butt pork shoulder seasoned with spices, ready for the Crock-Pot, showcasing Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork recipe preparation.

The original Pioneer Woman pulled pork recipe calls for a lengthy oven braise – around 10 hours! While that low and slow oven method undoubtedly yields fantastic results, sometimes time is of the essence. That’s where the magic of the Crock-Pot comes in. This adaptation brings you all the rich, savory flavor of Ree Drummond’s classic pulled pork in a fraction of the time, with minimal hands-on effort. If you’re curious about the original oven-cooked version, you can find it here.

Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Shredded Pork Recipe: Your Guide to Effortless Flavor

This recipe takes the essence of the Pioneer Woman’s famous pulled pork and simplifies it for slow cooker success. Get ready for tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful shredded pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or piled high on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Affiliate Links Included):

5lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder): The star of the show, Boston Butt, or pork shoulder, is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content, which renders beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful shredded pork.
1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust during cooking. (High-quality brown sugar option)
1 tbsp Chili Powder: Provides a warm, savory base flavor and a hint of spice. (Authentic chili powder link)
2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile with its pungent and aromatic notes. (Garlic powder recommendation)
2 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. (Kosher salt option)
1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor. (Freshly ground black pepper) (Note: The original recipe includes cayenne pepper, which is omitted here for a milder flavor, but feel free to add a pinch if you like a little heat!)
1 Onion, Chopped: Provides aromatic sweetness and moisture to the pork as it cooks.
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Contributes classic smoky, tangy BBQ flavor. Use your favorite brand!
1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the BBQ sauce and other spices.
Potato Buns: For serving, these soft buns are a perfect complement to the tender shredded pork.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Shredded Pork

Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering shredded pork in your slow cooker:

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 evenly distributed.
Season the Boston Butt: Place the Boston Butt on a large plate or cutting board. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring every surface is coated.

Boston Butt pork shoulder being seasoned with a spice rub in preparation for Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork recipe.
Place in Crock-Pot: Transfer the seasoned Boston Butt to your Crock-Pot or slow cooker (This popular Crock-Pot model is a great choice). For easier cleanup, consider using a Crock-Pot liner.
Add Onion: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the Crock-Pot.

Chopped onions being added to the Crock-Pot with the seasoned Boston Butt for Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork.
Pour in Sauces: Pour the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork and onions in the Crock-Pot.

BBQ sauce and ketchup being poured over the pork and onions in the Crock-Pot for Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork.
Add Water: Pour 2 cups of water into the Crock-Pot.

Water being added to the Crock-Pot with all ingredients for Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork before cooking.
Slow Cook: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high for 4 hours. Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and fat content of your Boston Butt and your specific slow cooker. It’s important to check the pork periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The pork is ready when it is easily shredded with a fork.
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, remove it from the Crock-Pot and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. It should shred very easily and be incredibly tender.
Serve and Enjoy! Serve the delicious Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Shredded Pork on potato buns or your favorite hamburger buns. Pile it high and get ready to enjoy!

Close-up of shredded Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Pulled Pork on potato buns, ready to be served.

This Pioneer Woman Crock-Pot Shredded Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My family absolutely devours it every time I make it – in fact, my husband can easily put away 4 or more sandwiches in one sitting! That’s how you know it’s a winner.

Close-up of delicious Pioneer Woman's Crock-Pot Shredded Pork, piled high and ready to serve.

Don’t forget to save this recipe for later! It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Happy Crock-Pot cooking!

Want to explore more easy and delicious meal ideas? Check out these Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!