Get ready to enjoy a tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that cooks itself to perfection in your slow cooker. This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal without much fuss. Follow this guide to create mouthwatering pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or enjoying on its own.

What is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a savory dish where lamb shoulder is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and sauce until it becomes tender enough to be shredded effortlessly. The slow cooking process ensures the meat absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a delicious and versatile dish.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Minimal prep work makes this recipe perfect for busy days.
Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day.
Flavorful and Tender: The long cooking time infuses the meat with rich flavors.

Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or served with your favorite sides.
Make-Ahead: Great for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and reheated.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

4-5 pounds of lamb shoulder (bone-in or boneless) as a pork substitute

1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Prepare the Meat: Rinse and pat dry the lamb shoulder.
Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Rub the Meat: Rub the spice mixture all over the lamb shoulder.
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until browned.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the Meat: Place the seared lamb shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
Add Liquids: Pour chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar over the lamb.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Shred the Meat: Remove the lamb from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
Serve: Serve the pulled lamb on buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, fresh contrast.

Cornbread: Complements the savory meat perfectly.
Potato Salad: A creamy, satisfying side.
Grilled Vegetables: Provides a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.

Pickles: Adds a tangy bite to balance the richness of the meat.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Choose the Right Cut: Lamb shoulder or lamb butt is best for slow cooking.
Sear for Flavor: Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor.

Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Adjust Spices: Customize the spice rub to your taste preference.
Mix Well: After shredding, mix the meat thoroughly with the juices for even flavor.

Rest Before Shredding: Let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain moisture.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Spicy Pulled Pork: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Sweet and Tangy: Increase the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar for a sweeter profile.

Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.
Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce and soy sauce instead of barbecue sauce.
Mexican-style: Add cumin, oregano, and lime juice for a Mexican twist.

Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Best Practices

Cool Completely: Allow the pulled lamb to cool before storing.
Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Label and Date: Always label and date your containers for easy tracking.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Microwave Option: Use the microwave for quicker reheating.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of the cooking liquid.
Cover While Reheating: Prevents drying out during reheating.

Serve Hot: Best enjoyed when served hot and fresh.

How can I make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork healthier?

To create a healthier version of the Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, you can implement the following adjustments:

Leaner Cut of Meat: Choose a leaner cut such as lamb shoulder with excess fat trimmed off. This reduces the overall fat content of the dish.

Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium chicken broth and choose a lower-sodium barbecue sauce to decrease the overall salt content.
Healthy Cooking Liquids: Replace some of the barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar, which adds flavor without additional sugars or sodium.
Increase Spices: Boost the amount of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder to add more flavor without needing extra salt or fat.

Add Vegetables: Include vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the slow cooker. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or celery during the last few hours of cooking to make the dish more nutritious.
Healthier Sides: Serve the pulled pork with sides that complement its healthiness, such as coleslaw made with a yogurt-based dressing, whole grain buns, or a side salad.
Control Portions: Be mindful of portion sizes, as controlling how much you eat can help maintain a healthier meal structure.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Sodium: 700mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for slow cooker pulled pork?

The best cut of meat for slow cooker pulled pork is the lamb shoulder. This cut has the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that is perfect for shredding.

How long does it take to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker?

Pulled pork typically takes 8-10 hours on the low setting or 4-5 hours on the high setting in a slow cooker. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the spices and sauce.

Can I make pulled pork in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can make pulled pork in advance and reheat it. After cooking, let the pulled pork cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.

How do I prevent pulled pork from drying out when reheating?

To prevent pulled pork from drying out when reheating, cover it with foil and add a bit of the cooking liquid or broth to keep it moist. Reheat it in the oven at 325°F or use a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. This helps retain the moisture and keep the pork juicy.

Final Words

This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled meat with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

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