BEST Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Easy)

I am going to share with you how to make the best pulled pork with a simple recipe and an even simpler cooking method. This delicious slow cooker pulled pork is juicy, versatile and easy to throw together any day of the week.

It is a cold fall day here and the perfect day for me to dust off the slow cooker and share with you a great idea for dinner. Recently, I realized there wasn’t very many meat dishes on the site. Such an oversight on my part, I know, but I suppose as recipes go, a slow cooked, versatile meat like this one may be the best way to start compiling more. This is one of those recipes you can make that will not only feed a lot of people but also is as versatile as it gets. Many times I make this and don’t quite a have a plan for how I will be serving it.

The thing is, this slow cooker pulled pork is great for tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, and even served alongside rice. Just make sure to defrost the roast the night before and place it in the slow cooker the next morning. By evening, you will have a delicious, perfectly flavored meat that you can use for pretty much anything you’d like. This is an especially great recipe for family gatherings, easy dinners, and times when you just don’t know what to make but need to make something.

For pulled pork you will want to use a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results and the slower you cook it, the more tender it will turn out.

Slow Cooker Pork Is…

• A simple pork recipe that makes the BEST pulled pork.
• Great for the first time pork cook as the recipe is straight forward.
• The best slow cooker recipe for making juicy pork that you can shred with a fork.
• Easy to throw together with just a few minutes of prep work and minimal effort.
• A main dish and an easy recipe that can be used in many different ways.

Ingredients

Pork- use a boneless pork butt or pork shoulder for best results. You will need a 2.5 lb. cut. If using a bone in cut, you will want to adjust the cook times accordingly. It’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer when unsure if the center is cooked through. Pork is cooked through when the internal temperature is 145F. The pork will also shred easily with a fork when done.

Sugar- use brown sugar for this recipe. Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work. I do not suggest using regular white cane sugar.

Apple Cider- apple cider works best but apple juice is a great substitute.

Spices- ground cumin, a large bay leaf, sea salt and cracked black pepper.  If you don’t have sea salt, you may need to slightly lessen the salt amount as table salt tends to be a little more saltier than sea salt.

Garlic- use large garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is best but you can use minced garlic. You will need about 1 tbsp. of minced garlic.

Ketchup- ketchup works best but you can also substitute a tbsp. of tomato paste with a 1/3 cup of water in a pinch.

Tools

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

Directions

Begin by mixing the apple cider, brown sugar, garlic, ketchup, cumin, and paprika into the bowl of the slow cooker. Salt and pepper the entire pork butt or shoulder. Place pork in the slow cooker.

Add a bay leaf and place the lid on. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.

When ready, shred with two forks and incorporate all the juices into the shredded pork. You can mix in a cup of barbecue sauce for a barbeque flavored pulled pork or leave it as is.

Serve over rice or on a toasted bun with a scoop of coleslaw. Be sure to also check out the serving suggestions below for other ways to enjoy this slow cooker pulled pork.

Cooking Notes

• Be sure to defrost the pork butt or shoulder before sticking it into the slow cooker. I find that moving it from the freezer to the fridge the night before cooking works well. I can get this started in the morning so that the pulled pork is ready for dinner.
• This recipe makes enough for 8 servings or more.
• Don’t leave the pork on the warm setting for too long as this will dry it out.
  

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker pulled pork is a juicy flavorful meat that can be used in a wide array of dishes.

• The first is pulled pork sandwiches. Serve on a toasted sesame seed bun (or brioche buns), slathered with barbecue sauce. This is a great homemade bbq sauce for this. Add coleslaw to the top for a crunch or onions, and pickles for a delicious addition to a pulled pork sandwich.
• I love using slow cooker pulled pork for nachos. Topping the chips with chunks of pork, cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes. It’s the ultimate plate of nachos.
• Pulled pork tacos, for another delicious dinner idea use this slow cooker, pulled pork. I like to fry up corn tortillas, add the pork, then top them with our favorite taco toppings. Creating a unique taco for taco Tuesdays.
• This slow cooked pulled pork works great for burrito meat as well with black beans and rice.
• Serve the pulled pork over a bed of white rice with roasted veggies on the side.
• Make cheesy quesadillas with delicious pieces of pulled pork throughout.

FAQ

Can this recipe be doubled?

You can certainly double this recipe if your slow cooker has the space. If doing so, it is a good idea to halve the roast before placing it in the slow cooker. It makes shredding it a bit easier later.

What is the best cut of pork to use for slow cooker pulled pork?

Pork butt is ideal for making pulled pork as it has the optimum fat content that creates the moistest, tender meat when cooked low and slow as this recipe instructs. Pork shoulder is another great alternative. Though different cuts they are both from the shoulder of the pig. The pork butt is higher up on the foreleg than the pork shoulder cut. Both cuts are idea for making pulled pork as they are both marbled with fat and benefit from slow cooking.

What if I use a cut with a bone in it?

You can use a bone in pork shoulder. Whenever cooking a bone in meat, you may need to adjust the cooking time. You can use a meat thermometer if you are unsure of it’s doneness. The meat should be at 145F in the center. The meat will also be very tender and will pull away from the bone easily when done.

Can I make this pork without a slow cooker or crock pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe without a slow cooker. Use a Dutch oven and place the pork inside along with the ingredients. Set your oven to 300F and cook for about 5 hours. Making sure to check on it periodically as some ovens cook faster than others. A slow cooker cooks between 190F when on low and 300F when on high just to give you an idea. 

How To Store

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container. Allow the pork to come to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Pork will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Shop This Post

Slow Cooker

Linen Apron

Wooden Measuring Spoons

Farmhouse Kitchen Towels Set of 12

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no cost to you).

Pin For Later

Other Recipes You May Like…

• Rosemary Pork Chops with Pan Gravy
• Oven Slow Cooked Ribs
• Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

If you try this recipe and love it, I would appreciate you coming back to give it 5 stars!