Crock Pot Pulled Pork
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This Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the best Pulled Pork Sandwiches! Delicious, smoky pulled pork that simmers in the slow cooker all day while you are busy and comes together in a couple minutes. If you have leftovers it’s great to freezer or make Pizza, Chili, Nachos and more with the leftovers. This recipe is perfect for busy nights and meal planning!

Do you have those foods that you know you want to make but you never really get there? This is one of them for me.
I have bookmarked, cut out, highlighted etc. None of this ever helped me actually make BBQ Pulled Pork. I knew it couldn’t be that hard but all the recipes I found had all sorts of rubs, homemade sauce, etc. I knew I wanted a simple recipe that I could throw in the crock-pot and go to work and when I got home it would almost be done.
Another motivating factor was I’m trying to find recipes that I can make and not heat up the entire kitchen which made me think of the crock-pot. But this recipe works all year long – love that!
It’s super duper easy, incredibly good, and the meat literally fell apart when I was trying to take it out the crock-pot. It got rave reviews from my hubby also, which is good because I truly have been striking out lately as you all read in the last post. This totally redeemed me and I’m sure he thinks I’m the best wife in the world again!
Try this recipe even if you have a different one you usually use. The secret ingredient is the hickory flavored smoke so make sure you use it. I used a 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder because the local grocery store didn’t have boneless and it still turned out great although I cut back on the BBQ sauce a little. We had leftovers so stay tuned for what I used them for the next night! Enjoy!
I always love making Mac and Cheese and serving that along with my pulled pork! Talk about comfort food!

I can’t believe a recipe can turn out so amazing with only a few ingredients involved!
When people say they “can’t make a recipe” then they haven’t tried this one!
Grocery List for Pulled Pork Recipe
- boneless pork shoulder or pork loin
- hickory-flavored smoke
- barbecue sauce
- salt and pepper
Do you put water in a crock pot when cooking pulled pork?
Yes, you’ll need about two cups of water.
What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker pulled pork recipe?
- Pork shoulder: boneless is good – bone in will work also.
- Boston Butt is another affordable cut.
- Pork Loin is a great choice.
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!

Pulled Pork Recipe
Don’t be said if you have some pulled pork leftover because there are so many great recipes to make with the leftovers.
You can also throw it into the freezer in freezer safe bags. Then you have easy, quick dinner when you need it!
Steps to make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
- Rinse the pork and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Rub with salt and pepper and place in the crock-pot.
- Add water and liquid smoke.
- Cook on low setting until the pork is very tender 8-10 hours.
- 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.
- Continue to cook until heated thru.
Pile a hefty serving on top of buns and serve!
What Should I Do with Leftover Pulled Pork?
Here’s what you make with leftover crock pot pulled pork!
YUM!!!
More of my favorite 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
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS PULLED PORK RECIPE BELOW:
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Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!! ?Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy meal!!!
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
Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork loin
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 c. water
- 1 Tbsp hickory-flavored smoke
- 2 c. 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. Cook on low setting 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 a couple of forks.
- Place the meat back in the crock-pot along with the barbecue sauce and continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes until the pork is hot again. Serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce.
Video
Nutrition Information
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
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!