Throw raw ground pork in the crock pot and 3 secret pantry staples to get a meal so mouthwatering your grandkids will be begging for more.

This little slow cooker pork mince is the kind of no-fuss supper I lean on in mid-June, when the days are long, the grandkids are underfoot, and I’d rather be on the porch than over a hot stove. It starts exactly the way the headline promises: raw ground pork crumbled straight into the crock pot, plus three quiet pantry staples that melt down into a rich, savory glaze. It reminds me of the simple seasoned meat my mother used to stretch over boiled potatoes during busy haying season—humble ingredients, slow-cooked until they’re so flavorful the kids ask for seconds before the lid is even off.

Spoon this pork mince over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up all those savory juices. It’s also lovely tucked into soft hamburger buns or split dinner rolls for easy little sandwiches. Add a simple side like green beans, sliced garden tomatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad to brighten the plate. If you’ve got leftovers, rewarm them gently and use as a topping for baked potatoes or toast for a quick next-day lunch.

Servings: 4

1 1/2 pounds raw ground pork

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with a bit of oil or cooking spray to help with cleanup.

Crumble the raw ground pork evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking it up with clean fingers or a spoon so there are no large clumps. The meat should look like loose, raw crumbles in a single, fairly even layer.

In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined. This is your simple, savory glaze.

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the crumbled raw pork in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to gently toss and turn the pork so most of the meat is lightly coated, but do not pack it down; keeping it loose helps it cook evenly.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the pork is fully cooked through. The meat should no longer be pink anywhere and should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).

About halfway through the cooking time, remove the lid and use a spoon or spatula to break up any clumps of pork and stir the mixture well. This helps the meat cook evenly and soak up the sauce. Replace the lid quickly so you don’t lose too much heat.

When the pork is fully cooked, give it a good stir. If there is more liquid than you like, cook uncovered on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let some of the moisture evaporate and the sauce thicken around the mince.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; the pantry staples are salty and tangy, so you may not need extra salt. Serve the hot pork mince over your favorite base, making sure to spoon some of the savory juices over the top.

For a sweeter, more barbecue-style flavor, replace half of the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce and add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar. For a bit of heat, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a small dash of hot sauce along with the other pantry staples. If you’d like a slightly thicker, stickier glaze, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water during the last 20 minutes of cooking and let it bubble on HIGH with the lid slightly ajar. You can also bulk this out by stirring in a drained can of corn or peas during the last 30 minutes, just long enough to warm through. For a leaner version, you may spoon off excess fat from the top before serving, or use lean ground pork if available. Always handle raw pork with care: wash your hands, utensils, and cutting boards after touching the raw meat, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) before serving. Cool leftovers promptly, refrigerate within 2 hours, and reheat until steaming hot before eating.