Have you heard of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? She’s a culinary icon, known for her approachable recipes and down-to-earth style. From her popular blog to her cookbooks, Food Network show, and home goods line, she has captivated home cooks everywhere. Today, we’re diving into one of her classics, Pulled Pork, and adapting it for your slow cooker for an incredibly easy and flavorful meal.
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe in Slow Cooker
I’ve been a long-time fan of Ree Drummond’s recipes, and her cookbooks are staples in my kitchen. What I appreciate most is how straightforward and reliable her recipes are, often accompanied by helpful step-by-step photos. When I spotted a Boston Butt roast on sale, I immediately thought of Pioneer Woman’s Classic Pulled Pork recipe.
Originally, her recipe calls for a lengthy oven cooking time – around 10 hours! While I’m sure the oven version is fantastic, sometimes time is of the essence. That’s when the magic of the slow cooker comes in. I decided to adapt her recipe for the Crock-Pot, and the results were outstanding. For those interested in the original oven-baked version, you can find it here.
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need: Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering slow cooker pulled pork, inspired by the Pioneer Woman:
- 5lb Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder): This cut is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content, which renders down beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust. Buy Brown Sugar on Amazon
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder: Provides a smoky, savory depth of flavor. Get Chili Powder on Amazon
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile. Find Garlic Powder on Amazon
- 2 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the pork. Salt on Amazon
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Black Pepper on Amazon (The original recipe includes cayenne pepper, but we’re omitting it for a milder flavor).
- 1 Onion, Chopped: Adds moisture and aromatic flavor to the pork as it cooks.
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- 1/4 cup Ketchup: Contributes to the tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
- 2 cups Water: Provides moisture for slow cooking and helps create tender pulled pork.
- Potato Buns: For serving – potato buns are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for pulled pork sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Let’s walk through how to make this Pioneer Woman inspired pulled 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 well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
Spice rub ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe
- Rub the Pork: Place the Boston Butt roast on a cutting board. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring every surface is coated. This spice rub is key to developing that classic pulled pork flavor.
Boston Butt roast rubbed with spices for slow cooker pulled pork recipe
-
Place in Slow Cooker: Put the spice-rubbed Boston Butt into your slow cooker. Pro Tip: Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze! Slow Cooker Liners on Amazon. I use this Crock-Pot, and it works perfectly for this recipe. Crock-Pot Slow Cooker on Amazon
-
Add Onion, BBQ Sauce, and Ketchup: Scatter the chopped onion around the pork in the slow cooker. Pour in the BBQ sauce and ketchup. Don’t worry about being precise – just distribute them evenly.
Adding BBQ sauce and ketchup to slow cooker pulled pork recipe
- Add Water: Pour 2 cups of water into the slow cooker. The water helps to create steam and braise the pork, ensuring it stays moist and tender throughout the long cooking process.
Adding water to slow cooker for pulled pork recipe
-
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork roast. Check the pork periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook. You want it to be fork-tender and easily shredded.
-
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker. Place it in a large serving bowl. Using two forks, shred the pork. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly. There will be juices in the slow cooker – you can skim off some of the excess fat if desired, or mix some of the juices back into the pulled pork for added moisture and flavor.
Shredded Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on potato buns. Pile high and enjoy! Coleslaw and pickles are classic sides that complement pulled pork sandwiches perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Don’t skip the spice rub: It’s crucial for flavor!
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Every slow cooker is different, and the size of your pork shoulder will affect cooking time. Start checking for tenderness around 3-4 hours on high.
- Embrace the fat: Boston Butt has fat for a reason! It renders down and makes the pork incredibly moist and flavorful. You can skim excess fat from the cooking liquid after cooking if you prefer.
- Customize your BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or try making your own for a truly homemade touch.
- Make it ahead: Pulled pork is great for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and is even more flavorful the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers maximum flavor. My husband devoured this pulled pork – eating 4.5 sandwiches! That’s always a sign of a winning recipe in my book.
Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork Recipe in Slow Cooker
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can easily find it when you’re ready to make delicious slow cooker pulled pork! Happy slow cooking!
Looking for another easy and tasty recipe? Check out these Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!
