Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Have you ever craved that melt-in-your-mouth, smoky flavor of pulled pork but wanted a simpler, hands-off approach? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s classic pulled pork recipe, brilliantly adapted for your slow cooker. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is renowned for her hearty, family-friendly recipes, and this pulled pork is no exception. While her original recipe calls for a lengthy oven roast, this slow cooker version delivers the same incredible taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

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Fans of the Pioneer Woman know her cookbooks are filled with approachable and delicious recipes, often accompanied by helpful step-by-step photos. Inspired by her classic pulled pork, this slow cooker adaptation maintains all the deliciousness while simplifying the cooking process. Forget spending ten hours hovering over your oven – with a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors develop beautifully while you go about your day. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves pulled pork but appreciates the convenience of slow cooking.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering pulled pork in your slow cooker:

• 5lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder): This cut is key for pulled pork, offering the perfect fat marbling for tenderness and flavor.
• 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 flavor profile.
• 2 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture.
• 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
• 1 Onion, Chopped: Infuses the pork with aromatic sweetness as it cooks.
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand to customize the flavor.
• 1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Potato Buns or Hamburger Buns: For serving the pulled pork sandwiches.

You might already have many of these pantry staples on hand! Using a slow cooker liner is also highly recommended for effortless cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without dreading the dishes.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe – 4

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make 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. 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 well coated. This spice rub is crucial for developing that signature pulled pork flavor.

3. Place in Slow Cooker: If using a slow cooker liner, place it in your slow cooker now. Then, place the seasoned Boston Butt directly into the slow cooker.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe – Boston Butt

4. Add Onion: Scatter the chopped onion around and under the Boston Butt in the slow cooker. The onion will soften and caramelize as the pork cooks, adding moisture and flavor.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe Ingredients

5. Add Sauces: Pour the BBQ sauce and ketchup over the pork and onions in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about mixing it too much at this stage; the flavors will meld together during the slow cooking process.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe 2

6. Add Water and Cook: Pour 2 cups of water into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork shoulder, so check for doneness periodically. The pork is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the CrockPot Recipe

7. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the Boston Butt from the slow cooker and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly. You’ll notice there will be juices in the slow cooker – these are full of flavor and can be drizzled over the pulled pork for extra moisture.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork on potato buns or hamburger buns. Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce for a truly satisfying meal.

Pioneer Woman Classic Pulled Pork Adapted for the Crockpot

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Don’t trim too much fat: The fat in the Boston Butt renders down during slow cooking, keeping the pork moist and flavorful. Some fat is essential for great pulled pork.
• Customize your BBQ sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile. Sweet, smoky, or tangy – the choice is yours!
• Low and slow is key: While you can cook on high for 4 hours, cooking on low for a longer period often results in even more tender and flavorful pulled pork.
• Rest the pork: If you have time, let the cooked Boston Butt rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent pulled pork.

This Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.