Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pork: 1 Amazing Dish

You know those nights, right? The ones where work just *won’t* quit, and the thought of making dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest. Or maybe you’ve got a crowd coming over, and you want something that screams ‘comfort’ without you spending hours chained to the stove. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork. It’s just ridiculously good, totally foolproof, and seriously, the smell that fills your house? Pure magic. It’s become our go-to for everything from easy weeknight dinners to cheering on the home team on game day.

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Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Seriously, what’s not to love about this recipe? It’s a total lifesaver!

• So darn easy: You basically just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do all the work.
• Incredible flavor: It’s that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and a little tangy that just makes your taste buds sing.
• Feeds a crowd: Got hungry folks coming over? This recipe is your best friend. It makes a ton!
• Super versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, loaded baked potatoes, or even on top of a salad!
• Make-ahead magic: Cook it today, eat it tomorrow (or freeze it for later!) – it’s just as good.
• Minimal cleanup: Just one pot to wash? Yes, please!

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Gather Your Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this incredibly delicious Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork! It’s pretty straightforward, honestly. The star of the show is a good chunk of pork shoulder, sometimes called a Boston butt. Grab about 4 to 5 pounds of it, and if you can, trim off any really thick, hard pieces of fat, though a little bit left on is totally fine – it adds so much flavor and moisture! Then we’ve got our spice rub, which is that perfect mix of smoky paprika, a little brown sugar for sweetness, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and if you like a tiny kick, a pinch of cayenne. For the sauce, we’re going with a yummy combination of your favorite BBQ sauce (pick one you really love!), some apple cider vinegar for tang, a splash of Worcestershire, and a dab of Dijon mustard. That’s it! Simple ingredients, but wow, do they come together beautifully.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Pulled Pork

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness going! Making this crockpot pulled pork is surprisingly simple, even for a weeknight hero. Trust me, you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar. If you’re looking for more slow cooker inspiration, check out how we do pulled pork sandwiches!

Preparing the Pork Shoulder for the Slow Cooker

First things first, grab that beautiful pork shoulder. If there are any really thick, tough bits of fat on top, just slice those off – no need to go crazy, though; a little fat equals amazing flavor and keeps our shredded pork shoulder super juicy. Now, for that magic rub! Mix up your paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and that optional cayenne if you like a little heat. Give your pork a good, even coating with this rub. It really helps build that flavor right from the start!

Creating the Flavorful Sauce for Your Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This is where the sauce magic happens for your Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork. In a separate bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce – pick one that’s already a winner for you! Add in the apple cider vinegar; this gives it that essential tang to cut through the richness. Then, a splash of that umami-packed Worcestershire sauce and a dollop of Dijon mustard. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. This sauce isn’t just for flavor; it tenderizes the pork beautifully as it cooks!

Slow Cooking for Maximum Tenderness

Now, nestle that seasoned pork shoulder right into your slow cooker. Pour that delicious sauce mixture all over it. Cover it up, and let the magic happen. You’ve got two options here: cook it on LOW for about 8 to 10 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, HIGH for 4 to 5 hours works too. Basically, you want that pork to be so tender that it practically falls apart when you poke it with a fork. Super tender is key for perfect pulled pork!

Shredding and Finishing Your Pulled Pork

Once it’s fall-apart tender, carefully take the pork out of the slow cooker and put it on a board or in a big bowl. Now for the fun part – shredding! Use two forks (they’re the best tool for the job) and pull that pork apart until it’s all lovely strands. Before you put it back in the slow cooker, scoop out about a cup of that flavorful cooking liquid. Mix the shredded pork back into the slow cooker with that liquid and a bit more BBQ sauce if you want it extra saucy. Give it a good stir, and you’re pretty much done!

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Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down for this amazing Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork, but let me give you a few little secrets that really take it over the top. First off, don’t skip searing the pork! I know, I know, it’s an extra step, but seriously, browning that pork shoulder in a hot skillet *before* it goes into the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor that’s just incredible. It caramelizes those bits and creates this amazing crust. Also, make sure your pork is mostly submerged in that yummy sauce liquid. If your slow cooker is a bit too big, you can always top it off with a little more BBQ sauce or even some chicken broth. And about the spices? Feel free to play around! If you love smoky, add another teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you want more heat, go wild with the cayenne. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Serving Your Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Now that you’ve got this amazing pulled pork, let’s talk about how to serve it up! The classic is, of course, the pulled pork sandwich. Pile that tender, flavorful pork high on a soft bun. My absolute favorite topping is a big spoonful of crunchy, tangy coleslaw – it’s the perfect contrast to the rich pork. You can also use this pulled pork for so many other things! It’s fantastic in tacos, served over creamy mashed potatoes or a baked potato, or even mixed into mac and cheese. And for sides? Think classic BBQ fare like potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. For an extra special touch, make sure to try it with some Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits or whip up some Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce to have on the side for dipping!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly Pork

This slow cooker pulled pork is honestly a dream for meal prep! If you want to get ahead of the game, you can totally cook the pork a day or two before you need it. Just let it cool completely in the slow cooker, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even back in the slow cooker on low. It’s also fantastic for freezing! Let the shredded pork with its cooking liquid cool down, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, and it reheats like a charm. Trust me, having a batch of this ready to go in the freezer is a total lifesaver for those super busy nights or unexpected guests!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Got questions about making this amazing Pioneer Woman slow cooker pulled pork? I get it! Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I use a different cut of pork besides pork shoulder?

While pork shoulder (Boston butt) is my absolute favorite because it has the perfect amount of fat and connective tissue to become super tender and shreddable, you *can* use a pork loin. Just a heads-up, pork loin is much leaner, so it can dry out more easily. You’ll want to keep a closer eye on it and maybe reduce the cooking time a bit. Pork butt is really the champion here for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

How do I make this pulled pork spicier?

Oh, easy peasy! If you love a little heat, just bump up the cayenne pepper in the spice rub. You can also add a pinch or two more to the sauce mixture. Another great trick is to use a spicier BBQ sauce or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the liquid in the slow cooker. Some folks even like to add some sliced jalapeños on top while it cooks!

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I still make this?

Absolutely! If your slow cooker is MIA, you’ve got options. You can definitely make this in a Dutch oven in a regular oven. Just follow the same seasoning and sauce steps, then place it in a covered oven-safe pot and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s fork-tender. You’ll get that same shreddable goodness!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can really change depending on the BBQ sauce you use and how much fat you trim, but for a 6-ounce serving, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories, about 25g of fat (9g saturated), 35g of protein, and 18g of carbs. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!

Share Your Pulled Pork Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you all! Have you tried this slow cooker pulled pork yet? Did it become a family favorite? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you, or share your favorite way to serve it! And hey, if you’re loving the recipes here, don’t forget to check out my story and maybe even give us a follow on Facebook!

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Make tender, shreddable pulled pork in your slow cooker with this easy recipe. It’s perfect for sandwiches, game days, or any gathering.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Total Time: 10 hours 15 min
• Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder.
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
5. In another bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
9. Shred the pork using two forks.
10. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in about 1 cup of the cooking liquid and additional BBQ sauce if desired.
11. Serve hot on buns with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork shoulder on all sides in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
• If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or even more BBQ sauce.
• This pulled pork freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Serve with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 oz
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg