Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Your Guide to Effortless Flavor

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 Food Network show and extensive product lines, the Pioneer Woman has become a household name for delicious, down-to-earth cooking. Among her many beloved recipes, her pulled pork stands out, and today we’re focusing on a fantastic adaptation: Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. This recipe brings all the classic flavors of her original dish to your kitchen with the ease and convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Close-up shot of juicy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, shredded and ready to be served.

Many home cooks appreciate the Pioneer Woman’s recipes because they are reliable and flavorful. Her cookbooks are filled with dishes that are both satisfying and simple to create, often featuring step-by-step photos that guide you through each stage of the cooking process. Inspired by her classic pulled pork recipe, we’ve adapted it for the slow cooker, streamlining the method while retaining all the mouthwatering taste. While the original recipe calls for a lengthy oven braise, this slow cooker version significantly cuts down on active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork with minimal effort.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork preparation, showing the Boston Butt being seasoned with a spice rub.

The beauty of this Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved with minimal hands-on time. By using a slow cooker, you can transform a humble Boston butt into a succulent, fall-apart dish perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or piled high on a plate with your favorite sides. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this flavorful and easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman:

• 5lb Boston Butt – This cut of pork, also known as pork shoulder, is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content, which renders beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the spice rub, helping to create a delicious caramelized crust on the pork.
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder – Chili powder provides a mild heat and smoky flavor that is essential for classic pulled pork.
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder – Garlic powder delivers a savory and aromatic note that complements the other spices and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 teaspoons Salt – Salt is crucial for seasoning the pork and drawing out moisture, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the rub, balancing the sweetness and savory notes.
• 1 Onion, chopped – Chopped onion adds moisture and flavor to the slow cooker, infusing the pork with a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks.
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce – Your favorite BBQ sauce will contribute a tangy, smoky, and sweet element to the pulled pork, creating that classic BBQ flavor.
• 1/4 cup Ketchup – Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, helping to balance the flavors and create a rich sauce as the pork cooks.
• Potato Buns – Soft potato buns are the perfect vessel for serving up your tender and flavorful Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork sandwiches.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, including spices, Boston Butt, onion, BBQ sauce and ketchup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Pioneer Woman inspired 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 evenly distributed.
2. Rub the Pork: 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. This spice rub is key to developing that signature pulled pork flavor.
3. Place in Slow Cooker: Put the seasoned Boston butt into your slow cooker. For easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
4. Add Onion, BBQ Sauce, and Ketchup: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork. Feel free to use your preferred brands of BBQ sauce and ketchup to customize the flavor to your liking.

Adding BBQ sauce and ketchup to the Boston Butt and onions in the slow cooker for Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork recipe.

5. Add Water and Cook: Pour 2 cups of water into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size and fat content of your Boston butt. It’s important to check the pork periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry. You want it to be tender and easily shreddable.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork cooking in the slow cooker, showing the pork surrounded by sauce and onions.

6. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. It should easily fall apart. There will be a good amount of flavorful juice in the slow cooker; you can add some of this back to the shredded pork to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
7. Serve: Serve your delicious Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on potato buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches. Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce.

Delicious Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork served on potato buns, ready to eat.

Enjoy Your Effortless and Flavorful Pulled Pork

This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and tender meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Pioneer Woman or simply looking for a reliable and delicious pulled pork recipe, this slow cooker adaptation is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork sandwiches that will have everyone coming back for more!