Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 4, 2025

Are you looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe! Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or family dinners, this dish combines tender pork shoulder, savory spices, and rich barbecue sauce for a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and comforting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Picture this: succulent pulled pork nestled in soft, toasted buns, topped with crunchy coleslaw, all drizzled with your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is sure to become a household favorite. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is not just about great taste; it’s about convenience and versatility too. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love making it:

Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma of BBQ pulled pork after a long day!
Flavorful and Tender: The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb all the flavors from the spices and sauces, resulting in incredibly tender meat that’s easy to shred.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prepping. You can easily store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices and BBQ sauce to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavor, this recipe can be tailored to your liking.
Great for Entertaining: Serve this pulled pork at parties or family gatherings. It’s sure to please both adults and kids alike!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out this Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is not only about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s also about the experience of cooking and sharing with loved ones. Here’s why you should give it a go:

Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough for children to enjoy while still being satisfying for adults. Add some coleslaw, and you have a complete meal that everyone will love.
Budget-Friendly: Pork shoulder is an economical cut of meat, making this recipe a great option for those on a budget. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank!
Healthy Option: By controlling the ingredients and the amount of sauce used, you can create a healthier version of pulled pork compared to store-bought options.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a football party or a summer barbecue, this pulled pork will be the star of the show. Just watch it disappear as guests pile it high on their buns!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need for the Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe:

Ingredients

4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Buns for serving
Coleslaw for serving (optional)

Recommended Tools

Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
Large skillet for searing
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Two forks for shredding

Having these ingredients and utensils ready will set you up for success in creating a delicious Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get into the cooking process. Follow these detailed steps to create your Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork:

Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This will help reduce greasiness. If necessary, cut the pork into large chunks for easier placement in the slow cooker.
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork pieces and sear them on all sides until they are browned. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor to the pork.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. This will create a flavorful base for your pulled pork.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seared pork in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the flavorful juices and sauce. Ensure every piece is coated well.
Serve: Serve the BBQ pulled pork on buns, topped with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for BBQ pulled pork?

The best cuts for BBQ pulled pork are pork shoulder or pork butt, as they contain sufficient fat, which ensures tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

Can I use a different type of sauce for pulled pork?

Absolutely! You can use any BBQ sauce that you enjoy, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, to suit your taste preference.

How long does pulled pork last in the refrigerator?

Cooked pulled pork can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Yes! Pulled pork freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

What can I serve with BBQ pulled pork?

BBQ pulled pork pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is not just an easy meal option; it’s a delicious way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and tender texture, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.

We hope you give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts and any variations you made. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends or on social media! For more delicious ideas, check out this Korean BBQ Beef Bites. Happy cooking!