Pulled Pork Crock Pot with BBQ Sauce (2024)

Discover the secrets to creating the ultimate Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe! This irresistible pulled pork recipe is guaranteed to win everyone’s heart, with its perfect mix of spices that render the pork tender and bursting with flavor.

BBQ pulled pork is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any time of the year, especially during the Super Bowl and game day gatherings. It’s a delicious way to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen! If you are looking for more simple and easy pork recipes try my Cream of Chicken and Ranch Pork Chops and Easy Pork Loin recipes!

What makes this the best pulled pork crock pot?

This recipe claims the title of the best pulled pork crock pot version for a few good reasons. It has been a favorite at parties, potlucks, and any event it has ever been served at with raving fans.

• First off, the blend of mustard, apple cider, and Worcestershire sauce does more than just flavor the meat—it acts as a binder, helping the rub and brown sugar cling to every inch of the pork, which means every bite is infused with deliciousness.
• Then there’s the garlic; by slicing it and inserting it directly into the meat, those robust garlicky flavors really get into the heart of the roast.
• And let’s not forget about the liquid added to the mix; it creates a moist environment inside the crockpot, ensuring the pork stays juicy and tender without the need for pre-browning. All these steps come together to make a pulled pork that’s not just good, but great.

Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid?

You will be amazed at the amount of liquid that comes out of the pork while it cooks. There is no reason to add more liquid to the recipe. The liquid the pork releases makes the best sauce which infuses the meat when you pour it back over the meat at the end.

What is the best cut of meat for Pulled pork Crock Pot?

1. Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): This is the most commonly recommended cut for pulled pork. The pork shoulder, especially the Boston butt portion, has a good balance of fat and meat, making it ideal for slow cooking. It becomes incredibly tender and can be easily shredded after cooking.
2. Pork Picnic Shoulder: Also from the shoulder region but located below the Boston butt, the picnic shoulder is a bit tougher and has more connective tissue. It’s also a good option for pulled pork, especially if you’re looking for a slightly leaner cut than the Boston butt. It still has enough fat content to ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful.
3. Pork Loin: While not as fatty as the shoulder cuts, pork loin can be used for pulled pork if you’re looking for a leaner option. However, because it’s much leaner, it might not be as tender or flavorful as the shoulder cuts. It’s important to not overcook it to avoid dryness.

The key to perfect crock pot pulled pork is choosing a cut that can withstand long cooking times without drying out. Pork shoulder (pork butt) is generally the top choice because of its fat content and connective tissue, which melt away during cooking to create moist, tender, and flavorful meat.

Do you put BBQ sauce on pulled pork before cooking?

No, it’s not necessary to add BBQ sauce to the meat before cooking it in a crockpot. This approach offers flexibility in how you can use the cooked pork. By keeping the pork neutral in flavor during the cooking process, you open up a variety of meal options.

For instance, you can shred the pork and later decide to add BBQ sauce for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or you might opt for different seasonings to use the pork in tacos, salads, or even Asian-inspired dishes. I have tons of options below for how to use this crockpot pulled pork in so many different meals.

Plus, by adding sauces or seasonings after cooking, you can cater to individual tastes and dietary requirements, making your meal more adaptable to everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Crock Pot with BBQ Sauce

• Pork Shoulder: Chosen for its fat content that ensures a moist and tender result. Like I said before, pretty much any pork roast will do the trick. But if you want the good stuff, go for a shoulder cut like a Boston butt or a picnic roast. We’re keeping it simple with a 5-pounder for this recipe.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens and promotes a deliciously caramelized exterior.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning that amplifies the meat’s flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a simple, earthy heat to the seasoning blend.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a unique, savory tang to the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes acidity for balance and tenderness.
• Yellow Mustard: Injects a vinegary sharpness into the flavor mix.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuse the pork with flavor. I’ve got a trick where I slice up the roast and tuck little bits of garlic right inside. Talk about a flavor bomb!
• BBQ Rub: Provides a complex array of spices for a signature smokiness. I use a Hardcore Carnivore Sweet BBQ Seasoning but you can use any brand or make your own. I have a homemade BBQ Rub listed below.
• BBQ Sauce – Any BBQ sauce will work for this recipe so go ahead and pick your favorite. My favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce brings a deliciously rich flair to the table. And don’t forget KC Masterpiece Original Sauce, a classic choice that adds just the right zing and depth to your dish!

How to Make Pulled Pork Crock Pot

1. Prepare the Binding Mixture:
   • Mix together yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to create a base that will help the rub stick to the meat.
   • Brush this mixture onto all sides of the pork roast.
2. Insert Garlic for Flavor:
   • Slice the garlic into 8-10 slivers.
   • Cut slits into the pork roast and insert the garlic slivers into these cuts.
3. Apply the Dry Rub:
   • Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and BBQ rub in a bowl.
   • Rub this mixture into the meat, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
4. Slow Cook the Pork:
   • Place the prepared meat in the crockpot.
   • Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
5. Finish the Meat:
   • Carefully remove the meat from the crockpot, leaving the liquid behind.
   • Reserve one cup of the cooking liquid and discard the rest.
6. Shred and Sauce the Pork:
   • Shred the pork and return it to the crockpot.
   • Stir in ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid and 1 cup of BBQ sauce into the shredded meat for added flavor. You can add more cooking liquid and BBQ sauce to taste.
7. Serve Warm:
   • Serve the pulled pork directly from the crockpot, ready to delight your guests or family.

Homemade BBQ Rub for Pulled Pork Crock Pot

Creating your own BBQ rub is incredibly easy, often using seasonings you already have in your pantry, transforming them into a flavor-packed blend perfect for any barbecue dish.

• 2 tablespoons paprika, for color and mild sweetness
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, for smoky flavor
• 1 tablespoon black pepper, for heat
• 1 tablespoon salt, to enhance overall flavors
• 1 tablespoon chili powder, for a spicy kick
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, for savory notes
• 1 tablespoon onion powder, for depth
• 1 teaspoon cumin, for an earthy spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to adjust spiciness (optional)

In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. This BBQ rub will add a deliciously complex flavor profile to your pulled pork and can also be used on other meats or vegetables for grilling or roasting.

How to Serve Pulled Pork Crock Pot?

Serving BBQ pulled pork offers a range of delicious possibilities, suitable for casual meals or more festive gatherings. Here are some classic and creative ways to serve it:

• Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile pulled pork high on a soft bun, topped with coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce. This is perhaps the most iconic way to enjoy pulled pork.

• Platter Style: Serve the pulled pork as the main course alongside traditional sides like baked beans, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and a garden salad for a hearty meal.

• Pulled Pork Tacos: Stuff soft tortillas with pulled pork, topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for extra richness.
• Pulled Pork Wraps: Use large flour tortillas to wrap up pulled pork with lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and ranch or BBQ sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Pulled Pork Pizza: Use it as a topping on homemade pizzas, along with BBQ sauce, red onions, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and chives for a filling dish.

• BBQ Pulled Pork Salad: Toss pulled pork with mixed greens, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with ranch dressing mixed with a bit of BBQ sauce for a smoky salad dressing.

• Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve mini versions of the classic sandwich as appetizers or part of a buffet spread.
• Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, jalapeños, cheese, and drizzle with BBQ sauce and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Incorporate pulled pork into your favorite mac and cheese recipe for a smoky, savory twist.
• Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers: Mix pulled pork with rice, beans, and cheese, stuff into bell peppers, and bake until tender.

Remember, BBQ pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re keeping it simple with sandwiches or getting creative with tacos and pizzas, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious dish. Experiment with different accompaniments and find your favorite way to serve it!

Do I Need to Add Liquid to Pulled Pork Crock Pot with BBQ Sauce?

When making BBQ pulled pork in a crockpot, adding extra liquid is often unnecessary due to the pork shoulder’s natural fat and connective tissues, which release moisture as they cook. The crockpot’s sealed environment further ensures minimal moisture loss, maintaining a tender and moist texture. This method not only concentrates the flavors, making them richer but also avoids diluting the sauce, eliminating the need for additional steps to thicken it later. Designed to utilize the meat’s own juices, without the need for added liquids.

For instance, you can shred the pork and later decide to add BBQ sauce for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or you might opt for different seasonings to use the pork in tacos, salads, or even Asian-inspired dishes. This method allows the pork to be a versatile base that can be customized to fit a wide range of cuisines and preferences.

Plus, by adding sauces or seasonings after cooking, you can cater to individual tastes and dietary requirements, making your meal more adaptable to everyone at the table.

How long to cook pulled pork Crockpot BBQ?

The cooking time for Crockpot BBQ pulled pork can vary depending on the size of the pork cut and the setting used on your crockpot. Generally, for a tender and flavorful outcome, it’s recommended to cook the pork on the low setting for about 8 to 10 hours.

This slow cooking process allows the meat’s fibers to break down gradually, resulting in easily shreddable, moist pork. It’s important to ensure that the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 195°F (90°C) to ensure it’s tender enough to shred.

Fork- Test Trick

The best way in my experience that your Crockpot BBQ pulled pork is perfectly cooked is when the meat effortlessly falls apart or shreds easily with a fork, especially near the bone. This level of tenderness signifies that the connective tissues have properly broken down, ensuring the pork is not only safe to eat but also has reached the optimal texture for pulling. This fork-tender test is a reliable method, often more telling than specific cooking times since every crockpot and piece of meat is different!

How to Store Crock Pot Pulled Pork

• Cool Down: Allow the pulled pork to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate: Place the pulled pork in an airtight container. Pour a little of the cooking juices over the top to keep it moist. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze Crock Pulled Pork

• Prepare for Freezing: If you plan to freeze the pulled pork, it’s best to do so in smaller portions to make thawing easier. Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Add Juices: Just like storing, add a little of the cooking juices to each portion. This helps maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Label your bags or containers with the date and contents. Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Pulled Pork

• Refrigerated Pulled Pork: For best results, reheat pulled pork slowly in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of cooking juice or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also use the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Frozen Pulled Pork: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a quicker thaw, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to reheat it immediately after thawing to ensure food safety.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the pulled pork in a baking dish with a bit of juice or water, cover tightly with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 30 minutes for refrigerated pork and longer for frozen that’s been thawed).

Can you cook pulled pork crock pot overnight?

Given its lengthy cooking time, I find that letting it cook overnight is one of the best methods to ensure it has ample time to become perfectly tender and flavorful. Cooking this recipe overnight serves as an excellent strategy for meal prep or getting ready for a gathering. You wake up to a deliciously cooked dish, ready to be served or stored for the week ahead, or to ensure you have a crowd-pleasing meal ready with minimal day of preparation for your event.

Plus, there’s no need to serve it immediately; you can easily keep it on warm for a few hours or refrigerate the pulled pork until you’re ready to enjoy it, ensuring maximum flexibility and convenience for your meal planning.

Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and ease—there’s no need for the extra step of browning the meat. You can add the raw pork butt directly into the crockpot, layer on your seasonings, or rub, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

The low and slow cooking process ensures that the pork will become deliciously tender and flavorful, all while you go about your day without the fuss of pre-cooking. It’s the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it convenience, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a delectable meal with minimal kitchen effort.