Tag: #slowcookermeals

Posted in Campground Meals, Recipe Roundup

The Ultimate Pulled Pork Recipe Roundup

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Pulled pork is one of those kitchen staples that stretches beautifully into multiple meals without ever feeling repetitive. Whether you’re working with leftovers from a big barbecue cookout or making a batch specifically for meal prep, these recipes turn tender pulled pork into easy comfort-food dinners, hearty lunches, and family-friendly meals that fit busy weeknights just as easily as relaxed weekends.

In this Pulled Pork Recipe Cluster, you’ll find everything from cozy casseroles and soups to quick wraps, sliders, and skillet meals — all built around flavorful shredded pork that’s already cooked and ready to use. That means less prep work, faster dinners, and more flexibility when you need meals that can adapt to what you already have on hand.

One of the best things about pulled pork is how versatile it is. It pairs well with classic Southern-style comfort foods, fresh vegetable sides, simple salads, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, and even lighter summer favorites. To help you build complete meals, be sure to browse the Side Dish Library for easy side ideas that work perfectly with these recipes.

These recipes are also great for meal prep, freezer cooking, campground cooking, and “cook once, eat twice” planning. Many of them can be made in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, air fryer, or stovetop depending on your setup, making them especially useful for busy households, RV living, or small-space cooking.

So, if you’ve got a container of pulled pork in the fridge — or you’re just looking for new ways to use one of the most versatile proteins around — this collection will help you turn it into several satisfying meals your family will actually look forward to eating. 🍽️

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Easy Heart-Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork made with simple ingredients and lower sugar. Perfect for meal prep, freezer meals, sandwiches, bowls, tacos, and easy weeknight dinners.
Check out this recipe
Bowl of slow-cooked pulled pork garnished with green onions and cilantro
Pulled Pork Sliders
These Pulled Pork Sliders are one of the easiest ways to turn leftover pulled pork into a crowd-pleasing meal. Soft slider buns, smoky BBQ pulled pork, and crunchy slaw come together for the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Check out this recipe
Three smoked pulled pork sliders with coleslaw and pickles on a wooden board
Southwest Pulled Pork Wraps
These Southwest Pulled Pork Wraps are a fresh and flavorful way to use leftover pulled pork without feeling heavy. Packed with crisp vegetables, smoky pork, and a creamy southwest-style sauce, they make an easy lunch or quick dinner option.
Check out this recipe
Three shredded beef burritos with lettuce, corn, black beans, and red bell peppers on wooden board
BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes made with leftover pulled pork, baked sweet potatoes, and simple toppings. A hearty, heart-healthy comfort food dinner perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Vegetable Soup
This Pulled Pork Vegetable Soup is one of the best ways to stretch leftover pulled pork into a hearty, budget-friendly meal. Loaded with vegetables, beans, and smoky flavor, it’s comforting without being overly heavy.
Check out this recipe
Bowl of vegetable and shredded beef stew with potatoes, carrots, beans, corn, and herbs
Pulled Pork Brown Rice Bowls
Pulled Pork Brown Rice Bowls with fresh vegetables and smoky pulled pork make an easy meal-prep friendly dinner. A heart-healthy comfort food recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake
This Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake is pure comfort food. Creamy macaroni and cheese gets topped with smoky pulled pork and baked until hot and bubbly for an easy dinner that feels indulgent while still being practical for leftovers.
Check out this recipe
Baked macaroni pasta with pulled pork and melted cheese in a rustic brown casserole dish.

Looking for More?

Try our Side Dish Library!

Browse Soups & Stews!

Enjoy Cozy Casseroles!

Ultimate Pulled Pork Recipes!

Try Turkey Chili!

Browse Chicken Rice Bowl Dinners!

Enjoy Cozy Skillet Dinners!

#MealPrepMadeEasy #CookOnceEatMultipleTimes #BatchCooking #SimpleMealPrep

#BudgetFriendlyMeals #StretchYourGroceries #EatWellForLess

#HeartHealthyEating #LowCholesterolMeals #BloodSugarFriendly #BalancedMeals

#EasyDinnerIdeas #SimpleCooking #RealLifeMeals #HomeCooking

Three smoked pulled pork sliders with coleslaw and pickles on a wooden board
Posted in Freezer & Make-Ahead Meals, Pork Meals

Pulled Pork Sliders

Posted on by simplegoodfood

These Pulled Pork Sliders are one of the easiest ways to turn leftover pulled pork into a crowd-pleasing meal. Soft slider buns, smoky BBQ pulled pork, and crunchy slaw come together for the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

They work equally well for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, game day spreads, or freezer-friendly meal prep. Best of all, this recipe stretches a modest amount of pulled pork into a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Three smoked pulled pork sliders with coleslaw and pickles on a wooden board

Pulled Pork Sliders

These easy Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for parties, game day, or quick weeknight dinners using leftover pulled pork and simple ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups prepared pulled pork
  • 1/3 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
  • 8 slider buns
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted light butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Warm the Pulled Pork
  2. In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Cook until warmed through.
  3. Step 2: Prepare the Buns
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Place slider buns on a baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with olive oil or melted light butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
  6. Warm in oven for 4–5 minutes.
  7. Step 3: Assemble
  8. Fill buns with warm pulled pork and desired toppings.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Add light cheese for extra richness.
  • Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter flavor.
  • Serve with baked beans, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables.
  • Leftover pulled pork also works well with buffalo sauce instead of BBQ sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep

Store pulled pork separately from buns for best texture.
Reheat pork in microwave or skillet before assembling sliders.

🍴 Serve It With

Pair these meals with ideas from the Side Dish Library.

#HeartHealthy #LowCholesterol #LowA1C #BloodSugarFriendly

#HealthyEating #SimpleMeals #RealLifeCooking #HomeCooking

#EasyRecipes #WeeknightDinner #FamilyMeals

#WhatsForDinner #FoodLovers

Bowl of slow-cooked pulled pork garnished with green onions and cilantro
Posted in Freezer & Make-Ahead Meals, Pork Meals

Heart-Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of those recipes that quietly does everything. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and can stretch into multiple dinners without feeling repetitive. This version keeps the flavor rich and smoky while trimming back the sugar and heavy fats often found in traditional barbecue pulled pork recipes.

The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender shredded pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, stuffed potatoes, wraps, soups, and freezer meals later in the week. This recipe also makes an excellent anchor post for a full meal cluster because the leftovers transform beautifully into entirely new meals.

Bowl of slow-cooked pulled pork garnished with green onions and cilantro

Heart-Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Tender slow-cooked pork with smoky spices and a lightly sweetened sauce made for meal prep, freezer meals, sandwiches, bowls, and easy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds pork loin roast or trimmed pork shoulder
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar substitute or honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt optional

Method
 

  1. Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Trim excess visible fat from the pork roast and place it on top of the onions.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together:
  4. chicken broth
  5. tomato sauce
  6. tomato paste
  7. apple cider vinegar
  8. Worcestershire sauce
  9. seasonings
  10. sweetener
  11. Pour sauce mixture over the pork.
  12. Cover and cook:
  13. LOW for 8 hours
  14. or HIGH for 5 hours
  15. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  16. Return shredded pork to the sauce and stir well.
  17. Let sit in the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes before serving so the pork absorbs more flavor.

Notes

Serving Ideas

  • Whole grain sandwich buns
  • Brown rice bowls
  • Stuffed sweet potatoes
  • Lettuce wraps
  • Cauliflower rice bowls
  • Freezer meal packs
  • Pulled pork tacos

Storage

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days in airtight containers.

Freezer

Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Meal Cluster Spin-Off Ideas

  • BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Potatoes
  • Pulled Pork Rice Bowls
  • Pulled Pork Vegetable Soup
  • Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake
  • Southwest Pulled Pork Wraps
    As an alternative to using 2 forks to shred pork, remove pork and place in a bowl. Cut the meat into rough cubes. Use a mixer on low to gently and thoroughly shred meat. When uniformly shredded, return port to sauce.

🍴 Serve It With

Pair these meals with ideas from the Side Dish Library.

#MealPrepMadeEasy #CookOnceEatMultipleTimes #BatchCooking #SimpleMealPrep

#BudgetFriendlyMeals #StretchYourGroceries #EatWellForLess

#HeartHealthyEating #LowCholesterolMeals #BloodSugarFriendly #BalancedMeals

#EasyDinnerIdeas #SimpleCooking #RealLifeMeals #HomeCooking

Bowl of steaming bean soup with herbs and black pepper on wooden table with bread and butter
Posted in Freezer & Make-Ahead Meals, Soups & Stews

Slow Cooker Mixed Bean Soup

Posted on by simplegoodfood

This hearty slow cooker bean soup is the result of plenty of kitchen testing, fine-tuning, and more than one taste test with my very patient “official guinea pig”—my late husband. Together, we worked out the seasoning balance until it hit that perfect spot between simple, flavorful, and comforting.

Made with a mix of dried beans, a light tomato base, and a little pork for depth, this is a budget-friendly, high-fiber soup that’s perfect for meal prep, freezer portions, or easy weeknight dinners.

If you prefer, you can substitute any of the dried beans listed for other types. Or you can use a bean mix such as 15 Bean Soup. The beans I listed were my late husband’s favorites. Another substitute you might want to make is to use Smoked Pork Neck bones for the boneless pork cubes. This lends a smoky flavor to the soup. And of course, good Southern boy that he was, my husband insisted on having cornbread with his soup!

Bowl of steaming bean soup with herbs and black pepper on wooden table with bread and butter
simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Slow Cooker Mixed Bean Soup

Made with a mix of dried beans, a light tomato base, and a little pork for depth, this is a budget-friendly, high-fiber soup that’s perfect for meal prep, freezer portions, or easy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 10 hours
Servings: 18
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 114
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup pinto beans Dried
  • 2/3 cup lima beans Dried
  • 2/3 cup black beans Dried
  • 2/3 cup black eyed peas Dried
  • 2/3 cup lentils rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cup boneless cubed pork
  • 12 cups water
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomato
Seasoning:
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Soak all the dried beans except Lentils overnight.
  2. Drain soaking water and return beans to slow cooker.
  3. Add the rinsed lentils, pork cubes, tomatoes, water, and seasonings.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 – 10 hrs.

Notes

🌙 Overnight Bean Prep

Rinse the pinto beans, lima beans, black beans, and black-eyed peas thoroughly. Place them in the slow cooker or a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.
Do not soak the lentils overnight.
In the morning, drain and rinse the soaked beans before returning them to the slow cooker.
Do Not Soak The Lentils! They tend to turn to mush during the cooking when you do that!

❄️ Freezer:
Allow food to cool completely before freezing. Store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label with the name, date, and reheating instructions.

For best quality, use within 2–3 months.

💡 Tip:
Freeze in portion sizes you’ll actually use—this makes reheating faster and reduces waste.

#HeartHealthy #LowCholesterol #LowA1C #BloodSugarFriendly

#FreezerMeals #MakeAheadMeals #MealPrep #BatchCooking #CookOnceEatTwice

#EasyRecipes #WeeknightDinner #FamilyMeals

#WhatsForDinner #FoodInspiration

Posted in Curated Recipe Lists

42 Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Putting a healthy chicken dinner on the table is easier than you think. Just rely on your trusty slow cooker to make these delicious dishes.

Taste of Home

#Cooking, #MealPlanning, #HealthyEating, #HeartHealthy, #LowCholesterol, #LowA1C, #Recipes,

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simplegoodfood
simplegoodfood
@simplegoodfood

Just a Pennsylvania Dutch girl raised on simple good food that fills you up. Fussy recipes that leave you still hungry need not apply!

291 posts
2 followers
Posted in Curated Recipes

Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Looking for a simple and healthy dinner? This slow-cooker lentil soup is a classic dump-and-go soup recipe. Just toss dried lentils, aromatic veggies, broth and a few seasonings together, then let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.  You’ll be rewarded with a hearty, wholesome soup packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Right before serving, we add a few splashes of balsamic vinegar to give the dish a tangy, slightly sweet finish that brightens the earthy flavor of the lentils and vegetables. It’s the kind of cozy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly snow days or anytime you’re craving a warm and nourishing meal in a bowl.

Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup Ingredients

Chopped carrots, celery, onions, and red potatoes on a cutting board, with bowls of lentils, herbs, salt, pepper, parmesan, parsley, broth, soy sauce, crackers, and a spoon arranged on a white wooden surface.
TASTE OF HOME
  • Chicken broth: We recommend using low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of the soup. Store-bought broth is a great time-saver, but use homemade broth if you have it—it delivers an extra layer of deep, savory flavor.
  • Celery, carrots and onion: This trio of aromatic veggies forms the base of the soup and adds natural sweetness and earthy flavor to every spoonful.
  • Red potatoes: Chopped potatoes add a hearty texture and tender bite to the soup. Waxy red potatoes are best for soup recipes because they retain their shape when cooked, but Yukon golds are a good alternative.
  • Lentils: Make sure you’re starting with dried lentils, since precooked or canned lentils will get too soft and mushy in the slow cooker. This recipe calls for red lentils, which have a mild taste and don’t require presoaking. Brown and yellow lentils are interchangeable with red lentils, so feel free to use what’s in your pantry.
  • Honey: A tablespoon adds a subtle sweetness and helps balance the tang from the balsamic vinegar.
  • Seasoning: Italian seasoning complements the earthiness of the lentils and veggies, garlic powder boosts the aromatics, and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat. You can skip the red pepper flakes or use more if you’re craving a fiery soup.
  • Balsamic vinegar: The acidity of balsamic vinegar gives the soup its signature tangy flavor and transforms it from ho-hum to amazing. Be sure to add it just before serving the soup; heating the vinegar too much diminishes its flavor.
  • Serving suggestions: Brighten your bowl of soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and give it some umami with shaved Parmesan cheese. I love scooping bites of hearty lentil soup onto crackers, but crusty bread is excellent, too!

Taste of Home

#TasteOfHome, #Homecooking, #Soups, #recipes, #ComfortFood, #SlowCooker,

Follow this blog on Mastodon or the Fediverse to receive updates directly in your feed.

simplegoodfood
simplegoodfood
@simplegoodfood

Just a Pennsylvania Dutch girl raised on simple good food that fills you up. Fussy recipes that leave you still hungry need not apply!

291 posts
2 followers