Have you ever tasted pulled pork so tender and flavorful it melts in your mouth? That’s the magic of a perfectly cooked pulled pork, and when you combine it with the trusted recipes of the Pioneer Woman, you’re in for a real treat. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her approachable and delicious recipes, and her classic pulled pork is no exception. While her original recipe calls for oven roasting, we’ve adapted it for the convenience of a crock pot, making it even easier to enjoy this family favorite.
Pioneer Woman Delicious Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe – Close-up shot showcasing the tender, shredded pork, perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
For those unfamiliar, the Pioneer Woman is a culinary icon, celebrated for her heartwarming blog, best-selling cookbooks, popular Food Network show, and a wide range of home and kitchen products. Her recipes are beloved for their simplicity, hearty flavors, and step-by-step instructions, often accompanied by helpful photos. Inspired by her Classic Pulled Pork recipe, we’ve created a slow cooker version that retains all the mouthwatering taste while simplifying the cooking process. After spotting a Boston Butt roast on sale, we knew it was the perfect time to try the Pioneer Woman’s recipe with a slow cooker twist.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe Preparation – Boston Butt roast seasoned with spices, ready for the slow cooker.
The original Pioneer Woman pulled pork recipe requires a lengthy 10-hour oven cook time. While undeniably delicious, sometimes time is of the essence. That’s where the beauty of the crock pot comes in. This slow cooker adaptation significantly cuts down on active cooking time while still delivering incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork. If you’re interested in comparing, you can find the original Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork recipe on the Food Network website. But trust us, this crock pot version is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe: Your Guide to Flavorful, Tender Pork
This recipe focuses on ease and maximum flavor, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Pioneer Woman-inspired pulled pork in your crock pot:
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork:
- 5lb Boston Butt (also known as Pork Shoulder) – The star of the show, providing rich flavor and perfect shredding texture.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust.
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder – Provides a smoky depth and mild heat.
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes of the pork.
- 2 tsp Salt – Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for tender results.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper – Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- 1 Onion, chopped – Infuses the pork with aromatic sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite for a personalized flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup Ketchup – Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
- Potato Buns – For serving, their slight sweetness complements the savory pork perfectly.
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe Ingredients Laid Out – Brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and potato buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Pulled Pork:
- Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic spice blend is the foundation of our flavor.
- Prepare the Pork: Rub the spice mixture generously all over the Boston Butt, ensuring every surface is coated. Place the seasoned pork in your crock pot. Using a crock pot liner can make cleanup a breeze!
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the crock pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Add two cups of water to the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Cooking times can vary based on your crock pot and the size/fat content of the Boston Butt, so check for tenderness periodically. The pork is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe in Crock Pot with BBQ Sauce and Ketchup – Pork shoulder in the slow cooker, coated with spices and sauces, ready to be cooked.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the Boston Butt from the crock pot and place it in a large serving bowl. Shred the pork using two forks. It should be incredibly tender and easily fall apart.
- Mix with Juices: The pork will have released juices during cooking. You can add some of these juices back into the shredded pork for extra moisture and flavor, if desired.
- Serve on Buns: Pile the flavorful pulled pork onto potato buns and serve immediately. Add your favorite coleslaw or side dishes for a complete meal.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork Shredded – Tender and juicy pulled pork, shredded and ready to be served on buns.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pulled Pork on Potato Buns – Pulled pork sandwiches on potato buns, showcasing a delicious and easy meal.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pulled Pork:
- Don’t Skimp on the Boston Butt: The Boston Butt (pork shoulder) is crucial for pulled pork. Its fat content renders beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to customize the spice rub to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor boost.
- Experiment with BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a key component. Try different varieties to find your perfect match – from sweet and tangy to smoky and bold.
- Serving Suggestions: Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on buns for classic sandwiches, over nachos, in tacos, or even on top of baked potatoes.
Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Pulled Pork
This crock pot pulled pork recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a go-to dish for any occasion. The fact that it’s adapted for the slow cooker makes it even more appealing for busy cooks. Just set it and forget it, and come home to the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly cooked pulled pork. If your family’s reaction is anything like the original blogger’s husband’s (who ate 4.5 sandwiches!), you know you’ve got a winning recipe. So, fire up your crock pot and get ready to enjoy some truly delicious and easy pulled pork!
