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Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Bowl Recipe Easy 5-Step Dinner Bliss

slow-cooker pulled pork bowl - featured image

A comforting and wholesome slow-cooker pulled pork bowl recipe featuring tender pork, vibrant toppings, and a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs pork shoulder (1.41.8 kg), with some fat marbling
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa (900 g)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Pickled red onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder evenly.
  3. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth. Set the seasoned pork on top.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Remove pork and shred using two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks.
  6. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in BBQ sauce, and heat for 15-20 minutes on low.
  7. Scoop cooked rice or quinoa into bowls, top with BBQ pulled pork, cilantro, pickled red onions, avocado slices, shredded cheese (if using), and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

If pork looks dry when shredding, stir in more chicken broth or reserved cooking liquid. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. Letting the pork rest overnight with the rub enhances flavor. Remove excess fat when shredding to avoid greasiness. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days; reheat gently with broth to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, pork shoulder, BBQ, easy dinner, meal prep, family meal, comfort food