Crock Pot Pulled Pork
22 Comments
Posted: 01/16/25
Updated: 07/31/23
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This Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the best barbecue pulled pork sandwiches! Delicious, smoky pulled pork that simmers in the slow cooker all day. If you have leftovers it’s great to freeze or make pizza, chili, nachos and more with the leftovers. This recipe is perfect for busy nights and meal planning!
I always love making mac and cheese and serving that along with my pulled pork! Talk about comfort food. This super easy crock pot pulled pork recipe is a favorite in our dinner rotation. I love that I can simply throw everything in the slow cooker and it cooks to tender, flavorful perfection.
When those seasons with loads of busy evenings roll around, I’m always looking for ways to make dinner easier. Crock pot recipes are one way I do that and this amazing pork is a star! Grab the few simple ingredients needed in this recipe and then let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love this Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- It only takes 10 minutes of prep time to get this recipe into the crockpot. And it’s less hands-off work than the oven because the crock pot does all the hardwork.
- Leftover pulled pork can be served so many different ways! Pulled pork tacos, on a baked potato, in a quesadilla — the list is endless.
- You can get 12 servings just from one batch of this recipe. It’s great to serve at parties!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Pork shoulder – I love using pork should for tender and juicy pulled pork. If you can’t find pork shoulder, Boston butt is a good swap.
- Salt and pepper – Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- Barbecue sauce – Grab a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce or make some homemade BBQ sauce.
- Hickory smoke flavor – This is my secret ingredient to the best pulled pork ever. An easy way to make slow cooking taste smoky!
- Water – Slow cooker recipes, like this one, need some liquid in order to keep the pulled pork tender and juicy. You can use chicken broth or beef broth instead of water to add more flavor!
Helpful Tools
How to Make Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Rinse the pork and pat dry with a paper towel, then rub with salt and pepper and place in the crock-pot.
- Add water and liquid smoke, then cook on low setting for 8-10 hours until the pork is very tender.
- Remove the pork from the crock-pot and discard the liquid. Shred the pork using a couple of forks.
- Add the barbecue sauce and shredded meat back to the crock-pot then continue to cook until heated through.
- Pile a hefty serving on top of buns and serve!
Do you need liquid in the crock pot when cooking pulled pork?
Yes, you’ll need about two cups of water. It helps keep the pork moist and keeps juice in the pork shoulder.
What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker pulled pork recipe?
Pork shoulder is my favorite to use. I typically use boneless, but bone-in will work also. Boston butt is another affordable cut that would. Pork loin is a great choice too!
How do you make a tender roast in a crock pot?
The best part about making pulled pork is that it’s an easy recipe that makes fork-tender meat every time. Long and slow braising means you can use a tougher cut of meat and it’s still perfect! Make sure you cook on the correct heat level and season the pork shoulder well.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork
There are so many great recipes to make with the leftover pulled pork! Transfer leftover crockpot pulled pork to an airtight container and allow it to cool completely.
FRIDGE: Properly stored, leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZER: You can also throw leftovers into the freezer in freezer safe bags. Then you have easy, quick dinner when you need it! Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Use Pulled Pork
You can serve this yummy pork in the form of BBQ pulled pork quesdillas, pulled pork taquitos, or this pulled pork crescent ring.
It’s also the perfect topping for baked potatoes and pulled pork nachos. It would be so tasty on an Instant Pot sweet potato too.
Or, simply serve it as the main dish with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans.
Pro Tips for the Best Pulled Pork
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder and ensure it’s ready to eat!
- While salt and pepper is really all you need, you can use a spice rub to give this pork even more flavor. Or simply add extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Want to add a bit of sweetness to this dish? Mix in a splash of maple syrup or add brown sugar to the pork.
An easy pulled pork recipe will come in handy more often than you realize! This hands-off protein is a delightful dinner that everyone will enjoy.
More Delicious Pork Recipes!
- Baked Pork Chops with Parmesan Garlic Noodles
- Sheet Pan Parmesan Pork Chops and Vegetables
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Pork Loin
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Crock Pot Pork Carnitas
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Delicious barbecued pulled pork recipe made in your slow cooker. This Crock Pot Pulled Pork makes the best sandwiches!
Video
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork loin
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon hickory-flavored smoke
- 2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the pork shoulder and pat dry. Rub salt and pepper over the pork and place in a crock pot.
- Add water and liquid smoke to crock pot. Cover crock pot and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is very tender.
- Remove the pork from the crock-pot and discard the remaining liquid. Shred the pork using forks.
- Place the pork back in the crock-pot along with the barbecue sauce, stir to combine. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes until the pork is hot again. Serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1, Calories: 259kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 16g (5%), Protein: 34g (68%), Fat: 5g (8%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Cholesterol: 90mg (30%), Sodium: 539mg (23%), Potassium: 663mg (19%), Sugar: 13g (14%), Vitamin A: 90IU (2%), Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 25mg (3%), Iron: 1.6mg (9%)
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Elaine says
This is, hands down, the easiest and best pulled pork recipe I’ve found! Don’t think about it, you’ve got to try it!
Kimberly Kelley says
Question for you. Do you have a recipe for this that is made with Chicken? We don’t eat pork. Or how many Chicken Breasts should I use instead? Cook time in Crockpot using Chicken? TIA
Courtney says
https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/crockpot-shredded-chicken/
Here is a crockpot shredded chicken recipe to try! 🙂
Mary Mellenkamp says
Can’t wait to try it!
Courtney says
Hope you loved it!
Kyndra says
If I cooked a 2 pound pork boston butt (only size I could find at the grocery store), do you think the cooking time would be cut in half? I’ve never cooked this type of meat before.
Julie Evink says
Is it boneless or bone in?
Kyndra says
It’s boneless
Nellie Tracy says
So easy and delicious!
Julie Evink says
Can’t beat easy recipes that taste great!
Justine says
Love this! Easy and flavorful!
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Karyl says
Hi, I’m wanting to make this next week.. Can you tell me how many servings this recipe gives you? I’m thinking of cutting it in half & using a 3 quart slow cooker. Do you think the recipe will still come out good??
Julie Evink says
If you half the recipe just watch the cooking time as it might cook faster. I would guess a full recipe give 10-12 servings so half might be like 5-6?
Jaime says
Do you put the pork in frozen or thawed?
Julie Evink says
Thawed!
Emily Woodard says
I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious! I’m trying a new recipe every week and will definitely be back to your blog for more inspiration.
Julie Evink says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Emily! Let me know what else you try 🙂
Shari Barnes says
We love BBQ around here! This is how I make mine too. I haven’t made it in awhile though. I think it is time to be added back onto the menu! Your photo is making me hungry!!! 🙂
Cathy says
These would be such a huge hit with my hubby!!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Cathy!
Heather says
I make pulled pork but I just put the pork tenderloin in with a 2 liter bottle of root beer. It tastes amazing! My friend does it with different flavors of beer. When it comes out, shred it and add bbq sauce. It’s delicious!