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Plug in your slow cooker and serve up one of these easy pork meals

Plug in your slow cooker and serve up one of these easy pork meals

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Plug in Your Slow Cooker and Serve Up One of These Easy Pork Meals

Slow cookers are the ultimate kitchen tool for busy families and home cooks who want a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. One of the best things about a slow cooker is how it can transform inexpensive cuts of meat, like pork, into tender, flavorful dishes that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a cozy evening or need something simple to serve for a crowd, there’s a slow-cooked pork dish that fits the bill.

In this article, we’ll share some easy and mouthwatering slow-cooker pork recipes that will save you time while delivering incredible flavor. Get your slow cooker ready, and let’s dive in!

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

One of the most popular and beloved slow-cooked pork dishes is pulled pork. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (or your favorite sauce)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the pork.
  4. Add the onion and garlic around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Once done, use two forks to shred the pork and mix it with the sauce. Serve on buns, tacos, or over rice.

2. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

For a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal, pork carnitas are a great choice. The slow-cooked pork is seasoned with bold spices and cooked until it’s so tender it falls apart. This dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over a bowl of rice.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

  1. Place the pork chunks in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, orange juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the pork is very tender.
  4. Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Optionally, you can broil the shredded pork in the oven for a few minutes to get it crispy before serving.
  5. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, cilantro, and avocado.

3. Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples and Onions

For a comforting and slightly sweet meal, pork loin with apples and onions is a fantastic option. The pork is tenderized in the slow cooker, and the apples add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory meat.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs pork loin
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon