There are two meals that I often fall back on when I know I’m not going to have time to cook, but still want to provide a decent dinner for my family. Sometimes the hours right before dinner are the busiest, carting kids around here and there, so I use my crock pot a lot, and these are husband and kids’ favorite pork dishes.
It’s nice to have pork once in a while instead of our standard chicken or beef, and these dishes are no-brainers for me, because I don’t have to have a recipe. Both only have two ingredients that I buy in bulk at Costco, so I’m never caught short missing something. Give these dishes a try and get ready for compliments on your amazing crock pot skills!
Pork and Beans
I buy thick, boneless pork chops in a huge package at Costco because they are a great deal. Freeze half and put the other half in the crock pot. Sprinkle a little brown sugar or ginger on top if you want, or just leave them plain. Cook them on high for a few hours, or on low all day, depending on the thickness and how done you want them. I like to cook them all day, so they fall apart when you touch them.
The last hour or two before dinner, pour a big can of baked beans over the top. I like Bush’s Barbeque Style baked beans. I have a big family and they eat these like crazy, so I use the jumbo-size Costco can.
When you are ready to eat, serve the beans and pork chops with cornbread and a salad.
Shredded Barbeque Pork Sandwiches
Put a pork loin roast in the crock pot (Again, I buy a package of three at Costco for a reasonable price and freeze two of them). Cook it all day on low or three to four hours on high. When it’s completely cooked and tender, drain the liquid in the crock pot and shred the pork with two forks.
Pour in a bottle of barbeque sauce. I like to use a smoke-flavored sauce, but any kind will do. Stir well and leave in the crock pot until heated through.
Serve the shredded pork on hoagie buns or hamburger buns. Another way to serve this is to cut open a baked potato and place a mound of the pork on top.
Now just add a salad and you’ve got a great, hassle-free meal your family will love.