When I know the afternoon is going to disappear into homework help, emails, and after-school shuffle, this kind of slow cooker dinner is exactly what I lean on. This 3-ingredient slow cooker pork is simple in the best possible way: raw ground pork, a flavorful sauce, and a little aromatic support turn into a savory, glossy, deeply comforting meal with almost no hands-on effort. It has that sweet-salty, takeout-inspired feel, but it is even easier to pull off on a busy September weeknight.
Spoon this over hot steamed rice, jasmine rice, or even microwaveable brown rice if you want dinner on the table fast. It also works well tucked into lettuce cups, piled onto toasted sandwich rolls, or served with simple roasted broccoli, green beans, or a bagged cabbage slaw to balance the rich sauce. If I have a little extra time, I like to add sliced cucumbers or quick-pickled carrots on the side for a fresh contrast.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker September ComfortServings: 6
2 pounds raw ground pork
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1. Add the raw ground pork to the slow cooker, breaking it into large chunks. Scatter the diced onion over the top, then pour in the teriyaki sauce.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork is fully cooked and the onion is very soft.
3. Remove the lid and break the pork into smaller crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Stir well so the meat gets evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes more, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pork. Serve hot.
Variations & TipsMake it a bowl meal: Serve the pork over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles and let the sauce soak in. This is one of those dinners that feels a lot more complete with a simple base underneath.
Freeze for meal prep: Leftovers cool and reheat really well, so I like to portion them into containers for lunches. You can also freeze the cooked pork in airtight portions for an easy future dinner.
Add a vegetable: If you do not mind going beyond three ingredients, stir in a bag of shredded cabbage, broccoli slaw, or frozen green beans during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking for a more complete one-pot meal.
Adjust the texture: If you prefer crispier edges, spoon the cooked pork onto a sheet pan and broil it for a few minutes after slow cooking. That little extra step gives some of the crumbles more caramelized flavor.
Watch the sauce level: Some teriyaki sauces are thinner and some are thicker, so check the mixture near the end of cooking. If it looks a little too loose, leave the lid off for a bit longer so the sauce can reduce and cling to the pork.