Easy Peasy Crockpot Pulled Pork Bbq Bliss
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper grub without slaving away? This easy crockpot dinners recipe is your answer! Get ready for fall off-the-bone pulled pork , dripping with BBQ goodness.
Brief Overview
This recipe hails from classic American BBQ traditions. It's incredibly simple and yields enough to feed a crowd (6-8 people). Let the crockpot do all the hard work!
Main Benefits
This pulled pork is packed with protein and makes for a fantastic family meal . It is also budget friendly . Perfect for a weekend gathering, or even a lazy easy weeknight meal when you're craving some serious comfort food recipes .
Ready to dive into this simple slow cooker meal ? This recipe is amazing because it’s basically a " dump and forget " type of thing.
Honestly, you can bung everything in and let the crockpot work its magic! Let's get this show on the road and explore what you need.
Gather Your Goodies
Here’s what you need for this easy dinner recipes :
- 2-3 lb (900g - 1.3kg) pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (8g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
This ingredient list will bring you to the best and easy crockpot dinners .
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Easy Crockpot Dinners
Alright, mate, let’s get this show on the road! This easy crockpot dinners recipe for pulled pork is so simple, it’s practically foolproof.
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to cook! So, before we dive in, let's gather our bits and bobs.
You know, the ingredients and equipment that’ll turn a humble pork shoulder into a BBQ masterpiece! Plus, this falls into budget friendly recipes , so you won’t break the bank feeding the whole family.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, I've got you covered with both US and metric measurements.
- Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): 2-3 lbs (900g-1.3kg) . Look for good marbling. It needs fat, as this is what creates the tenderness and helps keep it moist.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) . Go with your favourite brand!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60 ml), packed
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Dry Mustard: 1 tsp (5g)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5g)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25g)
For the pork shoulder , quality is key. It needs to be well marbled. This means it has streaks of fat running through it.
This fat renders down during cooking, keeping the pulled pork super moist and tender. Trust me, this is what will make the slow cooker recipes truly special.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
The spice combo is where the magic happens. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that's just chef's kiss . The dry mustard gives a little tang, and the brown sugar balances everything out.
- Smoked paprika and dry mustard are a MUST.
- Worcestershire sauce adds umami that savoury "something" you can’t quite put your finger on.
- Don't have apple cider vinegar? A squeeze of lemon juice will do in a pinch!
Consider this comfort food recipes your own. You can add a pinch of cayenne if you want to make it spicy. BBQ is all about personal taste, innit?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don’t need fancy gadgets for these simple slow cooker meals , thank goodness. I hate recipes that need loads of equipment. Who has the space?!
- Crockpot (slow cooker): This is the star!
- Large Skillet (or frying pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons: Because eyeballing it doesn’t always work!
- Tongs: Essential for searing the pork.
- Two forks: For shredding all that deliciousness!
Don’t have a skillet? A large saucepan will work. And if you're missing measuring spoons, just improvise! A regular spoon and a bit of common sense will get you there.
Let's get started on the way to easy weeknight meals , this will be one of your easy dinner recipes .
I promise!
Alright, let's get cracking! As they say, "Proper preparation prevents poor performance," so here’s a solid outline for a delicious and dead easy crockpot dinner , perfect for those busy weeknights when you'd rather be watching the telly than chained to the stove.
This recipe is both comforting and packed with flavour, something that’ll have everyone saying "Oh, go on then, just one more helping!" This easy crockpot dinners is the best thing you'll cook all week.
Easy Peasy Crockpot Pulled Pork (BBQ Bliss!)
This recipe delivers tender, flavourful pulled pork with minimal effort. It's perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or piled high on a plate.
Think smoky, sweet, and tangy the kind of comfort food recipes that sticks to your ribs. Plus, it's perfect to add to your rotation of easy dinner recipes
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential Mise en Place: Chop that onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices and sauces. Honestly, getting everything prepped beforehand makes the whole process so much smoother.
This is really a great recipe for family meals .
Time Saving Organization Tips: Get your crockpot out and ready. Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl beforehand. It saves time and mess later.
And that way you can take advantage of having easy weeknight meals .
Safety Reminders: Searing the pork shoulder can get a bit splattery. Use a splatter screen, if you have one. It will save you a lot of cleaning.
Also remember to not touch the sides of the crockpot after it has been cooking for a while, it can get quite hot!
step-by-step: From Pork to Perfection
- Sear the Pork: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned (about 3- 4 minutes per side ).
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the seared pork in the crockpot . Pour the sautéed onion and garlic over it. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours , until the pork is very tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite sized pieces.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavours.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Epic Pork
Don't skip the searing! It really does make a difference. Honestly , it's a flavour bomb.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don't overcook the pork! It’s ready when it pulls apart easily. Overcooking can make it dry.
This easy crockpot dinners is pretty budget friendly recipes , but to keep it that way, buy your pork shoulder when it's on sale.
This crockpot pulled pork recipe is my go-to for an easy dinner recipes . It's bbq perfection with minimal effort. And the best part? It’s so easy to make it a dump and forget recipes , perfect for those crazy busy days.
So go on, give it a try! You won't regret it. We think that it's the best of the best simple slow cooker meals out there.
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Crockpot Dinners: Pulled Pork Perfection
Right, so you're about to embark on making some proper, tasty pulled pork . This recipe is all about convenience. It's one of those easy crockpot dinners that you can just dump and forget .
It’s ideal for easy weeknight meals . But before you do, let's run through a few extra bits and bobs. I've learned over many years of cooking what makes a difference.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Grub On!
Okay, so you've got your gorgeous pulled pork . What now? For a classic, go for bbq pulled pork sliders. Slap it on some toasted brioche buns with coleslaw.
Fancy something a bit different? Load it onto nachos with cheese and jalapeños, or pile it high on cornbread with baked beans.
And don't forget the drinks. A crisp apple cider would be great!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? (If you do, you're a wizard!). Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Want to freeze it? No problem! It keeps well for up to 3 months . Just make sure it's properly cooled first.
Reheating is a doddle. Either microwave it, warm it up on the hob, or even chuck it back in the crockpot .
Make sure that its core temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) when you reheat it.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Want to jazz it up? Go spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. A chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce works brilliantly.
Cutting back on the sugar? Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Works a charm! Feel free to change up the flavor profile.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the sauce mixture.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This pulled pork provides a good chunk of protein, perfect for building those muscles. It provides 400-450 calories per serving, so it is a great energy booster.
It also has a good amount of fat. But hey, it's comfort food recipes . It also can be a great way to cook with your family, perfect for creating family meals.
So there you have it. A few extra tips and tricks to make your slow cooker recipes even better. This pork shoulder recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
A big hug on a plate, especially if you are looking for budget friendly recipes . Honestly, this will become your new easy dinner recipes go-to.
Go on, give it a go. You won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really just chuck it all in? What if I skip searing the pork?
While this recipe aims for maximum ease, searing the pork does add a significant depth of flavour. It's like giving your pulled pork a proper handshake before the party starts! You can skip it in a pinch, but the final result won't be quite as flavourful.
Think of it like this: you could make tea without warming the pot first, but a warmed pot makes a better cuppa!
How can I make these easy crockpot dinners even easier?
Prep ahead! Chop the onion and garlic the night before, and measure out all the spices into a small container. Store everything in the fridge and then it's ready to go in the morning. This turns a 15-minute prep into a 5-minute job. It's like having Mary Berry as your sous chef!
My pulled pork is a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Overcooking is the usual suspect! Crockpots can vary, so start checking for doneness sooner. If your pork is dry, try adding a bit more BBQ sauce or even a splash of apple juice back into the shredded pork. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the moisture.
Think of it like rescuing a soggy bottom a little extra love can make all the difference!
Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?
Absolutely! Pulled pork freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag (squeeze out any excess air). It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even back in the crockpot.
It's a great way to have a quick and easy meal ready when you're short on time.
What are some fun variations on this easy crockpot dinners pulled pork recipe?
Get creative! For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. For a sweeter twist, add a can of crushed pineapple. You can even experiment with different BBQ sauce flavours try a honey BBQ or a smoky chipotle. The possibilities are endless!
Think of it like giving your taste buds a bit of a holiday!
Is pulled pork healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Pulled pork can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to be mindful of the fat and sugar content, especially from the BBQ sauce. Choose leaner cuts of pork (like boneless loin) and trim any visible fat before cooking. You can also use a low-sugar BBQ sauce and skim off any excess fat after cooking.
Portion control is key, and pairing it with a healthy side like coleslaw or a salad can make it a more nutritious meal.
Easy Peasy Crockpot Pulled Pork Bbq Bliss
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 0g |