‘Game day essential’: Just 3 ingredients. I start this in the morning and forget about it.

With only three ingredients, the character of this dish depends heavily on your choices, so a few thoughtful tweaks can make it feel new each time. For a smokier profile, choose a barbecue sauce with natural smoke and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the slow cooker. If you prefer a tangier, Carolina-inspired style, use a vinegar-forward or mustard-based barbecue sauce and swap half of the cola for apple cider vinegar. For a slightly less sweet version, use an unsweetened cola-like soda (or even a mild, low-sodium beef or chicken broth) and then sweeten to taste with a bit of brown sugar or honey when you add the barbecue sauce. You can also change the serving format entirely: tuck the pork into warm tortillas with cabbage and cilantro for quick tacos, layer it onto baked potatoes with cheddar and scallions, or spoon it over polenta for a cozy, fork-and-knife dinner. If you’re cooking ahead, the flavor actually improves after a night in the refrigerator; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and always cool and store leftovers within two hours for food safety.