Print

Easy Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Bowl Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

slow-cooker pulled pork bowl - featured image

This easy slow-cooker pulled pork bowl combines tender, juicy pulled pork with fresh, vibrant bowls of goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • Fresh lime wedges, for squeezing
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim any thick layers of fat from the pork shoulder, pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth around the pork, avoiding pouring directly on top.
  4. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat with juices.
  6. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Rinse and drain black beans, prepare corn, slice avocado, chop cilantro, and cut lime wedges.
  7. Assemble bowls starting with rice, then pulled pork, beans, corn, avocado slices, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finish with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of cilantro.

Notes

If pulled pork seems dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth or extra barbecue sauce before serving. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture. Use gluten-free barbecue sauce for gluten-free version and skip cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, pork shoulder, easy dinner, weeknight meal, barbecue, comfort food, pulled pork bowl