Pulled Pork Dinner from Texas Roadhouse features tender, slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in smoky barbecue sauce, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and fresh steamed green beans, offering a hearty and savory Southern-style meal.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or oven
- Roasting pan or baking sheet
- Saucepan (for barbecue sauce)
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
- Steamer basket or microwave steamer (for green beans)
- Serving plates
- Tongs or serving utensils
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt (for potatoes)
- Pepper (for potatoes)
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter (for green beans)
- Salt (for green beans)
- Pepper (for green beans)
Choosing a well-marbled pork shoulder (Boston butt) is crucial for tender, flavorful pulled pork. Using smoked paprika and brown sugar in the dry rub enhances the smoky and slightly sweet taste that mimics Texas Roadhouse's signature barbecue flavor. Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture, which blends smoothly with butter and whole milk. Fresh green beans should be steamed just until tender to retain their color and crunch, and finishing them with butter adds richness. Your Pulled Pork Dinner from Texas Roadhouse copycat menu will closely replicate the hearty, savory Southern-style meal when these ingredient details are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
- Place pork in slow cooker (or roasting pan if using oven).
- Cook pork on LOW for 8 hours (slow cooker) or roast in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours until tender.
- Remove pork, shred with forks, discarding excess fat.
- Toss pulled pork with barbecue sauce.
- Place shredded pork back in cooker/pan to keep warm.
- Peel and chop russet potatoes.
- Boil potatoes in large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes, return to pot.
- Add unsalted butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy using masher or hand mixer.
- Trim ends from green beans.
- Steam green beans in steamer basket or microwave steamer until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss steamed green beans with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Serve pulled pork with mashed potatoes and green beans on plates.
Substitution
The Pulled Pork Dinner from Texas Roadhouse copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have a slow cooker; roasting the pork shoulder in the oven at low heat for several hours also yields tender, flavorful results. If whole milk is unavailable for the mashed potatoes, you can substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer texture, or use a plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free. Fresh green beans can be replaced with frozen ones, cooked according to package instructions, which saves prep time without sacrificing much in taste or texture. Your barbecue sauce can be customized by mixing store-bought sauce with a splash of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to achieve that authentic smoky and sweet balance. Remember to season each component generously with salt and pepper to enhance the depth of flavors in your meal.
Tips
Make sure to season the pork shoulder evenly with all spices to infuse the meat with balanced flavors throughout the slow cooking process. When shredding the cooked pork, discard excess fat to avoid a greasy texture and ensure the barbecue sauce coats the meat thoroughly for maximum taste. Boil the russet potatoes until they are fork-tender, and mash them while warm, adding butter and milk gradually for creamy, smooth mashed potatoes. Steam the green beans until they're tender-crisp, not mushy, to retain their natural color and nutritional value for your plate.
Nutritions
Pulled Pork Dinner from Texas Roadhouse provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, with the pork shoulder delivering high-quality protein and essential B vitamins critical for muscle repair and energy metabolism. The creamy mashed potatoes contribute a good source of complex carbohydrates and potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function. Steamed green beans add dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to aid digestion and immune function. Your meal offers a savory blend of nutrients that support overall wellness while satisfying your appetite.
Storage
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its smoky flavor and tenderness. Keep mashed potatoes in a sealed container, reheating gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Fresh steamed green beans should be cooled before refrigeration and consumed within 2-3 days to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the pork shoulder with a pork butt roast for similar tenderness and flavor. For a twist on the barbecue sauce, try mixing in a bit of apple cider vinegar or a touch of honey to balance smokiness with tangy sweetness. Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes to achieve a creamier texture in the mashed potatoes. Instead of steaming green beans, roasting them with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Allergies
Pulled Pork Dinner from Texas Roadhouse contains dairy ingredients such as unsalted butter and whole milk, which may cause allergic reactions for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The barbecue sauce could contain allergens like soy, gluten, or additives depending on its brand or recipe. You should verify all ingredients, especially the barbecue sauce, to ensure it aligns with your specific allergy needs.
Why this recipe?
Texas Roadhouse's Pulled Pork Dinner is loved for its tender, slow-cooked pork smothered in a signature tangy barbecue sauce, offering a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. The meal is typically paired with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw and fluffy baked beans, enhancing the authentic Texan dining experience. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this flavorful comfort food at home, controlling the quality and customizing spice levels to suit Your taste. This hands-on approach delivers both satisfaction and the joy of serving a beloved dish with a personal touch.