Skip to Content

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow cooker pulled pork is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also an easy and versatile dish to make. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekends with friends and family, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. With just a few ingredients and some simple preparation, you’re on your way to a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed in various forms, such as sandwiches, tacos, or nachos.

Slow cooker pulled pork in a white bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is super easy to prepare. Simply season the pork, place it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic for several hours. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other tasks while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you.
  • It’s ideal for feeding a crowd. If you’re hosting a gathering or just need a satisfying meal to feed your family, slow cooker pulled pork is an excellent choice. It’s budget-friendly and easily scalable, so you can customize the recipe to accommodate small or large gatherings. Plus, with its tender and juicy meat that can be served alone or accompanied by your favorite barbecue sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • The leftovers are fantastic. Slow cooker pulled pork isn’t just great for the initial meal; it’s also perfect for leftovers. You can easily reheat the leftovers for quick lunches or dinners, making it a versatile option for busy schedules.

Slow cooker pulled pork is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. It’s the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.

What do you need?

Pork shoulder

When making pulled pork in a slow cooker, the key is to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is the ideal choice due to its balance of fat and tenderness.

The best cut of pork for making pulled pork is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, Boston butt, or pork shoulder roast. Both bone-in and boneless options work well for this recipe. When using a bone-in pork shoulder, it will take a bit longer to cook, but the bone will help to retain moisture and flavor.

Beef Stock

Beef stock is added to the slow cooker pulled pork recipes, as it adds depth of flavor and helps to keep the meat moist during the cooking process. However, if you prefer, you can substitute beef stock with chicken or vegetable stock, or apple juice.

Onion

Onion adds a natural sweetness and another layer of flavor to the pulled pork. You can use any type of onion, but yellow or white onions are ideal.

Seasoning

Use your favorite pork seasoning to season the pork, or try this simple homemade mix:

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is added to the pulled pork in the final step, lending a smoky, tangy flavor that complements the tender meat. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you could also try teriyaki sauce, which adds a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes to your dish.

How to cook pulled pork in the slow cooker

This recipe is very simple to prepare, there are just a few key steps to getting it just right:

  • Prepare the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry, then sprinkle it with the seasoning mix and rub in.
  • Place the ingredients into the slow cooker. Chop the onions and place into the slow cooker bowl. Place the pork shoulder on top, then pour the stock over. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Slow-cook the pork. Set the slow cooker to cook for 4 hours on High, or 8 hours on low. The time may vary depending on the size of the cut.
  • Shred the pork. Once you see that the meat is tender and shreds easily, it’s time to take it out of the slow cooker. Use a fork or a pair of tongs to shred the pork into smaller pieces, discarding any excess fat.
  • Optional: For bbq pulled pork that is perfect for serving in sliders or tacos, add the shredded pork to a skillet, drizzle with barbecue sauce, and add a few tablespoons of liquid from the slow cooker. Heat the pulled pork gently, adding more bbq sauce (for sweetness) and slow cooker juices (for savory) until you reach the right balance of sweet/savory.

Serving ideas

Your slow cooker pulled pork is delicious, versatile, and perfect for various dishes. Here are some serving ideas to get the most enjoyment out of your pulled pork:

  • Sandwiches: Pile the pulled pork high on soft hamburger buns, add some tangy coleslaw, pickle slices, and your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic pulled pork sandwich. You could even try adding some melted cheese and mustard for a twist.
  • Tacos: Grab your favorite tortilla, and lay a generous amount of tender pulled pork on it. Top it with diced onions, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa for an unforgettable pulled pork taco.
  • Salads: Toss pulled pork onto a bed of mixed greens and your favorite salad ingredients. Sprinkle with green onions, shredded cheese, and drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying yet light meal.
  • On rice: Cook up some fluffy rice, and serve the pulled pork on top. Add a side of steamed vegetables for an even more well-rounded plate.
  • Nachos: For an appetizer or snack with a kick, layer tortilla chips on a plate, add a generous helping of pulled pork, and top with cheese, green onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa. Pop it in the oven or the microwave to melt the cheese.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover pulled pork in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

If you will want to reheat the pulled pork, also save some of the juices from the slowcooker, but be sure to keep them separate from the pulled pork.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, add the pork and some of the reserved juices (or apple juice) to a large skillet, and heat over a low-to-medium heat. Cook your pulled pork for roughly 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Remember, when reheating your pulled pork, it’s crucial to bring it to a temperature of 165°F / 74°C to ensure food safety.

Slow cooker pulled pork in a white bowl.

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

4.4 from 13 votes
Perfect succulent pulled pork in your slow cooker or crock-pot. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Serves6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lb / 900 g pork shoulder
  • 2 tablespoons Pork seasoning
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • ½ cup bbq sauce optional, add to taste

Directions

  • Rub the seasoning into the pork shoulder.
  • Chop onions and place in bottom of slow cooker. Place pork shoulder on top of the onions, pour the stock over the pork.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and set to cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours, until it is tender and breaks apart easily.
  • Remove pork from slow cooker. Use two forks to pull it apart discarding any excess fat.
  • Optional step: For juicy bbq pulled pork, place pulled pork in a large frying pan. Heat on low, gradually adding barbecue sauce and some of the juices remaining in the slow cooker to get the right consistency. Taste as you go, adding sauce or juices to your taste preference. 

Nutrition

Calories: 229.7kcal  Carbohydrates: 22.2g  Protein: 18.6g  Fat: 6.9g  Saturated Fat: 2.3g  Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g  Monounsaturated Fat: 3g  Cholesterol: 61.8mg  Sodium: 875.1mg  Potassium: 451.9mg  Fiber: 0.7g  Sugar: 17.3g  Vitamin A: 279.5IU  Vitamin C: 2.4mg  Calcium: 32.9mg  Iron: 1.5mg

Recommended equipment

  • Slow cooker

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.

Save this recipe for later!Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save this recipe, Pin, or share on socials!
Cartoon image of the author.
Welcome to Love Food Not Cooking!

I’m Eliza, busy mom, home cook, and blogger. My goal is to help everyone cook good food, whether you lack time, skills, or motivation, there is something here for you! We have dozens of quick and easy recipes made using everyday ingredients for delicious meals your family will love!
Read more…

Subscribe!

Get updates on the latest recipes and more from Love Food Not Cooking straight to your inbox!