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Super Easy Slow Cooker Pork

14 reviews / 4.9 average

This post is a part of a Marzetti® ambassador program. It is sponsored by Marzetti and product (specifically the yummy balsamic dressing) has been provided by them.

Slow cooker pork in the crockpot is a totally foolproof win.

Exhibit A: I am not much a meat-maker, grill master, stew lady, whatever you want to call it. I just don’t really cook meat that much, but when I do, I do pork in the crockpot. Without fail, it turns out so delicious with a very minimal effort. As in, let’s go eat candy while this machine makes our house smell good. It’s a food cheating short cut that’s legal. And even recommended.

The idea for this recipe came from my obsession with the crockpot carnitas. Yeah, THOSE crockpot carnitas. They are so good, so simple, and they make for a very happy house at dinnertime. But sometimes you just don’t want Mexican food anymore, you know? Like after eating 900 million avocados, you say to yourself: gimme a different kind of food.

So this is my new go-to for those days when you want a crockpot pork meal with a very versatile, rich flavor and that classic perfectly golden crispy exterior. And it really does go with anything: with a baked sweet potato, with a rice pilaf, on a sandwich, over some mashed potatoes, or with some polenta. Yummy yummy good good.

Balsamic dressing on a napkin.

For this pork recipe, I welcomed Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Balsamic Dressing to the party. I love it because

  • It’s not overly balsamic-y. Let’s face it – straight up balsamic is sometimes really really strong. This dressing is just slightly creamy and much milder than traditional balsamic, while still kicking a teensy bit with that balsamic tang.
  • It has a short, recognizable ingredient list. Simply Dressed. Get it?
  • It has a flavor that works with lots of things, so you can use it to make crockpot pork and then drizzle your freshy-fresh salad with it the next day. Versatility, kids. It’s a good thing.
Pork on tin foil with a wooden spoon.

Alright, rule #1 of this crockpot pork. YOU MUST BROIL THE MEAT.

It would be such a shame if you cooked your pork in the crockpot all day and then just… ate it. Juicy and delicious? Yes. Beautifully golden brown and lightly crisped? No.

You would miss out on the most deliciously golden crispy bits of meat that get that sort of caramelized exterior and my mouth is watering as I type. This is THE THING that makes it for both texture and taste. Crockpot all day long, then broil just before serving.

Pork on a pan.

Once you broil, just gaze upon the beauty. It really gives this otherwise homely looking shredded meat a nice lil makeover.

Pork on a metal tray.

Pop some color on there with some fresh herbs. WHOA SNAP POP. It looks gorgeous and tastes deeelicious. If you’re looking for an extra kick of flavor (honey orange fans out there?) check the notes of the recipe. I left a secret there for you.

This is one of those recipes that you just kinda keep up your sleeve at all times. So hold tight and don’t let go. Pork in the crockpot is the way to go.

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A picture of Super Easy Slow Cooker Pork

Super Easy Slow Cooker Pork


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Pinch of Yum
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 912 1x

Description

This Super Easy Slow Cooker Pork goes with anything and can be made with a short ingredient list! Includes a trick for browning the meat to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs. pork shoulder
  • 1 cup soda (I used Sprite)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup Marzetti Simply Dressed Balsamic dressing

Instructions

  1. Place the pork, soda, garlic, chili powder, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  2. When the meat falls apart easily, shred it directly in the crockpot with two forks. Add the balsamic dressing and stir with the liquid in the crockpot. The meat should be saucy and moist.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (or use the broil setting if you have that) and transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with foil. Spread it in an even, thin layer and cook in the preheated oven until the juices are bubbling and the edges are crispy, 10-15 minutes (less time if you have a broil setting).
  4. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy on sandwiches, with a baked potato, or however else you want to enjoy it.

Notes

Notes: You can also whisk the juice of one orange and a spoonful of honey together and drizzle it over the meat before broiling for an extra flavorful browned exterior. Bjork wanted his “plain”, but I liked the tangy-sweet combo.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker pork, crockpot pork, easy pork recipe

This post is sponsored by Marzetti®.

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92 Comments

  1. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Only 900 million avocados you said? And I always thought of you as Billionaire avocado kind of girl…guess I was wrong 😉
    And yes, pork + slow cooked = marriage made in heaven. You can’t go wrong with it!

  2. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Oh man, I have clearly been eating slower cooker pork the wrong way for MY WHOLE LIFE! I never knew about this broil the pork wizardry that you speak of! Crispy bits, juicy bits…I want all the bits of this pork. Thanks for the awesome tip!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      This recipe sounds delish and easy. My problem is I purchased all the ingredients to make this except the Marzetti dressing. Do you recommend a substitute dressing to use? I can’t find this dressing anywhere in town. I looked online and even Amazon is out. Maybe Marzetti stopped making this particular dressing.

  3. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I recently started broiling after slow cooking, and you’re right–it makes all the difference! Try slow cooker wings that have been broiled–perfection!

  4. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I was looking for the perfect pork recipe to use in carnitas, and I think I just found it! That broiling tip is clutch — thank you 🙂

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Thanks Lindsay! I pulled out the nice pretty pieces to arrange them on top, but it was a pretty quick shoot! Which is nice because lately it’s been taking me forever to get the photos how I want them… oh food. 🙂

  5. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Thanks for reminding us that a slow cooker can cook, but it can’t brown! A broiler is a must for getting that wonderful, brown, crispy exterior.

  6. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I cook with meat a little more than I wish to because my family loves it, but not too much pork. No idea why since I too am a huge carnitas lover! This pork sounds so good. Love the dressing!

  7. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Broiling brilliance! My goodness, this looks so delectable. I think you are my long lost best friend; I am not a meat cooker and I would always much rather go eat candy than stand and cook meat. Let’s meat someday, yes? Sorry sorry, couldn’t resist the pun! 😉 Have a great weekend, Lindsay!

  8. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Ha, no one else commenting seems to not “get this” so I’m likely being dense. You say “Preheat oven to 400 degrees…” – which doesn’t sound like the broiling function to me – but then follow that with “broil for 10-15 min.” Could you please clarify for me – is it a quick trip through a hot oven or is it literally under broiler? Thanks!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Sorry, yes. I just use the 400 degree oven to “broil”, because my oven doesn’t have a broil function. But use the broil if you have it and just watch it (less time needed).

    2. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Sarah – I cooked mine in oven too as I didn’t know how to operate my daughter in laws grill inside her oven (or broiler as it is called in USA) It turned out just fine, I also squeezed half an orange over it before putting into oven.

  9. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Great idea on the broiling. That could fix several recipes that I have. Flavor is aways good, but the texture needs some help. Thanks!

  10. Pinch of Yum Logo

    This looks amazing! Question for you, though.. I can’t do soda. Could I substitute a beer in place, or any other ideas? I would sooo appreciate it!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Yes! I think that would be delish – that’s what I do for the carnitas. I would use a lighter beer but that’s just cause I like lighter beer. 🙂