Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | BBQ Easy Recipe Depot (2024)

BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe is a simple way to enjoy the deliciousness of pulled pork without all the fuss and muss of a smoker and in half the time!

The sweet tang of this Texas BBQ pulled pork recipe in the comfort of your own home is a real treat. Simply combine the ingredients and a quick rub then set it and forget it. The aroma of tasty BBQ will fill your home in no time.

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Who doesn’t love BBQ pulled pork? Vegetarians probably but more for us then. This BBQ pulled pork crockpot recipe takes the guesswork out of preparing your favorite BBQ dish. Just moments of prep and a few hours in the crockpot and you will have a dish your whole family will love.

Served on a warm roll with a spoonful of coleslaw and a few slices of bread and butter pickles make sure you bring your appetite and plenty of napkins. It’s dinner time. This tastes amazing with a grilled peach salad on the side. Yum!

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How To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Combining a few simple ingredients in your slow cooker, adding your pork roast and a quick rub is all it takes to make this savory favorite. Cook on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The only secret to preparing the perfect pulled pork is to cook it low and slow making your crockpot the perfect kitchen appliance for this dish.

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What You Need:

Here’s what you’ll need from the store. The exact amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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Kitchen Tools Needed:

Ingredients Needed:

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Tips for Making BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe

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What Cut of Pork Should I Use to Make Texas BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe?

This recipe calls for a 4-pound pork roast. The simple answer to what cut of pork should I use for this recipe is any pork roast cut will work for this versatile recipe. I would avoid a pork tenderloin. These cuts are generally very lean and don’t have enough fat to render into succulent pulled pork.

The ideal pork roast for pulled pork is the pork shoulder. The pork shoulder is typically cut into two parts, the Boston butt, and the picnic roast. Pork shoulder has the optimum fat content that yields to create a tender, melty meat, but it’s essential you cook it slowly to allow the fat to render and the protein to break down properly.

Unlike brisket, pulled pork can be made from any fatty pork roast. Again, this recipe calls for a 4- pound pork roast, however, if feeding more people (or just want more pulled pork) simply get a bigger roast. If you select a roast bigger than four pounds, no worries, the other ingredients remain the same. If you get overwhelmed at the store, simply ask at the butcher counter. Those guys love to talk meat.

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Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

First off, this pulled pork is so delicious you’ll be lucky if you have any leftovers. Granted if you selected a larger pork roast it greatly increases the odds of leftovers. Reheating leftover pulled pork is very easy. Either zap it in the microwave stirring frequently or heat over low heat in a saucepan or skillet on the stovetop (my preferred method).

What to do with those leftovers? The obvious answer provided you still have rolls, more pulled pork sandwiches. Doy. However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to mix things up, try topping a plate of nachos with leftover pulled pork. Or a generous scoop on top of a bowl of creamy mac and cheese. Oh man, now I’m hungry. Where’s my crockpot?

If you have an excess of leftover pulled pork no worries. BBQ pulled pork freezes beautifully. Simply place your leftover pulled pork in a Ziploc freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air before blue and yellow make green. Label the bag with the contents and date and freeze up to six months. Defrost in the refrigerator and prepare yourself for BBQ deliciousness.

What BBQ Sauce Should I Use for Slow Cooker BBQ Pork?

This is ultimately a matter of personal preference. When I make this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork I like to use an 18oz bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ sauce. An 18oz bottle is the ideal size for this recipe. If you’d like your pulled pork saucier, feel free to add more sauce or you can do what I do and add a little more sauce right from the bottle to my sandwich. Nom nom nom.

Ultimately the BBQ sauce choice is up to you. If you like it sweeter, use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce. The latter will also add a hint of smokiness that you’d get had you prepared your pork in a smoker.

Like a bit more of a kick? Use Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce. Feeling crazy? Try Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian BBQ Sauce and top your sandwiches with a ring of pineapple. This recipe is incredibly versatile. Play around and have fun!

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4.29 from 7 votes

Easy Slow Cooker Texas BBQ Pulled Pork

Print Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork comes out tender and juicy every single time – perfect for a stress-free dinner or for serving at a party!

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:5 hours hrs

Total Time:5 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

SERVINGS

8

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds pork roast
  • 1 bottle BBQ Sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions

  • Place pork roast into the slow cooker and top with the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce.

  • Add chili powder and brown sugar to the meat in the slow cooker.

  • Set slow cooker to "high", cover and let cook for 5-6 hours.

  • Use two forks or meat claws and shred the pork and mix well with all the sauce.

  • Serve on warm buns for a delicious and hearty Texas pulled pork sandwich that you'll absolutely love!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 1035mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: BBQ pulled pork, pulled pork meal, slow cook pork

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 427kcal

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More Easy Dinner Recipes

If you enjoyed this slow cooker pulled pork, then you will love these easy pork recipes next:

  • Quick Pork Chops On George Foreman Grill
  • Easy Grilled Pork Chops (Bone in)
  • Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe
  • Chipotle Pork Chops
Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | BBQ Easy Recipe Depot (2024)

FAQs

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in? ›

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

Do you need liquid in slow cooker for pulled pork? ›

You don't technically HAVE to add liquid into your slow cooker for pulled pork because the pork will generate moisture. However, we do recommend adding some kind of liquid to the crock pot to make sure things stay nice and moist.

How do you keep pulled pork moist in a slow cooker? ›

If it is expected to be served within a few hours after smoking, it is better to store it in a crockpot set at the lowest possible temperature. Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot.

Should you brown pulled pork before slow cooking? ›

Preparing the pork

I prefer to season the meat before adding it to the slow cooker with my favourite spices, along with salt and pepper. I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don't have enough time.

Why do you put vinegar in pulled pork? ›

This thin, vinegar-based finishing sauce, which differs from a BBQ sauce, is the secret ingredient to kick up my smoked pulled pork. After you've pulled your pork butt, drizzle over the meat and combine. The vinegar adds contrast to the smoky flavor and cuts through the fat in the meat.

Why add soda to pulled pork? ›

co*ke: The co*ke adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat (Diet soda wont produce as great of results). Root beer would make a good substitute. If you don't want to use soda you can substitute another acid, like ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with one cup of apple juice.

Should pulled pork be submerged in liquid? ›

Pour 1 1/2 cups liquid, such as low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, tomato juice, light or amber beer, white or red wine, orange juice, or a mix of several liquids (and optional liquid smoke) over the pork. The pork should be only partially submerged, with some of the pork remaining above the surface of the liquid.

Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker? ›

On low heat, cook for 8-10 hours; on high heat, cook for 5-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shredded. Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker? Yes, overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.

Why is my pulled pork still tough in the slow cooker? ›

It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.

Should I flip pulled pork in the crockpot? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer. We recommend a temperature of 195-200 °F / 90-93 °C for tender, juicy pork which pulls apart easily.

How long is too long to slow cook pulled pork? ›

How long should you cook pulled pork in a Crock Pot? The Crock Pot is great for pulled pork because you need to cook it low and slow for several hours. I usually cook 4 lbs of pork shoulder for 7 hours on low. Be aware though, pulled pork will dry out if overcooked.

Does pork get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

At around 2 hours, your pork chops will be cooked through (145°F) and have a texture similar to chicken breast — tender, but firm. Between 3 to 6 hours, the chops will have a texture closer to pulled pork; it will be easy to cut with a fork and will pull easily from the bone.

What juice keeps pulled pork moist? ›

Use a spritzer bottle filled with a liquid of your choice to keep the pork moist during the smoking process. I recommend apple juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Spritz the pork every 45-60 minutes.

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Worcestershire sauce with cola is a classic combo for slow-cooked pork, but barbecue sauce and orange juice, a pale ale and apple cider vinegar, or Dijon mustard and honey are equally as delicious combos.

How do you make pulled pork more moist? ›

Brining overnight locks in juices and injects flavour all the way through the pork so every mouthful of pork is seasoned; and. Slow-roasting at a very low temperature means less moisture loss and in turn more succulent meat.

How do I get more flavor in my pulled pork? ›

We use brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a good amount of salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne! Make sure you use all of the seasoning! Also, really rub it into the pulled pork, get all of the nooks and crannies!

References

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