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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker » Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Last updated: Nov 19, 2020 by Melissa Riker · 4 Comments

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Jump to Recipe
    text reading slow cooker pulled pork over photo of pulled pork sandwich on crumpled wax paper

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is an easy and delicious way to cook up a big batch of meat for recipes. With so many different ways to serve it, you'll want to make a batch each week!

    pulled pork sandwich on crumpled wax paper

    While you can make pulled pork in the oven, smoker, or stove, cooking it in a Crock Pot is by far the easiest and most hands-off method. I use my Crock Pot to make a big batch at least once or twice a month because it's such an affordable and versatile meat to add to recipes!

    What kind of meat to use

    Pulled pork is usually made with a pork shoulder. This is also labeled as a Boston Butt or Pork Butt in the grocery store. You can choose boneless or bone-in, either will work.

    For a leaner option a top loin roast will work but it won't be as moist as typical pulled pork.

    seasoned pork shoulder in slow cooker before cooking

    Do you need to sear the meat?

    I have made this recipe both with and without searing beforehand and I don't think you can really tell the difference after cooking.

    If you want to sear it on all sides before cooking, by all means do, but if you're like me you can just opt to skip that step to make it faster and have one less pan to clean!

    Seasoning options

    There are TON of options for seasoning pulled pork, everyone has a favorite and it is fun to experiment. My basic blend has the following (full recipe at the bottom of the post.)

    • brown sugar
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • chili powder
    • kosher salt
    • paprika
    • cumin

    If you want a more central American flavor, check out my slow cooker carnitas, instant pot carnitas recipe, or CrockPot chicken carnitas. You might also like this Slow Cooker London Broil from our sister site!

    overhead view of pulled pork in slow cooker with spoon scooping some up

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do you cook the meat?

    Once you have rubbed your seasoning all over the meat, place it in the slow cooker fat side up (no additional liquid is required) and cook on low for at least 8 hours or high at least 6 hours. Make sure the inner temperature of the pork reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

    How do you shred the meat?

    When the pork is done I like to use a large spoon to remove the fat layer from the rest of the roast. It comes off quite easily. After cooking for so long you can then easily use two forks to shred the pork right in the slow cooker. Mix it up with all the juices that are in the Crock Pot and serve nice and hot!
    I have also heard of people using a stand mixer (affiliate link) to shred the pork like I do with shredding chicken but again, I think it is easier to use two forks rather than removing the meat to another bowl.

    How to serve pulled pork?

    This is the fun part, you can serve it SO many ways!
    with BBQ sauce on a nice big bun
    tacos
    nachos
    with mac and cheese
    burritos
    burrito bowls
    omelets
    on a salad
    on a baked potato or baked sweet potato
    in soup
    quesadillas
    wrapped in crescent rolls
    taquitos
    on pizza
    on hot dogs or brats
    in shepherd's pie
    in stuffed peppers

    pulled pork sandwich on crumpled wax paper with slow cooker in the background

    I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

    Print
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    pulled pork sandwich on crumpled wax paper

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Melissa Riker
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 8 hours
    • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
    • Yield: 12 1x
    • Category: meat
    • Method: slow cooker
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is an easy and delicious way to cook up a big batch of meat for recipes. With so many different ways to serve it, you'll want to make a batch each week!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 pound pork shoulder
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon cumin
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    Instructions

    1. In a small bowl, combine all the spice and mix.
    2. Rub spice mixture on all sides of the pork shoulder and place in the slow cooker fat side up.
    3. Cook on high for at least 6 hours or low at least 8 hours or until interior temperature is 190 degrees Fahrenheit and pork shreds easily.
    4. Remove fat layer from pork with a large spoon.
    5. Use two forks to shred the meat and mix in with the juices in the slow cooker.
    6. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • You can sear the pork on all side before doing the spice rub if desired.
    • Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days or freezer 3 months.

    Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork

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    Comments

    1. Rebecca Payne says

      November 11, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      I can't wait to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        November 11, 2020 at 6:57 pm

        I just made this again last week, I hope you like it as much as I do!

        Reply
    2. Barb says

      August 19, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Roni says

      August 19, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      Had this tonight and it was delicious!!!

      Reply

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