Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: The Easiest Comfort Food

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. Oh, how we love this recipe! When we think of Sunday dinners, nothing screams family quite like the smell of tender, juicy pulled pork simmering away in the crockpot. This recipe reminds us of simpler times, family picnics in the park, and the joy of sharing a meal cooked with love. Preparing Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories.

We started making this for our families years ago, tweaking the recipe until it reached perfection. Now we’re so excited to share our version of this classic comfort food with you! It’s the perfect easy pork sandwich filling for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

There’s just something magical about Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the table! It’s comfort food dinner at its finest, made even more convenient with a slow cooker.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have the most tender, flavorful shredded pork recipe imaginable. We love that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe tastes amazing, and it is also incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft buns with coleslaw, pile it on nachos, or even add it to tacos. The possibilities are endless!

Why is our recipe special? We use a unique blend of spices and a secret ingredient (a touch of balsamic vinegar!) that elevates the flavor to a whole other level. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, and we’re so happy to be sharing it with you.

Ingredients Needed for This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

• For the Pork:

* 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast) * 1 tbsp olive oil

• For the Rub:

* 2 tbsp smoked paprika * 1 tbsp garlic powder * 1 tbsp onion powder * 1 tbsp brown sugar * 1 tsp chili powder * 1 tsp cumin * 1 tsp salt * ½ tsp black pepper

• For the BBQ Sauce:

* 1 ½ cups ketchup * ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar * ¼ cup brown sugar * 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce * 1 tbsp Dijon mustard * 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (our secret ingredient!) * 1 tsp smoked paprika * ½ tsp garlic powder * ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

How to Make This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. 2. Rub the Pork: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

1. 3. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds great flavor!

1. 4. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). For a sweeter flavor, you can try our recipes for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Orange Marmalade Bbq or Bbq Chicken Pizza 2

1. 5. Slow Cook: Place the seared pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, making sure it’s well coated.

1. 6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer you cook it, the more tender it will be!

1. 7. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork.

1. 8. Combine and Serve: Pour some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the shredded pork, reserving the rest for serving. Toss to combine. Now you have an easy pork sandwich filling! We recommend serving it warm on your favorite buns. If you love the flavor of buffalo, you may want to try our Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili!

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How to Serve This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is fantastic served on soft hamburger buns with a generous scoop of coleslaw. It’s also delicious piled high on nachos with melted cheese, jalapenos, and sour cream.

Why not try using it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas? You can also serve it over cornbread with a side of baked beans for a classic southern meal.

Don’t forget your favorite BBQ sauce on the side! It is also a great option for a potluck!

How to Store This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

To store leftovers of this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a little extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.

Tips to Make This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

• Pork Shoulder: Don’t skimp on the cut of meat. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt roast) is the best choice for pulled pork because it has plenty of fat, which renders down and keeps the pork moist and tender during slow cooking.
• Spice Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in the rub to your liking. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
• Searing: Searing the pork before slow cooking is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Slow Cooker: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make this in the oven. Cook the pork in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s very tender.

Helpful Notes for This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Don’t skip it!
• Balsamic Vinegar: Our secret ingredient! It adds a depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that you won’t find in other pulled pork recipes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the BBQ sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Using smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.

Variation of This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

• Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork: Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in the BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

We hope you love this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe as much as we do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal to share with your family and friends. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Buon appetito, and enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork!

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