Hey Foodies! If you’re looking for a heart winning dinner, this Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe is a must-try. It delivers tender, juicy pork that’s packed with flavor and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty family meal. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is with just a few ingredients, a slow cook, and you get melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
I first tried making this pulled pork in a Crock-Pot, and it was amazing, but a friend suggested trying it in a roaster oven as well. Inspired by their tip, I experimented with both methods, and honestly, you can’t go wrong either way Baby. Whether you want the convenience of the Crock-Pot or the slightly richer flavor of oven-roasted pork, this recipe has you covered.
You can serve it straight from the slow cooker for an easy weeknight meal, shred it for sandwiches, or even dress it up for a weekend gathering. Plus, the combination of simple seasoning and slow cooking brings out the natural juiciness of the pork, making every bite flavorful and unforgettable.
Tips & Things to Know Before Making This Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe
Before you start cooking, there are a few things that can make a huge difference in your pulled pork crock pot recipe.
- Choose the Right Cut: Use a pork shoulder or pork butt for the juiciest, most tender pulled pork.
- Pick Your Cooking Method: The Crock-Pot is perfect for a hands-off approach, while a roaster oven gives a slightly richer, oven-roasted flavor. Both work beautifully.
- Season Generously: A simple spice rub or a touch of BBQ sauce brings out the natural flavor of the pork. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices.
- Cook Low and Slow: Honestly people! Patience pays off. Slow cooking ensures tender, shreddable meat. Rushing the process can make the pork dry.
- Think About Serving: Pulled pork is versatile so serve it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a main dish. Add your personal touches like extra spice or your favorite sauce to make it memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe
Here is the list of very simple ingredients You’ll need to make this tender, juicy, and mouth watering pulled pork recipe.
- Pork shoulder or pork butt – the star of the dish, tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- BBQ sauce – adds sweet, tangy flavor and keeps the pork moist. you can use store-bought or make your own. For a flavorful homemade version, check out this easy BBQ sauce recipe.
- Spice rub – a mix of your favorite seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Onion – adds depth and aroma to the cooking liquid.
- Garlic – for a subtle, savory kick.
- Apple cider vinegar or liquid – balances flavors and helps tenderize.
You can get the amount of ingredients from the recipe card given below.
How to Make Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot (Step-By-Step)
Here’s the recipe for juicy, tender pulled pork using a Crock-Pot. The slow cooking really brings out the flavor, and the aroma will have everyone asking, “When’s dinner ready?” Follow these friendly, step-by-step instructions to get it just right.
- I start by trimming any extra fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt, then rub my favorite spice mix all over. I like to really press it into the meat so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the Crock-Pot. They act like a flavor bed and keep the pork moist as it cooks. I always sneak a little taste of the onions, I can’t resist baby HA HA!
- Pour in BBQ sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar or cooking liquid. This combination keeps the pork juicy and adds that perfect tangy-sweet balance.
- I set the Crock-Pot on low and let it work its magic for several hours. The smell filling the kitchen is half the fun & patience here really pays off with tender, shreddable meat.
- Once it’s done, remove the pork and shred it with forks, mixing it back into the juices and sauce. Serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
How to Make Pulled Pork in a Roaster Oven?
For slightly rich flavor lovers, the roaster oven method is perfect. I love this approach for weekend meals when I have a bit more time. The smell of slow-roasting pork fills the kitchen and builds so much anticipation.
- Just like with the Crock-Pot, remove any extra fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt, Personally I prefer Pork Butt and rub it generously with your favorite spice mix. Press the seasoning into the meat to make every bite flavorful.
- Lay sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the roaster oven. They caramelize slightly while cooking and add a wonderful depth of flavor to the pork.
- Pour over BBQ sauce and a little apple cider vinegar or any cooking liquid. This keeps the pork moist and infuses it with that signature sweet-tangy taste.
- Cover the roaster oven and cook at a moderate temperature, checking occasionally. The pork slowly browns on the outside while staying juicy inside & the aroma alone is irresistible.
- Once tender, I remove the pork and shred it with forks, mixing it with the cooking juices. Serve in sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish, and enjoy the slightly deeper, roasted flavor that sets this method apart.
Nutrition Facts for Pulled Pork Crock-Pot Recipe (7 Servings)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients per serving so you can enjoy your pulled pork while keeping track of calories and macros.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
| Protein | 32 g | 64% |
| Total Fat | 20 g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 4 g | — |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 650 mg | 28% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Pulled Pork Crock pot recipe
I’ve made this pulled pork so many times, and honestly, the way you serve it can turn a simple meal into something everyone remembers. Whether it’s Crock-Pot pulled pork or oven-roasted pork, these are my favorite ways to enjoy it…
Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I love piling the shredded pork onto soft buns, adding a bit of coleslaw, and drizzling BBQ sauce. It’s my go-to for weeknight dinners, and my family always asks for seconds.
Pulled Pork Tacos
On busy evenings, I throw some juicy pulled pork into corn or flour tortillas, top with avocado and salsa, and it instantly feels festive like taco night, but in a better way.
Pulled Pork Pizza
For a fun twist, I sometimes swap out tomato sauce for BBQ sauce, add the shredded pork, onions, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Believe me people! It’s always a hit with friends when we do pizza night.
Pulled Pork Salad
On lighter days, I mix shredded pork into greens, corn, beans, and avocado. A drizzle of BBQ sauce or vinaigrette adds the perfect flavor boost and it feels like a meal and a treat at the same time.
Pulled Pork Sliders or Wraps
Whenever we have a party, I make sliders or wraps so everyone can sample the pork without waiting for a full plate. It’s fun, casual, and disappears fast.
Serve it with Mexican Slaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast or pair it with Arroz Blanco for a hearty, satisfying meal, or enjoy it alongside roasted Air Fryer Asparagus for a light and healthy side. No matter how you serve it, these combinations make every bite flavorful and complete.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Juicy Pulled Pork
One of the best things about this pulled pork Crockpot recipe is how flexible it is. You can make it ahead of time, store it, and still enjoy that juicy, tender flavor later. I often cook extra on weekends so we have ready-to-go meals during busy weekdays. Here’s what I’ve learned works best
After cooking, let the pulled pork cool slightly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Honestly, I’ve found that letting it rest overnight actually makes the flavors even richer. For longer storage, portion the pork into freezer-safe containers or bags, and when you need a quick meal, simply thaw and reheat it.
To keep your slow-cooked or oven-roasted pork juicy, reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a little bit of the cooking juices or BBQ sauce. Even a microwave works in a pinch, just make sure to add a splash of liquid so it doesn’t dry out.
Pulled Pork Flavor Variations You Need to Try
There are so many ways to customize this pulled pork crockpot recipe to suit your taste. From flavors to cooking methods, these variations let you make juicy pulled pork exactly how you like it.
Classic BBQ Pulled Pork
The sweet and tangy BBQ pulled pork is a crowd favorite. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders, it’s the version I make most often for family dinners.
Spicy Pulled Pork
Add chili powder or cayenne for a little kick. This spicy pulled pork is ideal if you love bold flavors that make your meal exciting.
Sweet & Savory Pulled Pork
A touch of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup gives the pork a subtle caramelized flavor. This variation is perfect for a slightly sweeter, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Garlic & Herb Pulled Pork
Fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme elevate the flavor to something fragrant and aromatic. I love this version when I want my pulled pork to feel extra special.
Cooking Method Variations
- Crock-Pot Pulled Pork: Hands-off, slow-cooked, and incredibly tender.
- Roaster Oven Pulled Pork: Gives a deeper, roasted flavor that’s perfect for weekend meals.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Quick, pressure-cooked, but still juicy and shreddable.
Final Thoughts on Pulled Pork Crock-Pot Recipe & Roaster Oven Recipe
So people! Whether you’re making a pulled pork crock-pot recipe for a hands-off weeknight dinner or trying the roaster oven version for a slightly deeper roasted flavor, this recipe is all about tender, juicy meat and endless versatility. I love how easy it is to customize with different spices, sauces, and serving ideas from sandwiches to tacos, salads, or even pizza. Slow-cooked or roasted, each bite is packed with flavor and perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Enjoy Your Pulled Pork & Share the Love
Give it a try, and I promise this pulled pork crock pot recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen too. I hope you enjoy every bite of this juicy pulled pork recipe. I’d love to hear how much you enjoyed it. Show your love by rating this recipe or tagging it on Pinterest when you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it better to cook pulled pork in the oven or a Crock-Pot?
Both methods work well, but it depends on your preference. Crock-Pot pulled pork is slow-cooked, tender, and hands-off, making it ideal for busy days. Oven-roasted pork develops a slightly deeper roasted flavor and crispy edges. Either way, low and slow cooking ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
Q2: How long should pulled pork cook in a Crock-Pot for best results?
For tender, shreddable pork, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Slow cooking breaks down the fibers in the pork shoulder, giving you the perfect texture for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Q3: What is the 3-2-1 method for making pulled pork?
The 3-2-1 method is a barbecue technique: smoke the pork for 3 hours, wrap it and cook for 2 hours, then unwrap and cook for 1 hour. It’s traditionally used on smokers but can inspire oven or roaster oven timing for juicy pulled pork.
Q4: What’s the secret to making moist, juicy pulled pork?
The key is low and slow cooking with some liquid, like broth, apple juice, or BBQ sauce. Also, letting the pork rest before shredding helps the juices redistribute, keeping your pulled pork tender and flavorful.
Q5: What liquids work best for pulled pork in the oven?
Apple juice, broth, cola, or a combination of vinegar and BBQ sauce work best. These liquids keep the pork moist during roasting and add flavor, making your oven-roasted pulled pork tender and delicious.
Q6: Can I make pulled pork ahead of time and how do I store it?
Yes! Cooked pulled pork can be refrigerated for 2–3 days in an airtight container or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a little cooking liquid or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe – Slow-Cooked, Easy & Juicy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the pork by trimming excess fat from pork shoulder or Butt and season it properly with spices.
- In Crock-Pot Method, Place pork inside the Crock-Pot, pour over BBQ sauce and vinegar over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
- Pork should easily pull apart. So, keep checking as this is an important step to get perfect texture.
- Remove pulled pork from crock pot, let it rest 10 minutes, then shred properly using two forks.
- If you don’t have crock pot available, no worries, use roaster oven. Place seasoned pork in roaster oven, cover, and slow-cook at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and pair this masterpiece with sides like Mexican Slaw, Arroz Blanco, or roasted asparagus.
Notes
- Cooking times vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder or Pork Butt.
- For the juicier meat, I let it rest before shredding.
- Pulled pork crock pot recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.