When weeknights are hectic this 2-ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is the answer. Just dump the pork roast and your favorite BBQ sauce in a slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The result - a pork dinner that is tender, flavorful, and hassle-free. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, tacos, pizza and more.
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Easy slow cooker dinner recipes
Slow Cooker dinner recipes are a quick and easy way to have dinner ready after a busy day. Just throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, turn it on, and you are all set. When you get home, the house will smell delicious, and with a few sides, you will have a delicious no-fuss dinner the whole family will love.
I love the variety of dishes you can make with your crock pot. Favorites of mine include comfort food dinners like tender Eye of Round Roast, Cube Steak and Gravy, and a creamy White Chicken Chili.
Why you'll love this recipe for BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker
Easy Recipe: All you need are 2 ingredients, a pork shoulder roast (Boston butt) and your favorite barbecue sauce, and a few minutes of prep time. Add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the rest.
Versatile: Enjoy pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, pair it with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob for some easy comfort food, or add it to a salad for a lighter option.
Tender, Juicy Pork: Slow cooking ensures the pork is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It breaks down the meat, making it easy to shred and perfect for absorbing the tangy barbecue sauce.
Easy Meal Prep: Make a large batch and use the leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Pulled pork also freezes well, so you can store portions for future meals, saving time and effort on busy days.
Ingredients
This Crock Pot Pulled Pork BBQ is as simple as it gets, yet it delivers incredible flavor and tenderness. With just two simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.
Pork: The best cut of pork for slow cooker pulled pork is the shoulder roast, also known as Boston butt. This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking because it has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue, breaking it down into juicy, tender, and flavorful pulled pork. The marbling in the pork shoulder ensures that the meat stays moist and delicious throughout the cooking process.
Barbecue Sauce: The BBQ sauce for pulled pork in the slow cooker is an important element as it infuses the meat with flavor as it cooks. Choose your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce be it tangy, sweet, smoky, or spicy sauce.
How to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker
Preparing pulled pork in a slow cooker is easy with this foolproof recipe that guarantees tender, flavorful results every time.
- Trim your pork shoulder roast of any excess fat. leave a little on for richer flavor. Place pork in your slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce over the top.
- Ready to cook! Set on high and cook for 6-7 hours. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your roast and your slow cooker.
- When cooking is complete, remove the lid and discard the bone, if any. It should be falling apart and be fork tender.
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. I like to use a slotted spoon to ensure I get all the meat from the sauce. Use 2 forks or pulled pork meat claws and shred the pork.
Once shredded, you can return it to the crock pot and let it absorb more of the barbecue sauce or leave as is and use it in your favorite dishes. See some delicious ways to use BBQ pulled pork below.
Believe me, this 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, hassle-free meal. Just put it in the slow cooker in the morning and by the time you get home, your house will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma and ready to serve. Each bite is packed with savory, tender goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe tips
Trim the Extra Fat: While it's important to leave some fat on the pork shoulder for moisture and flavor, trim off some of the excess fat from the cap. This prevents the dish from becoming overly greasy while still keeping the rich, succulent taste that makes pulled pork so delicious.
Internal Temperature: For the best texture, cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 195°F. This ensures the meat is tender and easy to shred. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Resting Time: After the pork is done cooking, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.
Shredding the Meat: Use two forks or meat shredding claws to pull the pork apart. This method makes it extremely easy and gives you nice even shredding.
Recipe variations
One of the best things about this 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is how easy it is to modify the recipe. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Plain Pulled Pork: For a simpler version, omit the BBQ sauce altogether. The slow-cooked pork will be tender and flavorful on its own, allowing you to season it as you like or use it as a base for other dishes.
Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a kick to your pulled pork by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferences for a pork dish that packs a punch.
Cooking Liquid: Experiment with different liquids to infuse your pulled pork with unique flavors. Substitute half or all of the BBQ sauce with beer, root beer, apple juice, Coca-Cola, or Dr Pepper.
Ways to use BBQ pulled pork
BBQ pulled pork can be used in a variety of dishes for delicious and satisfying meals.
Sandwiches: The classic way to enjoy BBQ pulled pork is piled high on a soft bun, topped with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite sandwich toppings. It's a hearty option for lunch or dinner.
Sliders: Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, BBQ pulled pork sliders are mini versions of the classic sandwich. Serve the barbecue pork on small slider buns or dinner rolls with a side of coleslaw for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Nachos: Transform your pulled pork into a fun and tasty appetizer by using it as a topping for nachos. Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite nacho toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check out this easy Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos version.
Tacos: Make BBQ pulled pork tacos for taco night by filling soft or hard taco shells with the pulled pork, then adding your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado. It's one of the easiest meals for game day.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Make Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes by filling baked white potatoes or sweet potatoes with shredded pork, then adding your favorite toppings like barbecue sauce, cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos. It's an easy pulled pork recipe that's packed with flavor.
Bowls: Create a BBQ pulled pork bowl by serving the pork over a base of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Add vegetables like corn, black beans, and coleslaw, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
What to serve with pulled BBQ pork
Pairing your BBQ pulled pork with the right side dishes can make the meal. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your savory, slow-cooked pulled pork:
Bread - Cornbread, Biscuits, or Texas Toast
Sides - Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad, or French Fries
Wine - Even with a simple meal like BBQ pulled pork, you can enjoy a glass of wine that will complement the dish perfectly. Here are some wine suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Red Wine: Opt for a nice full-bodied red wine such as a Zinfandel. Its bold flavors and rich tannins stand up well to the hearty pulled pork.
- Sweet Wine: Consider a slightly sweeter wine to complement the barbecue sauce, such as Cecchi Chianti Classico or a Rosé. These wines have a balanced sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory pork.
- White Wine: For white wine lovers, try the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, especially if your BBQ sauce is on the spicy side. The slight sweetness and acidity of Riesling provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Storing: Cool the leftover pulled pork to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Once the pork has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pulled pork can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pork in the fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Microwave: Place the desired amount of pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place the pork in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce if needed to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated evenly.
Oven: Preheat it to 350°F, place the pork in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
More slow cooker recipes
Find lots of easy slow cooker recipes right here on 2CM!
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
- 16 ounces barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Place the pork roast and barbecue sauce in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 to 7 hours.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Shred the pork with two forks or meat claws. Return to the slow cooker to mix with the BBQ sauce or use it as is in other recipes.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos and more helpful information. It was first published on March 23, 2014.
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