Busy days call for easy dinners! Introducing our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Busy Families. This easy recipe ensures that even on your busiest days, your family can enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. With a few simple steps the night before, you can enjoy a nearly effortless dinner of tender juicy pulled pork, letting the slow cooker do most of the work for you. Let’s get into the details of this stress-free, crowd-pleasing recipe!
If you appreciate the convenience of slow cooker meals, be sure to check out our Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
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Ingredients
Dry Rub
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- salt & black pepper
Cooking Liquid
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- brown sugar
- apple cider vinegar
- ketchup
- coconut aminos
- salt
- black pepper
- dry mustard
- liquid smoke
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Night Before
- Begin by mixing all ingredients for the dry rub, and generously apply the rub to your pork shoulder, making sure to coat the meat evenly. Place pork shoulder in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight, allowing the meat to marinate.
In the Morning
- Remove the marinated pork shoulder from the refrigerator and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your cooking liquid: minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, coconut aminos, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and liquid smoke.
- Pour the cooking liquid over the pork shoulder in the crock pot, making sure to cover the meat well.
- Set the slow to its low setting and let it cook for 8-10 hours. The slow cooking process will transform the pork shoulder into tender, flavorful pulled pork.
- Once the pork is fork-tender, easily pulls apart, and registers an internal temperature of 205°F on a meat thermometer, it’s ready to be served.
- Carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
- Generously pile the shredded pork onto hamburger buns, top with lettuce and shredded cheese.
Variations
Instead of a hamburger bun, serve it in a tortilla wrap for pulled pork tacos. Or give your favorite salad an upgrade, mixing the pulled pork in for added protein.
Equipment
- Air tight container for marinating the pork butt overnight in the fridge
- Slow cooker
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Top tip
The best cut of pork for making the perfect pulled pork is the pork butt, sometimes called the Boston butt. This cut comes from the shoulder area of the pig, and boasts a well-marbled texture with connective tissues and fat, contributing to moist and flavorful results when slow-cooked.
Its tenderness and ability to break down during the long, slow cooking process make the pork shoulder ideal for slow cooker pulled pork.
Busy-family Approved Flavor
- Time Saving Convenience – The ability to prepare the meat the night before streamlines your morning routine, making this recipe ideal for busy days. Simply toss the pre-seasoned pork into the crock pot with the cooking liquid, and you’re free to focus on your day while the slow cooker does the work.
- Family-Friendly – This pulled pork recipe is a hit with the whole family, kids included. The combination of the savory dry rub and the sweet-and-tangy cooking liquid creates a flavor profile that appeals to all taste buds.
- Versatility on Your Plate – Catering to your preferences, this recipe offers both a classic pulled pork sandwich and a lighter, bread-free option in a salad bowl. The versatility makes it a go-to for various occasions and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Busy Families stands as more than just a pulled pork recipe; it’s a game-changer for families navigating the chaos of a busy night. Offering one of the easiest ways to achieve a homemade, hearty meal, this simple recipe transforms the hectic evening routine into a seamless dining experience. With the convenience of prepping the night before, you can guarantee a delicious dinner, ensuring that no matter how packed your schedule, a stress-free meal is always within reach. Embrace the simplicity, and witness the whole family gathering round the dinner table to enjoy the irresistible flavors of this time-saving, Prep-Ahead Pulled Pork.
Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Busy Families
Equipment
- 1 air tight container for marinating pork overnight
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pound pork shoulder (pork butt)
For the Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoon pepper
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cooking Liquid
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoon coconut aminos
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Instructions
Prepare the Night Before:
- Begin by mixing all ingredients for the dry rub, and generously apply the rub to your pork shoulder, making sure to coat the meat evenly. Place the pork butt in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight, allowing the meat to marinate.
In the Morning
- Remove marinated pork butt from the refrigerator and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooking liquid.
- Pour the cooking liquid over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover the meat well.
- Set the slow cooker to the low setting, cover and let it cook for 8-10 hours.
- Once the pork is fork-tender, is easily pulled apart, and registers a temperature of 205°F on a meat thermometer, it's ready to be served.
- Carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Generously pile the shredded pork onto hamburger buns, top with lettuce and shredded cheese.
Notes
- Instead of a hamburger bun, serve it in a wrap for pulled pork tacos! Or give your favorite salad an upgrade, mixing pulled pork in for added protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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