Crockpot Pulled Pork served on a bun with coleslaw

Crockpot Pulled Pork

Ever had a pulled pork sandwich that makes your taste buds dance with joy?

Nothing beats the rich aroma of Crockpot Pulled Pork filling your kitchen as it simmers slowly throughout the day. This recipe is a game-changer, perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a savory, succulent dish that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me; you’ll want to dive right in!

Why make this recipe

You’re going to love this recipe for a few reasons:

  • Effortless Cleanup: Who enjoys scrubbing pots and pans after cooking? Not me! This is a one-pot wonder!
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this pulled pork is sure to impress.
  • Budget-Friendly: Psst… it’s affordable! Pork shoulder is generally easy on the wallet while still boasting mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

  • 1 pork shoulder (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Directions:

  1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot on top of the onion and garlic.
  4. Pour the barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  6. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
  8. Serve on buns, in tacos, or over rice.

Crockpot Pulled Pork

How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork (Overview)

Let’s break it down, shall we? This is as easy as it gets.

Step 1: Start by layering those delicious onions and garlic in the crockpot; they’ll infuse the pork with amazing flavors.

Step 2: Give that pork shoulder a good rub-down with your spices. Trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 3: Toss it all into the crockpot, pour on the sauces, and let it work its magic for a good 8-10 hours.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the slow cooking. It’s really the secret to that fall-apart tender goodness!

How to serve Crockpot Pulled Pork

This pulled pork screams for creative serving ideas!

  • Sandwiches: Pile it high on a soft bun with crunchy coleslaw for a delightful contrast.
  • Tacos: Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime to really jazz it up.
  • Bowls: Serve it over rice or quinoa, and add a variety of toppings like avocado or cherry tomatoes.

Picture the juicy pulled pork, semi-sweet barbecue sauce, and the crunch of fresh toppings—it’s pure comfort food!

How to store Crockpot Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork? Yes please! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easy meals later.

To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to make Crockpot Pulled Pork

  • Timing: If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4-6 hours, but low and slow is definitely best!
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to change up the sauce. Try something spicy or a sweet and tangy style to switch things up!
  • Texture Tips: For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Variation

Want to change the flavor? Try these variations:

  • Vegan Options: Swap the pork shoulder for jackfruit or a hearty mushroom mix for a plant-based twist.
  • Heat It Up: Add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like a kick!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! You can use pork loin, but keep in mind it might not be as tender.

2. How do I make it in advance?
You can prepare the pork and store it in the fridge before cooking. Just toss it in the crockpot when you’re ready!

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Just make sure it cools down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Crockpot Pulled Pork

A savory and succulent pulled pork dish that's easy to make in a crockpot, perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 piece pork shoulder (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 piece onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot on top of the onion and garlic.
  4. Pour the barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  2. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
  3. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve on buns, in tacos, or over rice.

Notes

For best flavor, consider creative serving options like adding crunchy coleslaw to sandwiches or fresh toppings to tacos. Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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