How Long To Cook Pork Butt In A Slow Cooker

Are you looking to make a delicious and tender pork dish using a slow cooker but not sure how long to cook it for? With some planning, you can have a mouthwatering pork dish waiting for you when you get home from work on a busy day.

However, the cooking time for pork butt varies depending on various factors, such as the size of the cut, the temperature of the slow cooker, and the desired level of doneness.

In this guide, we will provide some helpful tips and guidelines on how long to cook pork butt in a slow cooker so that you can achieve the perfect result every time.

So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking!

How Long to Cook Pork Butt In A Slow Cooker

When it comes to cooking pork butt in a slow cooker, the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on how well you like your meat. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve your desired level of doneness:

• Rare: If you prefer your pork butt to be rare, you’ll want to cook it for about 8-10 hours on the low setting of your slow cooker. The internal temperature of the meat should reach around 145°F (63°C).
• Medium: To cook pork butt to a medium level of doneness, you’ll need to cook it for around 12-14 hours on low or 6-7 hours on high. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Medium Rare: For a medium-rare pork butt, you’ll need to cook it for about 10-12 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. The internal temperature should reach 150°F (66°C).
• Medium Well: If you prefer your pork butt to be cooked to a medium-well level, you’ll need to cook it for around 14-16 hours on low or 7-8 hours on high. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Well-Done: For a well-done pork butt, you’ll need to cook it for around 16-18 hours on low or 8-9 hours on high. The internal temperature should reach 170°F (77°C).

How Long Should I Cook Pork Butt In A Slow Cooker?

The cooking time for a pork butt in a slow cooker varies depending on several factors. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how long to cook pork butt in a slow cooker:

1. Temperature

The temperature setting of your slow cooker will affect the cooking time for pork butt. Cooking on low heat will take longer than cooking on high heat.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a 3-4 pound pork butt on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. However, it’s important to note that every slow cooker differs, so always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Size of Pork Roast

The size of your pork butt will also impact the cooking time. A larger pork butt will take longer to cook than a smaller one. It’s important to note that cooking time is not linear.

In other words, a 6-pound pork butt will take longer to cook than two 3-pound pork butts. When cooking a large pork butt, you may need to add more cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

3. Recipe

The recipe you are using will also impact the cooking time for pork butt. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients or seasonings that could affect the cooking time. Additionally, some recipes may call for a longer cooking time to ensure the meat is well-cooked and tender.

4. Family Size

The size of your family or the number of people you serve will also impact the cooking time for pork butt. If you are cooking for a larger family or group, you may need to cook a larger pork butt or multiple pork butts, which will require more cooking time.

5. Diet

If you are following a specific diet, such as a low-carb or keto diet, the cooking time for pork butt may vary. For example, some keto recipes call for a longer cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Dutch Oven Cooked Pork Butt

When cooking the perfect pork butt in a Dutch oven, the cooking time and temperature are key to achieving a tender and flavorful result.

We have prepared a table showing different pork butt cuts, along with their cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature. Keep in mind that these time durations below are guidelines, and the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pork butt and the temperature of your Dutch oven.

As you can see, most pork butt cuts will take around 3-5 hours to cook in a Dutch oven at 300°F (149°C). It is important to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches 195-205°F (91-96°C) for optimal tenderness.

How Long Does It Take To OvenCook Pork Butt At 300?

Cooking a pork butt at 300°F (149°C) is a popular method as it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, producing a juicy and flavorful finished product. The cooking time for a pork butt at 300°F will vary depending on the size of the meat.

Generally, a bone-in pork butt weighing between 6-8 pounds will take around 3-4 hours to cook at 300°F (149°C).

How Long To Oven Cook Pork Butt at 400?

Oven-cooking a pork butt at 400°F (204°C) is another popular method that can result in a delicious and tender finished product. However, cooking at a higher temperature requires a shorter cooking time and close monitoring to ensure the meat doesn’t dry or burn.

When cooking a pork butt at 400°F, a bone-in pork butt weighing between 6-8 pounds typically takes 2-2.5 hours to cook.

What Is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Pork Butt Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

One important factor to consider when cooking pork butt is the doneness level, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the meat. Here’s a table outlining the doneness levels for different types of pork butt:

Dutch Oven Cooked Pork Butt Recipe

If you intend cooking pork in a Dutch oven, consider seeing this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pork butt (5-7 pounds).
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
• 2 teaspoons salt.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1 onion, chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 cup chicken broth.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Season the pork butt with salt and pepper.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the pork butt to the Dutch oven and sear it on all sides until browned.
• Remove the pork butt from the Dutch oven and set it aside on a plate.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Dutch oven and cook until softened. This process may take roughly 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce to the Dutch oven and stir to combine.
• Return the pork butt to the Dutch oven and cover it with the lid.
• Place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature of the pork butt reaches 195-200°F (90-93°C).
• Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the pork butt rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with a fork.

Video of Cooking Pork Butt In A Slow Cooker

This video below will show you how to cook pork butt in a slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook pork butt in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for a pork butt in a slow cooker varies depending on the size of the meat and the temperature setting. On low heat, it takes around 8-10 hours, while on high heat, it takes around 4-6 hours. It is important to check the internal temperature of the pork butt to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

What temperature should I cook pork butt in a slow cooker?

The ideal temperature to cook pork butt in a slow cooker is between 190-205°F (88-96°C). This low and slow cooking method helps break down the meat’s connective tissue and results in tender and juicy pork.

How do I know when my pork butt is cooked in a slow cooker?

The best way to know if your pork butt is cooked in a slow cooker is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 190°F (88°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I overcook pork butt in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible to overcook pork butt in a slow cooker. Overcooking can cause the meat to become dry and tough. It’s important to check the internal temperature regularly and remove the pork butt from the slow cooker once it reaches the desired temperature.

Can I cook frozen pork butt in a slow cooker?

Don’t attempt to cook frozen pork butt in a slow cooker. It is important to thaw the meat first to ensure even cooking and prevent foodborne illness.

Should I trim the fat off my pork butt before cooking it in a slow cooker?

It is recommended to leave some of the fat on the pork butt as it helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat during the cooking process. However, if there is an excessive amount of fat, it is okay to trim some of it off before cooking.

Conclusion

Cooking pork butt in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender, flavorful meat that is perfect for various dishes. The cooking time and temperature for pork butt vary depending on factors such as the size of the meat, the recipe, and personal preference. However, it is important to ensure that the pork butt reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C) before serving.

By following these guidelines and experimenting with the recipe we have provided and other recipes and cooking times, you can create delicious and succulent pork butt.