Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (2024)

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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is juicy, tender and packed with flavor. This simple crockpot pulled pork recipe is perfect for sandwiches, or even just served over rice.

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (1)

I love my slow cooker. Now that school has started up again, my afternoons/early evenings are absolutely crazy and it is the worst time to try to prep dinner. This BBQ Pulled Pork recipe can be prepped in the morning (with only a few minutes of prep!) and then the pork cooks all day long, so it’s ready whenever you finally have a few minutes to eat dinner on those super busy days!

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Pulled Pork Recipe (Crock Pot Version)

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a great recipe because it starts with a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Add some spices and peppers and onions to make the flavor even better. The recipe is super easy to make, but tastes so much better than just using plain BBQ sauce straight out of the bottle! This is absolutely the best pulled pork recipe that I’ve ever tried – it’s easily become a family favorite! Such an easy recipe to put in the regular meal rotation.

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (2)

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

I’ve used bone-in pork roast as well as boneless pork roasts and I think they’re both amazing. I tend to use the boneless variety more often because I buy them in bulk at Costco, and they are typically easier to fit into the crockpot too!

Why BBQ Pulled Pork is a favorite recipe

  • Easy to make. Only a few minutes of prep for this delicious pulled pork recipe. The BBQ pork can be made in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot to save on time.
  • High protein. I know many of you are trying to mindful of eating in a more balanced way and making sure you get enough protein in your diets! Each serving of pork has about 35 grams of protein! If you are trying to reduce your carbs, you can eat the pork over lettuce as a salad.
  • Delicious and versatile. Many readers have confirmed that this BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is the best one that they’ve ever tried! My kids are pretty picky eaters, but this is one meal that they all love! Some eat the meat plain, some eat it on buns, some in a salad – everyone can customize the meat however they want, but everyone loves it!

What to Serve with Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches go really well with sides like Creamy Parmesan Potatoes and Peas or Sugared Asparagus. My family loves when I serve this with Baked Sweet Potato Fries or as well! And don’t skip dessert! Have some Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies or some Texas Sheet Cake for the perfect ending to your meal.

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Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder or pork butt roast – I like to use a boneless roast, but you can use one with the bone-in as long as it fits in your slow cooker! I use a 3-4 pound roast for this recipe. You’ll plan on each pound of roast feeding about 3 people.
  • Spices: Several basic spices really take the flavor of this pulled pork to the next level. I use salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper and red pepper.
  • Onion: I usually use yellow onions with this recipe. Slice the onion really thin before adding to the crockpot. If your kids are picky and don’t like onions, you can add some onion powder instead for some of that flavor.
  • Green bell pepper: You’ll need one green pepper, sliced thinly into strips. This can also be left out, but it adds a lot of flavor to the sauce and the pork!
  • Barbecue sauce – You’ll need an 18 oz. bottle of BBQ sauce. Whatever kind you prefer, but I usually use one that is more the plain side, since you’ll be adding quite a bit of flavor to it.
  • Light brown sugar – Sweetens up the pork and the sauce just a little bit and gives all of it that amazing sweet BBQ flavor we all love!
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How to Make Pulled Pork in Crock Pot

  1. Trim excess fat from pork.
  2. Combine salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper in small bowl; rub the dry rub all over roast.
  3. Place onion and bell pepper in slow cooker; add pork.
  4. Combine barbecue sauce and brown sugar; pour over meat.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  6. Transfer roast to cutting board. Trim and discard any fat from roast.
  7. Use 2 forks to pull pork apart.
  8. Serve shredded pork and sauce over rice or place it on buns to make pulled pork sandwiches. You can store any leftover pulled pork in the refrigerator to heat up later.
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What BBQ sauce is best for crock pot pulled pork?

In the past, I have usually used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, but I’ve been trying some others lately. Costco has been carrying the Kinder’s brand which I really love because it is organic, has much cleaner ingredients, and I actually think it tastes so much better than many of the other varieties that I’ve tried. I prefer the Mild BBQ flavor, but they have some varieties that have more kick to them if you like spicy!

Blues Hog has a reputation of having some of the best BBQ sauce out there, but I have actually never tried it. It is also made with all natural ingredients and there are quite a few varieties to try!

Storing and Reheating Pulled Pork

Pulled pork should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove.

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (6)

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (7)

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is moist, tender and packed with flavor. This simple crockpot pulled pork recipe is perfect for sandwiches, or even just served over rice.

4.88 from 16 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 hours hours

Servings: 12

Calories: 307kcal

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb. boneless pork shoulder or butt roast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground red pepper
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper cut into thin strips
  • 18 oz. bottle barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup light brown sugar

Instructions

  • Trim excess fat from pork. Combine salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper in small bowl; rub over roast.

  • Place onion and bell pepper in slow cooker; add pork. Combine barbecue sauce and brown sugar; pour over meat. Cover; cook on low 8-10 hours.

  • Transfer roast to cutting board. Trim and discard any fat from roast. Use 2 forks to pull pork apart. Serve pork and sauce over rice or place it on buns to make pulled pork sandwiches.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 724mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg


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FAQ for Crock Pot Pulled Pork

How long does pulled pork in the crock pot take?

When you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker, how long you cook it for depends on how large your roast is. I use a small 3-4 pound boneless pork roast for this recipe and I like to cook it in a slow cooker on LOW for at least 8-10 hours, but if you have time, 10-12 hours is even better. You can cook it on HIGH for 4-5 hours, but I think the texture and flavor is better when you cook it on low.

I like to cook this pulled pork recipe in a4.5 quart basic crock pot. (Basic but so pretty!)

Do you need liquid in slow cooker for pulled pork?

Pork gives off enough liquid as it cooks that you don’t need to add anything other than what the recipe states.

How much water do you put in crock pot for pulled pork?

Pork releases lots of juice as it cooks, so there’s no need to add water to the crockpot. In this recipe the only added liquid is BBQ sauce and you’ll find you have plenty once it’s cooked!

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in?

We find that adding BBQ sauce and flavor through a variety of spices combines with the juices pork releases while cooking to be the best liquid to cook pulled pork in.

How do you keep pulled pork moist in a crock pot?

Pulled pork is fall apart tender at 195°F degrees, which is reached by about 9-10 hours of slow cooking. Moist pork is pork that is perfectly cooked, so once that temp has been reached, switch your crockpot over to “warm” to prevent it from over cooking and drying out.

Does pulled pork get more tender the longer you cook it?

Pork will get increasingly more tender until 195°F degrees, when it’s “fall apart tender.” Letting the pork cook on low for the full 8-10 hours will yield the moist, tender pulled pork everyone wants!

HOW TO MAKE PORK ROAST RECIPE IN AN INSTANT POT

I’ve also begun making this in my Instant Pot and it’s AMAZING. It’s quite a bit faster than using a Slow Cooker (it takes about 2 hours total!) and I think I like the results even more! I use a small, 2-lb Pork Sirloin Tip Roast from Costco and add the remaining ingredients. It’s fall apart tender and so flavorful!

Place everything in the Instant Pot and set to Manual High Pressure for about 65 minutes for a 2 lb roast. Add 10 minutes per additional pound of pork roast. When the time is up, let it Natural Pressure Release. Once all the pressure is released, the pork should be super tender and fall apart easily!

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (9)

LIKE THIS EASY CROCKPOT RECIPE? TRY THESE OTHERSLOW COOKER RECIPES ~

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Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (10)

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is moist, tender and packed with flavor. This simple crockpot pulled pork recipe is perfect for sandwiches, or even just served over rice.

More favorite recipes to try:

  • Zucchini Loaves
  • Philly Cheesesteak Bowls
  • Apple Bread Recipe
  • Butter Garlic Pasta
  • Steak Marinade without Worcestershire Sauce
  • Brown Sugar Apples
  • White Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
  • Best Homemade Chicken Strips

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (11)

ABOUT US

I began Butter, with a Side of Bread to delve deeper into my fascination with food! I love cooking easy, delicious recipes and trying out new products. Welcome and I hope you stick around!

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  • Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (13)
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  • Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (16)
Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (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.

How do you wrap pulled pork with butter? ›

Place butter on top of meat and wrap in foil, sealing all edges. Place in metal pan and return to grill. Cook until internal meat temperature is 205-210 degrees. Remove and let rest in sealed foil for 1 hour.

What liquid keeps pulled pork moist? ›

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed.

Should pulled pork be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

Your liquid should not cover your pork in the slow cooker: it should only come up about a quarter of the way up the sides. The pork will make more liquid as it cooks, and you need to leave room for that. And 10 hours later, this huge hunk of meat is tender and ready.

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!

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.

At what point do you wrap pulled pork? ›

When the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165 to 170 degrees F on an instant read meat thermometer (after about 4 to 5 hours), remove it from the grill and double wrap in aluminum foil to keep the juices from leaking out.

Should you wrap or not wrap pulled pork? ›

Protect the meat from both heat and smoke by wrapping it. You'll still get a smoky flavor, it just won't be as intense as an unwrapped pork butt.

How to make dry pulled pork juicy? ›

Mix equal parts of low sodium chicken and beef broth together along with a little of your rub and mix it in with your pork. The combinations of broth, will not alter the flavor of the pork, while moistening it.

What happens if you put too much BBQ sauce in pulled pork? ›

Namely, if you accidentally incorporate too much sauce, the flavor and texture of the pork are going to be completely overwhelmed by the sauce — meaning you'll have a soggy mess, including buns that are potentially too soaked to hold, that is also missing the complex flavors of the slow-roasted pork.

Should pulled pork be submerged in liquid? ›

The 2:1 ratio uses just enough liquid to make the pork succulent without entering the mushy category. Using too much liquid runs the risk of diminishing the flavors that you've added to the pork. Although the top part of the pork isn't submerged, the steam from the slow cooker provides plenty of moisture.

What to add to pulled pork after shredding? ›

A little bit of sauce and a sprinkle of rub. Vinegar. If it's going to get eaten right away, sometimes sauce. If it's going to get vac packed, apple juice.

Do you flip pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

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.

Does pulled pork go fat side up in slow cooker? ›

Worgul recommends placing the pork in the slow-cooker fat side up. The fat will render thoroughly during the cooking process and by placing the meat fat side up, it makes it much easier to remove excess fat before serving. "The cooker will be nearly filled with fat and liquid after hours of cooking.

Should I sear pork before slow cooking for pulled pork? ›

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.

Is apple juice or apple cider better for pulled pork? ›

While I highly recommend using apple cider for this pulled pork, if you can't find any you could substitute with apple juice.

Is it better to make pulled pork with sauce or without? ›

Moisture: If the pulled pork is on the dry side, adding sauce can help to add moisture and make it more tender and juicy.

What to use instead of apple cider vinegar in pulled pork? ›

The best substitute for apple cider vinegar? Red wine or white wine vinegar! These vinegars are made from fermented wine, and you might have one or the other in your cupboard already. Red wine vinegar is a little stronger than white wine with a bolder flavor.

What is best to use for pulled pork? ›

Pork shoulder is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat, but it's essential you cook it slowly to allow the protein to break down properly.

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