Crockpot Pulled Pork

Whenever I want a meal that feeds a crowd with very little effort, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is always one of my favorite recipes to make. It is the kind of slow cooked comfort food that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma while it cooks.

The pork turns incredibly tender after hours in the slow cooker and shreds easily into a rich, flavorful sauce. The sweet, smoky seasoning blend combined with tangy barbecue style sauce creates a classic pulled pork flavor.

It reminds me of the kind of slow cooked meals grandma used to make when something hearty simmered all day and everyone knew dinner would be worth the wait.

What You Need to Know

• This pulled pork becomes extremely tender after long slow cooking and easily shreds into juicy, flavorful meat.
• Leftover pulled pork stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
• The pork can be cooked a day ahead since the flavor actually improves as the sauce soaks into the meat.
• For a lighter option, serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps instead of sandwich buns.

Ingredients Overview

• Pork butt or pork shoulder roast: A well marbled cut that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• BBQ sauce: Adds classic barbecue flavor and helps keep the shredded pork moist.
• Pork rub: A simple seasoning blend that gives the pork its savory flavor while it cooks.
• Root beer, Dr Pepper, or chicken broth: These liquids help tenderize the pork while adding subtle sweetness or savory depth.
• Hawaiian rolls: Optional, but perfect for making pulled pork sliders.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Step 1: Rub the pork roast evenly with the pork rub, pressing the seasoning into the surface so it sticks well.

Step 2: Place the seasoned pork roast into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Pour the root beer, Dr Pepper, or chicken broth around the pork roast, making sure not to pour it directly over the top so the seasoning stays in place.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for about 8 hours, until the pork becomes very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl and add a little of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist or shred right in the crockpot with two forks.

Step 6: Shred the pork using two forks and mix with BBQ sauce as desired. Serve on Hawaiian rolls for sliders or enjoy the pulled pork on its own.

Grandma’s Tips

• Letting the pork cook low and slow is the key to tender pulled pork that shreds easily.
• The flavor of this pulled pork becomes even better the next day after the sauce has had time to soak into the meat.

Modern Updates

• Pulled pork can also be served in tacos, baked potatoes, or rice bowls instead of sandwiches.
• Adding pickled onions or fresh slaw gives the sandwiches a bright, fresh finish.

More Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes

• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast
• Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

FAQs

What cut of pork is best for slow cooker pulled pork?

Pork butt or pork shoulder works best because the fat and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, creating tender shredded meat.

Can I cook pulled pork on high in a slow cooker?

Pulled pork can cook on High for about 4 to 5 hours, but cooking on Low for 8 hours gives the most tender results.

Do you add BBQ sauce before or after cooking pulled pork?

BBQ sauce is usually added after shredding the pork so the flavor stays fresh and the meat stays juicy.

Can slow cooker pulled pork be frozen?

Yes. Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in airtight containers or freezer bags.