Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: Effortless Comfort Food for Busy Families

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Making slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is easy and tasty. You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to prep. You can cook tender, juicy pork in your crockpot with minimal effort.

The meat is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce and spices to customize the flavor. After cooking, just shred the pork and mix it with sauce. It’s that simple to make a crowd-pleasing meal.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make slow cooker BBQ pulled pork:

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Don’t worry if you’re missing an item or two. You can easily swap things out.

No pork shoulder? Try using a pork loin or beef brisket instead. They’ll give you a different flavor, but still taste great.

Out of apple cider vinegar? Regular white vinegar works too. Or you could use lemon juice for a zesty kick.

Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. It won’t change the taste much.

No brown sugar? White sugar or honey can step in. They’ll add that touch of sweetness you’re looking for.

Feel free to play around with the spices. Add some chili powder for heat or swap the paprika for smoked paprika to bump up the smoky flavor.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things!

Instructions

Start by rubbing your pork shoulder with a mix of spices. Place it in your slow cooker.

Pour in some apple juice or broth for moisture. Mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, and chicken broth, then add this to the cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F.

Remove the pork and let it rest for 20-60 minutes. This helps the juices spread evenly through the meat.

Shred the pork using two forks. It should fall apart easily.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid. This adds more flavor and keeps the meat moist.

Serve your pulled pork on buns or as desired. You can add extra BBQ sauce if you like.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cut your pork into 6 even pieces before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and faster in the slow cooker.

Season the meat well with salt and pepper. You can also use a barbecue dry rub for extra flavor.

Don’t add too much liquid. The pork will release its own juices as it cooks.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat is done when it easily pulls apart with a fork.

Let the pork rest for 20-60 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Shred the pork using two forks. It should fall apart easily.

Add some cooking liquid back to the shredded meat to keep it moist. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm in a pan with a little extra BBQ sauce or in the microwave.