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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowl

slow cooker pulled pork bowl - featured image

A healthy, hands-off slow cooker pulled pork bowl combining tender pork shoulder with fresh veggies and wholesome grains for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt (well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Lime wedges
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and rub all over the pork.
  2. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Nestle the seasoned pork on top.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the sides, avoiding washing off the seasoning.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Discard large fat chunks if desired.
  6. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into juices. Let soak for 10 minutes.
  7. Prepare cooked brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Rinse and drain black beans and warm corn if frozen.
  8. Assemble bowls by spooning rice or quinoa base, topping with pulled pork, black beans, corn, and garnishes like avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and Greek yogurt.
  9. Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper flavor, rub pork with spices the night before. Keep lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. If pork seems dry after shredding, stir in reserved cooking liquid. For smoky char flavor, broil shredded pork for 5 minutes before assembling bowls. Use slow cooker liners for easier cleanup. Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for variations. Add cayenne or chipotle powder for extra heat.

Nutrition

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