Pulled Pork with Cabbage and Onions (Crock Pot)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 4–6
This simple yet satisfying recipe for Pulled Pork with Cabbage and Onions in the Crock Pot is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. The dish combines tender pulled pork, savory cabbage, and caramelized onions, all infused with the flavors of your favorite barbecue sauce. Whether you use store-bought sauce or create your own, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
You can enjoy this dish as a filling on soft buns, making it the perfect meal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The beauty of this slow-cooker recipe is in its simplicity: just a few basic ingredients and a hands-off approach that lets the Crock Pot do all the work. The result is a juicy, flavorful pulled pork with a delightful mix of textures from the cabbage and onions.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 2-3 medium |
| Cabbage | 1-2 medium heads |
| Barbecue Sauce | 1-2 cups |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400.5 |
| Total Fat | 8.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 156.5 mg |
| Sodium | 665.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 18.2 g |
| Protein | 50.5 g |
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onions and cabbage. Place them at the bottom of your Crock Pot, creating a hearty base for the pork. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each of crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic for extra flavor. The cabbage will soften and release a natural sweetness as it cooks, complementing the savory pork.
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Season the Pork: Place your pork roast on top of the vegetables. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer (the recipe suggests using the remaining crushed red pepper flakes and garlic for more kick). The seasonings will infuse the meat as it cooks slowly in the Crock Pot.
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Add the Barbecue Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork roast and vegetables, making sure everything is evenly coated. The sauce will help keep the pork moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process. If you prefer a tangy sauce, opt for a vinegar-based barbecue sauce, or go for a sweeter version depending on your taste.
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Slow Cook the Pork: Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The low-and-slow cooking method ensures that the pork becomes fork-tender and infused with all the rich flavors of the cabbage, onions, and barbecue sauce. During this time, the cabbage will break down and become wonderfully soft, adding a sweet contrast to the smoky pork.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove the roast from the Crock Pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This step is easy and quick, and the meat will come apart effortlessly after cooking for several hours.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the Crock Pot heat to high while you shred the pork. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until it forms a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the Crock Pot, then let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
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Serve: Pile the shredded pork onto soft buns, such as Kaiser rolls or Portuguese buns, for a delicious pulled pork sandwich. The tender meat, mixed with the sweet cabbage and tangy barbecue sauce, makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to match your personal taste. You can also add a dash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
- Serving Suggestions: If you want to make this dish even heartier, serve it with a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a simple coleslaw to balance the richness of the pork.
Conclusion:
This Pulled Pork with Cabbage and Onions recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward dish. Perfect for those new to cooking or anyone in need of a quick and easy dinner solution, the Crock Pot does all the work while the flavors meld together beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or for a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious combination of juicy pulled pork and tender vegetables with every bite!
