The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

Last updated on January 31, 2024

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Crockpot Pulled Pork is tender, flavorful as can be, and SO easy to make! This is a true set it and forget it recipe that always hits the spot. Apple juice, a mixture of bold seasonings and barbecue sauce make this fall-apart pulled pork irresistible.

Enjoy more easy slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, Crockpot Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Glaze.

Crockpot pulled pork is about as easy as it gets! Simple ingredients, hassle-free steps, and amazing results every single time. This is the definition of foolproof!

I love tossing a serving of this slow cooker pulled pork on top of a homemade hamburger bun with coleslaw and some Homemade BBQ Sauce for a seriously good sandwich. However, it’s great a number of different ways – scroll down to the serving suggestions for more ideas.

No matter how you choose to enjoy this bbq pulled pork recipe, you’re going to be obsessed!

Why we love it:

• Family friendly – Everyone from great grandparents to little picky eaters loves this classic pulled pork recipe! It’s a great way to make sure everyone gets their fill of protein.
• Low stress – Dinner doesn’t need to stress you out, especially when you can just plug in the Crockpot and let it do all the work for you.
• Inexpensive – Yes! We love a good budget friendly recipe, especially when it’s as filling as this one. Spend a little and serve a lot – the best of both worlds.
• So tender and flavorful – It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and shreds so easily! It’s got great flavor, thanks to a garlic herb rub that I use on my slow cooker pork loin recipe as well.

Crockpot Pulled Pork Ingredients:

• Pork loin: I always use a boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork. A shoulder will have more fat, but I find that the leaner pork loin stays nice and juicy with this slow cooker preparation!
• Apple juice: Soda (like Dr. Pepper) also works if preferred.
• Bbq sauce: Feel free to go the extra mile with Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce!
• Seasonings: A medley of Italian seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper is all you need to make this pulled pork recipe incredibly flavorful.

How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork

Ready, set it, forget it! This easy Crock pot pulled pork recipe is great for those busy days when you just don’t have time to fuss over dinner. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed instructions.

• Place the pork loin in the Crockpot and cover with apple juice and seasonings.
• Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred with two forks.

• Toss the bbq sauce and pork together.
• Keep the pulled pork warm in the Crockpot.

Variations and Substitutions

• Mix up the liquid: Try a can of soda — try Cranberry Ginger Ale, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper or go totally in your own direction and try something new!
• Add buffalo: Try tossing it in buffalo sauce for a pork-y twist on buffalo chicken — great for game day sandwiches!
• Add honey garlic: Stir in some honey garlic sauce and serve with rice or noodles.

How to store Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Once it cools to room temperature, you can store leftover bbq pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Add a splash of moisture (water, broth, juice, or sauce) and reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

Can I freeze Crockpot pulled pork?

Yes! It freezes perfectly for up to 3-4 months in a heavy duty freezer bag or freezer container. Don’t forget to date and label! It’s one of our favorite freezer meals!

What is the best cut of meat for crock pot pulled pork?

I always recommend using either boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork! See my reasons for each down below.

The best meat for pulled pork really depends on your preferences: sometimes I prefer leaner, boneless cuts of meat (if I don’t want my pulled pork too fatty), and other times I reach for higher fat cuts for more juiciness.

Either way this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is going to be tender, juicy and delicious after a long, slow cooker!

Using Pork Loin for pulled pork:

It’s an easy-to-cook, fairly lean cut of meat so you don’t have to deal with any bones. This way, I get the most bang for my buck, I don’t have to do a lot of trimming, and it’s just plain delicious.

Pork loin also tends to go on sale often for a great price, and I will pick up a few to store in the freezer until a craving for this slow cooker pulled pork hits.

Since we are slow cooking our shredded pork, the loin stays moist during the long cook time.

Using Pork Shoulder for Crockpot Pulled Pork:

Pork shoulder also gives great results! The pork shoulder is high in fat which will make a very juicy pulled pork and it is another great option.

Pork shoulder is a great option for the slow cooker as well as oven and smoked preparations as the fat ensures it doesn’t dry out.

Serving suggestions:

Honestly, we usually eat this alone with some Brioche Buns and maybe some pickles and chips, but here are a few great side options that go well with pulled pork:

• Easy Potato Salad Recipe — a summer must have!
• Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe — easy to prep ahead!
• No Mayo Garlic Herb Potato Salad — simple and delicious.

Don’t forget to serve with a tall glass of Easy Homemade Pink Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade!