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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is made with just a few simple ingredients—pork shoulder or tenderloin, root beer, BBQ sauce, and onions. It cooks low and slow for juicy, fall-apart results every time.
Looking for a quick and easy pulled pork recipe with minimal hands-on time? You’re in the right place! When I’m craving a pulled pork sandwich, I use a few different methods—but my favorite, hands down, is the slow cooker. It transforms a pork shoulder roast into incredibly tender, flavorful pulled pork. The Instant Pot version is fantastic too!
This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep. Simply toss a few ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and let it work its magic. Eight hours later, you’ll have a delicious meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Only a few ingredients are needed to make the most tender slow cooker pulled pork. You will need:
- pork shoulder roast (my preference) or pork tenderloing
- salt, black pepper, garlic powder to taste – season liberally
- yellow onion – sliced
- root beer
- your favorite BBQ sauce
root beer in pulled pork
You don’t have to use root beer to make this pulled pork. Many cookbooks and websites offer variations of this recipe. Some use cola to cover the meat, but I prefer root beer for its flavor. If you don’t have root beer, try Dr. Pepper or any dark cola—they all work well. No dark soda on hand? Dark beer is a great substitute too.
What to serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
I serve pulled pork sandwiches on homemade hamburger buns, and make these delicious Crispy Baked Onion Rings to go with it! Other fantastic side options include Loaded Baked Potato Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad, or this copycat KFC Cole Slaw recipe.
Whether you’re serving this for a Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day picnic, or you’re making this on any ole’ weekday night, it is sure to be a hit both in taste, and with the ease of preparation. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound pork shoulder roast or pork tenderloin
- salt, black pepper, garlic powder to taste
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 12-16 ounces root beer
- 18 oz barbecue sauce your favorite brand
- fresh toasted buns for serving
Instructions
- Season the Meat: Use a fork to poke the pork roast all over to help the seasonings absorb. Generously sprinkle all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently press the seasonings into the meat.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork roast in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion on top of the roast. Pour the root beer over everything.
- Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker. If using a shoulder roast, discard the bone. Shred the pork using two forks.
- Discard Liquid & Add Sauce: Pour out and discard the liquid from the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in the barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 1 more hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the pulled pork onto toasted buns. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.
