This 4-ingredient slow cooker pork is the kind of easy holiday-weekend meal that saves the day when you want something hearty without standing over the stove. Pork blade steaks turn tender and flavorful after a long, gentle cook, and with just a few pantry staples, you get a savory main dish that feels perfect for a casual Labor Day kickoff. It is especially handy for busy weekends when you would rather prep dinner in a few minutes and get on with the rest of the day.
Serve this pork with creamy mashed potatoes, baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or simple sandwich rolls for a laid-back cookout-style plate. The rich sauce is also great spooned over rice or buttered egg noodles, and a crisp green salad or pickles on the side help balance the hearty flavors.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Kickoff Pork Blade Steaks
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
4 raw pork blade steaks, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total
1 packet onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup cola
Directions
1. Place the raw pork blade steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer, overlapping slightly if needed.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the pork, then pour the barbecue sauce and cola over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the pork is very tender.
4. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork before serving. Serve the steaks whole or shred them slightly for sandwiches, bowls, or plates with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
Sandwich Style: Shred the cooked pork and pile it onto soft sandwich buns for an easy Labor Day sandwich night. A scoop of coleslaw on top adds crunch and makes it feel a little more like a backyard cookout.
Sauce Balance: If your barbecue sauce is very sweet, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar before cooking to balance the flavor. If you like a smokier taste, use a smoky barbecue sauce as your base.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can place the pork, soup mix, barbecue sauce, and cola in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate if your insert is refrigerator-safe. In the morning, place it in the cooker and start dinner with almost no effort.
Thicker Sauce: For a thicker finish, remove the cooked pork and keep it warm, then pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until slightly reduced. Spoon it back over the pork just before serving.
Leftover Ideas: Leftover pork is great tucked into baked potatoes, spooned over rice, or folded into quesadillas the next day. It reheats well with a little extra sauce to keep everything moist.