Let’s face it, busy days are a reality for most of us. Between owning a business, family commitments, and errands, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a chore for me!
That’s why I love having a few easy peasy recipes in my cooking rotation. At least once a week, I try to make something super easy with just a few simple ingredients and a simple cooking method.
More often than not, when it comes to an easy weeknight meal, I rely on my slow cooker. It’s one of my favorite tools in my kitchen and I use it at least once a week to make an easy recipe with little effort.
Why I Love My Slow Cooker
The slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, is a kitchen hero for anyone who wants to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or lazy Sundays.
Simply throw in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker work its magic. It delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone pulled pork with minimal effort. Plus, the slow cooker method allows for a more even distribution of heat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
I also love that many slow cooker recipes produce a lot of food. Even if it’s an easy meal, you often get enough leftovers. I typically put individual portions in glass containers for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients: Simple is Wonderful!
This recipe truly shines in its simplicity. You only need two main ingredients:
- A pork roast: For this recipe, a bone-in pork shoulder roast (also called a Boston butt) is the best cut of meat. It has a good amount of marbling (fat), which helps to keep the pork moist and flavorful during the long cooking process. You can also use a boneless pork loin roast, but keep in mind it might be slightly drier.
- Your favorite barbecue sauce: This is where you can get creative! Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, whether it’s sweet and smoky, tangy and spicy, or anything in between. For a truly unique flavor, try making your own homemade BBQ sauce – there are endless possibilities! My favorite BBQ sauce is actually found at ALDI grocery store! Next time you’re at the store, look for the Burman’s brand.
Making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A Stress-Free Process
Here’s a quick rundown of how to make this easy pulled pork recipe (don’t worry, the full recipe with detailed instructions is coming up later!):
- Place the pork roast in your slow cooker.
- Pour your chosen barbecue sauce over the top.
- Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for several hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and toss it in the remaining barbecue sauce.
That’s it! You’ve got delicious pulled pork ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Ways to Use Your Leftover Pulled Pork:
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile your pulled pork high on hamburger buns and top with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, red onions, and extra barbecue sauce.
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Swap out the ground beef for pulled pork in your next taco night. Add some salsa, avocado, and cheese for a fiesta in your mouth!
- Pulled Pork Nachos: Level up your nacho game with pulled pork. Top with cheese, beans, jalapenos, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Pulled Pork Bowls: Serve pulled pork over rice or quinoa with your favorite veggies like corn, black beans, and a dollop of guacamole.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Can I use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker? Absolutely! An Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that can also function as a slow cooker. The cook time will be significantly reduced in an Instant Pot, typically around 1-2 hours on high pressure.
- What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork? A bone-in pork shoulder roast is the best cut for pulled pork due to its high-fat content, which creates juicy and flavorful results.
- Can I use a different type of liquid instead of barbecue sauce? While barbecue sauce is the classic choice, you can experiment with other options like root beer, Dr. Pepper, or even apple juice.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Don’t trim the fat cap: The fat cap on the pork roast helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. You can trim some of the excess fat if desired, but don’t remove it all.
- Use an internal temperature thermometer: The best way to ensure your pulled pork is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 195°F (90°C).
- Let the meat rest: After the cooking cycle is complete, let the pulled pork rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
- Quick release for the Instant Pot: If you’re using an Instant Pot, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then follow with a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Shred with two forks: Once rested, use two forks to shred the pork. The meat should easily pull apart with minimal effort.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or slow cooker over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Variations for Every Palate
This recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to customize it to your liking:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika to the barbecue sauce for a kick of heat.
- Brown Sugar Rub: Before adding the barbecue sauce, coat the pork roast in a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Smoky Pulled Pork: If you don’t have a smoker, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce for a hint of smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutrient information will vary depending on the specific barbecue sauce you use, pulled pork is a good source of protein and contains essential daily values like vitamin B12 and iron.
However, it’s important to note that pulled pork can also be high in sodium and fat, so keep that in mind if you have any medically restrictive diets or calorie goals.
A Family Favorite Made Easy
This Easy, 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a great recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious, flavorful pulled pork without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ready to give it a try? Grab your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) and whip up a batch of this easy pulled pork recipe today! For easy reference, you can print the recipe card or bookmark this page. Enjoy!
Easy, 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Description
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for, here’s the full recipe with detailed instructions:
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
- 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Place the pork roast in your slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the top of the pork roast, coating it evenly.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the shredded pork in the remaining barbecue sauce from the slow cooker.
- Serve immediately on hamburger buns, in tacos, bowls, or your favorite way!
