Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender, flavorful pork simmering away in your slow cooker. This "Slow Cooker Pork and Noodles" recipe is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate that promises to satisfy your cravings and impress your family. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the magic of slow cooking to transform simple ingredients into a comforting feast. Ready to discover how to create this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the onion into small pieces and set aside. Measure out the garlic powder, black pepper, and chicken broth.
- In a large slow cooker, place the 2 pounds of pork shoulder. Season the pork with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
- Add the chopped onion to the slow cooker, distributing it evenly over the pork shoulder.
- Pour the 2 cups of chicken broth over the pork and onions, ensuring that the pork is partially submerged in the liquid. This will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will make the pork tender and flavorful.
- After 6 hours, check the pork for tenderness. It should easily shred with a fork. If it is not tender enough, you may need to cook it for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining broth and onions to ensure the meat is well-coated.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the 3 cups of egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the slow cooker with the shredded pork and broth. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let the noodles absorb the flavors for about 10-15 minutes on low heat.
- After the noodles have absorbed the flavors, serve the Slow Cooker Pork and Noodles hot. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render down during cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Make sure to season the pork shoulder thoroughly with garlic powder and black pepper. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat.
- Let It Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 6 hours allows the pork to become fork-tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours, but the texture may not be as tender.
- Shred with Care: Once the pork is done, use two forks to shred it gently. This will help maintain the meat's texture and ensure it mixes well with the noodles.
- Perfect the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles separately until al dente, then let them absorb the flavors in the slow cooker for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step makes them perfectly infused with the broth's deliciousness.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal that's packed with nutrients.
- Leftover Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for an easy lunch or dinner option that’s ready to go.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 317kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 87mg
