Sweet and tangy, sticky and savory, this easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork might just be the ultimate family meal! Best of all, it only takes a few minutes of prep and your crock pot does the rest.

If you need it done now and quickly, grab my Instant Pot Pork Shoulder recipe!

 

Taste and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors with this pulled pork infused with Dr. Pepper! Every bite of tender, slow-cooked pork is injected with a blend of spices plus the iconic soda, creating a taste of sweetness and depth. The soda not only infuses its signature flavor but also aids in tenderizing the meat, ensuring a juicy and rich flavor. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or a creative twist to your regular meal rotations, this pulled pork recipe is simple and gourmet all in one.

Serve it piled high on a toasted bun, or get creative, making it a versatile star ingredient in tacos, salads, or whatever your culinary heart desires. Alternatively, swap out the pork for our mouthwatering beef barbacoa for a fabulous twist on this classic recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

• Delicious: The pork is tenderized and infused with the sweet and savory essence of Dr. Pepper, spices, and a homemade BBQ sauce, delivering tons of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Set it and forget it! This recipe requires minimal prep, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring perfectly tender, flavorful pulled pork every time.
• Versatile: The pulled pork can be enjoyed on buns, nachos, or cornbread, making it a fit for various meal settings and preferences.
• Customizable: Tweak the homemade Dr. Pepper-infused BBQ sauce to suit your tastes, giving each batch a personalized touch so everyone at the table is satisfied.

Pulled Pork Ingredients

You might be thinking, “Dr. Pepper? Seriously?”. I know that may not earn this slow cooker pulled pork the title of “healthiest dish” anytime soon, but it could just earn it the title of “yummiest pulled pork ever!” The deep, unique sweetness of the soda is a fantastic pairing with pork and barbecue.

For the Pork

• Pork Shoulder: I used a medium pork shoulder, between 3 and 4 pounds.
• Onion: Thinly slice an onion – any kind is fine.
• Seasonings: You’ll need sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dr. Pepper: One standard can.

For the Barbecue Sauce

• Dr. Pepper: Another standard-sized can of Dr. Pepper forms the base of the barbecue sauce. You could also use root beer or regular Coke for this recipe – whichever appeals most to you!
• Ketchup: I use sugar-free ketchup for this recipe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: For depth of flavor and a great tanginess.
• Light Brown Sugar: Or maple syrup, or honey.
• Tomato Paste: Make sure to use paste, not sauce – tomato paste is thicker, with a more powerful flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This handy condiment packs a punch of flavor in just a couple of tablespoons!
• Seasonings: More paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

What Is the Best Cut of Meat for Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker?

Boneless pulled pork is the classic, and you can also find it sold as a pork butt, pork shoulder picnic, or Boston butt. This cut comes bone-in or boneless. Whichever you use is up to your taste and preference.

How to Make Pulled Pork In Slow Cooker

Most of the cooking happens in your slow cooker, which is so convenient. Then, at the end of the cooking time, you’ll need to heat the barbecue sauce in a saucepan before adding it to the pork. Easy!

1. Season the Pork. To begin, mix the pork shoulder seasonings together in a small dish. Grab the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning all over the shoulder.
2. Arrange the Onions, Pork, and Dr. Pepper in the Slow Cooker. Next, spritz the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray and add the onions to the bottom. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions, and pour the Dr. Pepper all around it.
3. Cook. Place the lid on the slow cooker, and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours on LOW.
4. Heat Up the Barbecue Sauce. When the pork is almost ready, combine all of the barbecue sauce ingredients in a deep pot or a large pan. Whisk together and simmer gently over medium heat for a minute or two. Then lower the heat and let it cook slowly for 20 to 30 minutes or until thickened. Make sure to stir occasionally so the sauce doesn’t burn.
5. Finish the Dish. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust as needed. Then, take the cooked pork out of the slow cooker and shred it with two forks or meat shredders. Return the pork to the slow cooker, pour the barbecue sauce on top, and shred some more until everything is well mixed.
6. Enjoy! Serve this any way you like – on sandwiches, in tacos, salads, you name it.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork is really versatile. You can serve it as a main course with a few sides, pile it onto buns for sandwiches, or even use it to make some sweet and spicy nachos! Perfect for a picnic or family dinner, pork goes so well with these quick baked beans with smoked sausage. Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This easy recipe for baked macaroni with feta cheese has all the delicious details. Nothing goes with pulled pork better than creamy, crunchy, classic southern coleslaw and this authentic recipe will have everyone coming back for more.

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Perfect, because this dish is even tastier on the second day! Place your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat the pulled pork, place the desired portion in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat. Let it warm up until it’s hot all the way through, and you’re ready to go. You could also reheat it in the microwave, if you prefer. 

More Savory Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast
• Crock Pot Asian Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
• Crock Pot Pork Loin