There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of tender, slow-cooked pulled pork simmering in rich spices and smoky sauce. This Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe is my go-to for busy weekdays or when I’m hosting a crowd and want something that’s both effortless and unforgettable.
What makes it truly special is its ability to transform a humble pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with just a few pantry staples and a little patience. Years ago, when I first attempted pulled pork, I was convinced it required a smoker, hours of monitoring, and a degree in BBQ science.
But discovering this slow cooker method was a game changer. The low-and-slow cooking locks in moisture, while the seasoning blend does all the heavy lifting, delivering a flavor profile that’s sweet, smoky, and just a little tangy.
It’s no wonder pulled pork is one of the top-trending recipes in comfort food – the search for simple, hearty dishes has skyrocketed by 45% in recent years.
Serve it on fluffy buns, over a crisp cabbage salad, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. However you enjoy it, this recipe guarantees one thing: pure comfort food bliss. Pair it with a Simple Oriental Asian Cabbage Salad or Keto Deviled Ham Salad for a low-carb meal.
Have a favorite twist on pulled pork? Share your variations below—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Why You’ll Be Hooked!
- Unbeatable flavor with minimal effort: The crockpot does all the work, and the result is restaurant-quality pulled pork with almost no babysitting.
- Perfect for meal prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
- Endlessly versatile: Use it in tacos, sandwiches, sliders, or even salads—this pulled pork fits into any meal.
- Crowd-pleasing every time: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard party, everyone goes back for seconds.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
- Crockpot or Instant Pot
- Fork
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 4 lb Shoulder Pork Roast
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Coarse Kosher Salt
- 4 large cloves Garlic
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix with a fork to create a seasoning rub.
- Slice garlic into 8-10 thin slivers.
- Make small slits in the pork roast and insert garlic slivers into the meat.
- Rub the prepared seasoning mix all over the pork roast.
- Place the seasoned pork roast into your crockpot or Instant Pot.
- Pour Worcestershire sauce evenly over the pork roast.
- For the slow cooker, cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check the doneness of the pork using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be between 195°F-205°F for easy shredding.
- If not fully cooked, extend the cooking time by 30 minutes in a slow cooker or 10 minutes in the pressure cooker.
- Once done, remove the bone and any excess fat from the pork.
- Use two forks to shred the meat.
- Stir in BBQ sauce to taste, mix well.
- Assemble the pork between the buns or bread.
- Add coleslaw if desired for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the pork marinate with the rub overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 592kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Protein | 45g |
| Cholesterol | 166g |
Variations To Help You Customise Your Dish!
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub for a fiery flavor. Drizzle with sriracha or a spicy BBQ sauce when serving.
- Sweet and Tangy: Replace Worcestershire sauce with apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice for a sweeter, tangy flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the rub for an earthy, herbaceous twist.
- Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika and a hickory-flavored BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky taste.
- Asian-Inspired: Substitute BBQ sauce with hoisin or teriyaki sauce and add a touch of ginger to the rub for a fusion twist.
