When I need something easy for a holiday weekend but still want it to feel special, a simple slow cooker pork dish is one of my favorite tricks. This 4-ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Feast keeps prep minimal, lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and turns inexpensive diced pork shoulder into a tender, saucy main dish that works beautifully for a casual summer gathering.
Serve this over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or soft sandwich rolls depending on how you want to build the meal. For a festive Fourth of July spread, pair it with baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, watermelon, and a crisp green salad so the rich pork has some fresh and crunchy sides alongside it.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Feast
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw diced pork shoulder
2 cups barbecue sauce
2 cups diced red bell peppers
1 medium sweet onion, diced
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup, then add the raw diced pork shoulder to the bottom.
2. Scatter the diced red bell peppers and diced sweet onion over the pork, then pour the barbecue sauce on top.
3. Stir everything gently so the pork is well coated, cover, and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender.
4. Stir once more, taste and adjust with a little salt or black pepper if you like, then serve hot with your favorite summer sides.
Variations & Tips
Make it sweeter: If you like a sweeter barbecue flavor, use a honey barbecue sauce or stir in a spoonful of brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Add a little heat: For a spicier version, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce. This is a nice way to give the dish a little extra personality without adding more work.
Turn it into sandwiches: Spoon the cooked pork onto toasted buns for easy backyard-party sandwiches. If the pork pieces are extra tender, you can lightly shred some of them with a spoon before serving.
Meal prep tip: You can dice the onion and peppers the night before and keep them refrigerated, so in the morning all you have to do is add everything to the slow cooker and go.