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Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Bowl Recipe with Garlic Green Beans

slow-cooker pulled pork bowl - featured image

A cozy and easy slow-cooker pulled pork bowl served with garlic green beans, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
  2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce over the pork. Sprinkle brown sugar on top. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or tongs, discarding large fat pieces. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with cooking juices.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
  5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add drained green beans and toss to coat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
  6. Build bowls by starting with a base of rice or quinoa (optional). Top with pulled pork and garlic green beans. Drizzle extra barbecue sauce if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Trim some fat but not all from pork shoulder to keep it moist. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking. Shred pork while warm for easier shredding. Watch garlic carefully when sautéing to prevent burning. Pulled pork flavors deepen if refrigerated overnight. Reheat pork gently to keep moist. Green beans reheat best in a skillet over low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, garlic green beans, comfort food, easy dinner, barbecue, cozy meal