Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork
Try this Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork recipe.
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 slices center cut bacon chopped
- 1 medium apple peeled and chopped
- 2 lbs uncooked lean trimmed pork tenderloin (i cut mine into 3-4 pieces to fit it into my slow cooker better)
- Carbohydrate 17.156307656235 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.136033551007712 g
- Fiber 0.519532269724229 g
- Protein 0.896803738019364 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0256905119196798 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1/2 cup) serving (168g)
- Sodium 492.233691007871 mg
- Sugar 16.6367753865107 g
- Trans Fat 0.0405783283696091 g
- Calories 68 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium skillet, place the chopped bacon and bring to medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until bacon is crisp and use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel.
- Place the chopped apple, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, salt and bacon pieces into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add the pork and stir to cover in sauce.
- Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks (it should basically fall apart).
- Use the back of a spoon to mush the cooked apples into the sauce.
- Return the pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Cover and continue to cook on high for another 30-60 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, school runs, and endless to-do lists. Finding time for anything beyond the basics often feels like an impossible feat. Yet, the desire for delicious, home-cooked meals remains a constant. That’s where this slow cooker apple bacon BBQ pulled pork recipe becomes a lifesaver. It’s the epitome of effortless elegance, a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for those nights when you need a comforting, satisfying meal without the fuss.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. While the pork simmers away, you can focus on other tasks, freeing up valuable time in your already jam-packed schedule. It's a perfect example of smart cooking, maximizing efficiency while delivering exceptional results. I've adapted many recipes over the years, and this one hits the sweet spot. Not too sweet, not too spicy, just the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet. The apple adds a delightful unexpected sweetness that balances out the richness of the pork and bacon. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that's sure to be a family favorite.
This recipe is adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or apple cider vinegar to achieve your ideal sweetness and tang. You can also experiment with different types of apples; Granny Smith adds a tartness that complements the other flavors beautifully. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The possibilities are truly endless! The best part is, the leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, this dish continues to give.
Beyond the Recipe: Slow Cooking and the Modern Lifestyle
In today’s fast-paced world, where time is often our most precious commodity, slow cooking offers a welcome respite. It’s a technique that embraces the beauty of slow and steady progress, allowing flavors to develop gradually and creating dishes that are both comforting and impressive. The slow cooker isn't just a kitchen appliance; it’s a time-saving tool, a culinary ally that helps us balance the demands of work, family, and personal well-being. It's a symbol of efficiency and smart cooking practices that allow us to savor delicious, homemade meals without sacrificing precious time. The aroma alone is enough to fill your home with warmth and inviting scents – which is perfect when you have a family to feed and nurture.
This slow cooker pulled pork is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple cooking techniques in managing a busy lifestyle. It's about finding joy in the small moments, creating delicious memories around a shared table, and reminding ourselves that nourishing ourselves and our loved ones doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. By embracing slow cooking, we reclaim control of our time and create delicious, healthy meals that nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pulled pork is incredibly adaptable to any preference. You can easily transform this meal to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy this pulled pork to the fullest:
- Classic BBQ Sandwich: Serve on slider buns or toasted brioche buns with your favorite coleslaw. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce will perfectly complement the soft texture of the bread.
- Taco Tuesday Twist: Use the pulled pork as a filling for tacos. Add some shredded cheese, sour cream, and your favorite taco toppings for a truly satisfying meal.
- Salad Superstar: Incorporate the pulled pork into a hearty salad. Toss the pork with mixed greens, your favorite vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Nacho Nirvana: Layer tortilla chips with the pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings for a flavorful nacho platter.
- Grain Bowl Goodness: Serve the pulled pork over quinoa or brown rice for a nutrient-rich and satisfying bowl.
This is a dish that has become a staple in my home, a dependable recipe that consistently delivers on flavor and convenience. It’s a testament to the simple truth that delicious food doesn’t always require hours of preparation. Embrace the slow cooker, embrace the simplicity, and enjoy this truly fantastic pulled pork recipe.
