Hey There!
Welcome back to my kitchen! Get ready to dive into a recipe that’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and one of my personal go-to’s for effortless entertaining: Crockpot Pulled Pork. This dish has everything—fall-apart tender meat, bold flavors, and the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or planning a low-key family dinner, this recipe is a winner.
Hook: Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of smoky, savory pulled pork just waiting to be piled onto warm buns. Let’s make it happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Great for meal prep—pulled pork reheats beautifully and can be used in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.
- Made in the crockpot, freeing up your time and keeping your kitchen cool.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt): This cut has the perfect fat ratio for meltingly tender pulled pork.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for a personal touch.
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth: Helps keep the pork juicy as it slow cooks.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds that irresistible smoky depth.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!
- 1 tsp onion powder: For an extra savory kick.
- 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Basic seasonings to round out the flavors.
- Optional: 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper: If you like a little heat!
Pro Tips
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, but you can add a splash of liquid smoke for the same effect.
- No broth? Water works, but broth adds a richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but don’t go overboard—you want to leave some fat for extra juiciness.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder to completely coat it.
- Place the pork shoulder in your crockpot. Pour the broth around it (not on top), then drizzle about half of the BBQ sauce over the pork.
- Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours. The pork is ready when it’s so tender that it practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork.
- Once done, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large chunks of fat as you go.
- Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix it with the cooking juices and remaining BBQ sauce. Let it warm on low for another 15-20 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- If you’re short on time, cut the pork shoulder into 2-3 large chunks. This helps it cook faster.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the crockpot for a tangy twist.
- Don’t skip the resting time at the end—it allows the pork to reabsorb some of those flavorful juices.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
- Sweet and savory: Swap the brown sugar for honey, or add a splash of pineapple juice.
- Mexican-inspired: Use taco seasoning and lime juice instead of BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve pulled pork on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw for the ultimate sandwich.
- Stuff into soft tortillas, top with pico de gallo, and make amazing pulled pork tacos.
- Use it as a pizza topping along with red onion, barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No crockpot? No problem! You can make this in a Dutch oven. Cook it covered at 300°F in the oven for about 4-5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Pork shoulder is ideal, but pork loin works for a leaner option. Just note that it may not be quite as tender.
Printable Recipe Card
Coming soon: Click “Print” to save this recipe for later!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to make this delicious Crockpot Pulled Pork? I promise, it’s going to become a fast family favorite. When you try it, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy cooking!
