Pulling together a satisfying dinner doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. This 3-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork recipe streamlines your cooking process without skimping on flavor. With just a few pantry staples, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 10
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Utilizes pantry staples – just three ingredients required.
- Effortless cooking – set it and forget it.
- Perfect for batch cooking – doubles easily for more servings.
Ingredients
- 2 (18 ounce) bottles BBQ sauce, divided: Adds sweet and tangy notes. For a homemade touch, you can combine ketchup with brown sugar and a splash of vinegar.
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix: Infuses savory depth quickly. Substitute with a mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and a pinch of garlic powder if needed.
- 1 (4 pound) boneless pork loin roast: Juicy and lean, it absorbs flavors well. Trim excess fat before cooking for a cleaner result.
- 1 (4 pound) package thick country-style pork ribs: Offers rich marbling for tender meat. Can be replaced with another cut of pork if preferred.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Place the boneless pork loin and country-style ribs in your slow cooker. Ensure they are in an even layer to promote consistent cooking. This setup ensures that the meat cooks evenly and stays moist throughout the process.
Step 2: Mix and Pour
Mix one bottle of BBQ sauce with the envelope of dry onion soup mix until well combined. This blend provides a complex base for the meat. Pour it over the pork, ensuring everything is well-coated for balanced seasoning.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and let the pork cook for 8 hours. During cooking, the meats soak in the sauce, enhancing their flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Sauce
Once cooked, remove the meat from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the pork while it’s still warm. Transfer the meat back to the cooker, adding the remaining BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Stir to combine and heat through for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely. While the loin roast and country-style ribs are recommended for their balance of lean and marbled meat, you can use shoulder or Boston butt as alternatives. Adjust cook times as needed for different cuts.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mix. This will provide a nice kick without overwhelming the core flavors.
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pulled pork. Allow it to cool, then store in airtight containers. Reheat gently over low heat with a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist.
