Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork Crockpot Feast
Try my Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork, one of the easiest crockpot meals ever! Fall-apart tender & flavourful. Perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's get stuck in, shall we? Today, we're diving headfirst into the magical world of crockpot meals . Seriously, who doesn't love a good slow cooker recipe ? The joy of chucking everything in and walking away, then coming back to a delicious meal…pure bliss!
What’s Cooking? Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the Answer!
Fancy something hearty? this crock pot cowboy casserole is what you are looking for!. it is a total crowd-pleaser. think comfort food at its finest and something that gets the kids going mad.
The recipe is inspired from classic beef stew casserole , with a touch of good old tex-mex.
A Taste of the Wild West, Right in Your Kitchen
The cowboy stew recipe ground beef crock pot is a culinary hug! this dish, at its core, is a delightful fusion.
I've got to be honest, i've tweaked a few things to make it my own. it normally takes 15 minutes to prep and 4 hours to cook.
Plus, it feeds a crowd - about 6 hungry cowboys, or you know, just your family!
Crock Pot Meal Prep : Why You’ll Love It
Honestly, freezer meals are lifesavers. so this beauty makes meal prep a breeze. it is perfect for busy weeknights, that need a tasty foods to enjoy.
Plus, it makes the house smell amazing. it is a proper winner in my book!
Time to rustle up those ingredients then?
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork sing in your crockpot . Seriously, these crockpot meals are lifesavers!
Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork Crockpot Feast Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb (1.35-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (8g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (3g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2g) chili powder
- 1/2 tsp (2g) dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp (6g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon mustard
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Place chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place seared (or unseared) pork shoulder on top of the onion and garlic.
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the cider glaze over the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
- Return the shredded pork to the crockpot with the cooking liquid. Stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes to absorb the glaze and flavours.
- Serve hot on buns, over rice, or in your favourite way.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
Before we start, let's talk about the heart of our Crockpot Cowboy Supper .
Main Ingredients
This ain't rocket science. Good ingredients = Tasty Foods.
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lb (1.35-1.8 kg). Look for good marbling. It should be pink, not grey.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Any type works.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp (8g). Gives it that smoky kick.
- Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (3g). Adds warmth.
- Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp (2g). Adjust to your spice level.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp (2g).
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1g) (Optional). For extra heat.
- Salt: 1 tsp (6g).
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (2g).
- Apple Cider: 1 cup (240ml). Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120ml). Balances the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60ml), packed. For a rich glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml). Umami bomb!
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp (15ml). Tang and depth.
Seasoning Notes
These spices are a marriage made in heaven. seriously. this is what makes it a proper crock pot cowboy casserole .
If you are thinking this could be made as a freezer meals , consider that some spices might lose some of their flavour over time.
- Smoked paprika + cumin + chili powder = smoky, warm, slightly spicy goodness. It's essential for this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe .
- Worcestershire sauce is a flavour superhero.
- No Dijon? Use yellow mustard. But Dijon is better. Honestly.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks. This will work great for Crock Pot Meal Prep .
- Slow Cooker (6-quart/5.7-liter or larger). A must for slow cooker recipes .
- Large Skillet (optional). Adds flavor if you sear the pork first.
- Two Forks. For shredding the pork.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. Self-explanatory.
Don't have a skillet? you can skip searing. it’ll still be a fab beef stew casserole ! this cowboy stew recipe ground beef crock pot is a hearty meal that's also easy to prepare.
Try it .
Cooking Method: Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork Crockpot Feast
Honestly, who doesn't love a good crockpot meal ? it's proper magic. this cider-glazed pulled pork is proper scrummy, a fall-off-the-bone delight.
This recipe has a touch of british flair, thanks to the cider glaze. we're talking seriously tasty foods , and it's so easy, even i can't mess it up!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organised. that's the mise en place sorted. chop the onion (about 1 cup) and mince those garlic cloves.
Get those spices measured out. honestly, this essential mise en place is a game-changer for time-saving organization tips . ready? grab that pork shoulder (3-4 lb), trim any nasty extra fat.
The pork shoulder is the star of the show.
Slow Cooking to Perfection: Step-by-Step
- Sear the pork in olive oil until brown. 3- 4 minutes per side. This adds flavour.
- Throw the onion and garlic into the bottom of the crockpot .
- Plonk the pork shoulder on top.
- Rub that spice mixture all over the pork. Paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper, job done.
- Whisk apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard together.
- Pour the cider glaze over the pork in the crockpot .
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours . Or until it's shredded easy.
- Shred with forks. Chuck the pork back into the crockpot with the glaze. Simmer for 30 minutes .
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Want to know some expert techniques ? sear that pork, it's worth it! don't open the lid of the crockpot too often, or you'll add to the cooking time.
You know? also, trim extra fat.
Crockpot cowboy supper is one of the greatest options to meal prep for the week.
Slow cooker recipes freezer meals for the win! you can totally make this ahead and freeze it. it's great for meal prepping.
This really is a proper, warming, hearty meal – a bit like a posh cowboy stew recipe ground beef crock pot ! don't get me started on it, i could talk for hours about my love for this crock pot cowboy casserole .
And for a fancy twist, try adding chipotle peppers and make it a beef stew casserole .
You've probably noticed that there are many options available online, such as slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe , but if you want something that reminds you of home, this is the way to go.
I once made this for a camping trip. oh my gosh, it was such a hit! even dave, who usually only eats crisps, loved it.
Ever since then i've been known to prepare weekly crock pot meal prep recipes and my family is always happy to enjoy slow cooker cowboy casserole .
So grab your slow cooker and give it a whirl! you won't regret it.

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits to make this cider-glazed pulled pork crockpot feast even better! we're talking recipe notes, the stuff that makes a good recipe great .
You know? those little tips and tricks.
Recipe Notes
This pulled pork recipe? Honestly, it's a winner. And using crockpot meals is like cheating because it's so simple. I swear, even I can’t mess it up and I’ve tried.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This on a Plate!
Presentation is key, innit? for plating, think vibrant! serve this slow-cooked pulled pork on toasted brioche buns. top it with a colourful coleslaw.
Maybe add some quick pickles. you'll feel like a proper chef!. for a hearty side? roast some sweet potatoes or broccoli.
These tasty foods go brilliantly with the pork's sweetness.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, ditch the buns. serve it over fluffy rice or creamy polenta. add a dollop of greek yogurt.
It’s a perfect canvas for the rich pork. don't forget your bevvy! a crisp apple cider is a proper shout.
Storage Tips: Making it Last
Got leftovers? lucky you! for refrigeration, pop the pulled pork into an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, just warm it gently on the hob or in the microwave. add a splash of stock to keep it moist.
Want it even longer? freezing's your friend. divide the pork into freezer-safe bags. flatten them to save space. it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. give it a good reheat before serving. that works great for crock pot meal prep .
Variations: Let's Mix it Up!
Fancy a twist? Make it spicy! Add some chopped jalapeños to the Cider Glaze . For a dietary adaptation , you could swap the brown sugar for a sugar-free alternative.
Seasonal vibes, you ask? Swap out the apple cider in winter. Use pear cider for a different flavour! Easy peasy. This slow cooker recipes is very versatile.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's be real. Pulled pork is tasty, but not a health food. However, it packs a punch of protein. It’s important for muscle building, innit?.
The apple cider? Well, it's got some antioxidants. It's not a kale smoothie. But hey, it's something! Ultimately, it’s all about enjoying it in moderation.
This crockpot cowboy supper , or cowboy stew recipe ground beef crock pot adaptation is totally doable with simple tweaks.
Even a crock pot cowboy casserole or slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe variant can be made, just get creative.
So, there you have it! extra notes. you’re now armed with the knowledge to make this pulled pork sing! don't be afraid to experiment! most importantly, enjoy it.
Now go get cooking! the possibilities are endless with beef stew casserole !

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cider-Glazed Pulled Pork Crockpot Feast if I'm short on time?
Absolutely! While the full flavour develops best with 8 hours on low, you can cook it on high for 4 hours. Just keep a close eye on it, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your crockpot. Think of it like waiting for the kettle to boil – patience brings the best cuppa, but sometimes you just need a quick brew!
What's the best way to store leftover pulled pork, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge. It will happily keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or apple cider to keep it moist – no one likes dry pulled pork, especially not on a soggy Monday!
I'm watching my calorie intake; can I still enjoy this Crockpot meals recipe?
You certainly can! To reduce calories, trim as much visible fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking. You could also reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute. Serve it with a side salad instead of buns for a lighter meal. Enjoy it guilt-free, just like a cheeky Nandos!
Can I adapt this recipe for a vegetarian or vegan diet, and still get that smoky, pulled flavour?
While this specific recipe centres around pork, you can definitely adapt the flavours! Try using jackfruit or shredded king oyster mushrooms as a substitute for the pork. Use the same spice rub and cider glaze, and slow-cook them until tender. This gives you a smoky, "pulled" texture with a vegetarian twist - a plant-based bang-on meal.
I don't have apple cider vinegar. What's a good substitute in the cider glaze?
No worries, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar in the cider glaze. The flavour will be slightly different but still delicious! You could also use a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you're really in a pinch. Just remember, cooking is all about adapting, just like surviving a Bank Holiday weekend.
My pulled pork turned out a bit dry. How can I fix it?
Oh dear, that's a bit of a pickle! If your pulled pork is dry, add a little extra apple cider or broth to the crockpot after shredding it. Let it simmer for another 20-30 minutes to absorb the liquid. You can also mix in a bit of your favourite BBQ sauce for extra moisture and flavour. No one will ever know - it will be our little secret, right?
Previous Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker: Easiest Crockpot Recipe!
Next Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu Recipes: Crispy Weeknight Wonder!