There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper on a cool evening, especially when the days start shortening and folks begin thinking about Halloween gatherings, school nights, and busy weekends. This 4-ingredient pork supper is the kind of plain, practical recipe country cooks have always leaned on: a good cut of meat, a few pantry staples, and enough time to let supper take care of itself. By the end of the day, that humble pork butt turns tender and full of rich flavor, perfect for piling onto plates when everybody comes in hungry.
Serve this pork with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a scoop of creamy coleslaw if you want a little crunch alongside all that tender meat. It is also wonderful with roasted carrots, green beans, or simple baked beans for a hearty fall meal. If you like, set out soft sandwich buns and let folks make their own pulled pork sandwiches with the cooking juices spooned over the top.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pre-Halloween Supper
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 raw whole boneless pork butt, about 4 to 5 pounds
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 bottle barbecue sauce, 18 ounces
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
Directions
1. Place the raw whole boneless pork butt into the bottom of a black slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the pork, then pour the apple cider and barbecue sauce over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
4. Remove the pork to a large dish or cutting board, shred it with two forks, then return the meat to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the meat soaks up the flavor before serving.
5. Serve hot on plates or sandwich buns with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
Apple Cider Note: Apple cider gives this pork a gentle fall flavor, but plain apple juice works just fine if that is what you have in the pantry. Either one helps balance the richness of the pork and the sweetness of the sauce.
Sauce Choice: Use your favorite barbecue sauce here. A smoky sauce makes the supper taste a little deeper and heartier, while a sweeter sauce is especially nice if you plan to serve the pork on sandwich buns.
Make It Ahead: This pork reheats beautifully, which makes it handy for busy weeks or Halloween night itself. Cook it a day ahead, refrigerate it in its juices, and warm it gently before serving.
Serving Style: For a cozier supper, spoon the shredded pork right over mashed potatoes. For a more casual meal, set it out with buns, pickles, and slaw so everybody can build their own sandwiches.
Freezer Tip: Leftover shredded pork freezes well in a tightly sealed container with a little of the cooking liquid. That way it stays moist and tasty when reheated for another easy meal down the road.