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You are here: Home / Main Course / Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork

Main Course Slow Cooker Recipes

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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork is made with just a few ingredients, almost no prep work, and makes the most delicious meal!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork garnished with fresh parsley in white bowl

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork

Summer is in full swing, barbeque season is here, and the days feel like they’ll never end. I love this time of year, don’t you? I am especially excited for the 4th of July! Not only does it fall on a Friday (which means a shortened work week for me), but it’s also a great way to start the weekend!

I’m also looking forward to enjoying some delicious food over the weekend. Burgers and hot dogs will always be classic summer staples to me, but one other dish that I always associate with the season is barbecue pulled pork. Though it’s not something that you just throw onto the grill like a burger, it sure does taste delicious on those hot summer days.

And because I plan on eating some tasty BBQ food over the holiday weekend, I wanted to share my Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork recipe with you. I make it in the slow cooker so that it doesn’t heat up the house, and because it’s just so delicious that way! And guess what? It’s just five simple ingredients. That’s it!

Hardly any prep time, either. So you can throw this pork in the slow cooker, enjoy the summer weather, and pop back into the house when it’s almost finished.

overhead view of bowl of Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork

This is one of my favorite recipes that I make, and the hubster whole-heartedly agrees. In fact, he often requests that I make this slow cooker barbecue pork, which means it’s definitely a winner! BBQ + pork = summer amazingness!

My secret ingredient (or probably not-so secret since I’m sure you’ve heard of this before) is root beer.

Yes, you read that right. Root beer marinates the pork for most of the duration of the cooking process, making the pork incredibly moist, tender, and all-around delicious. The root beer brand isn’t as important as the barbecue sauce, though. I usually just use a store brand bottle of root beer, because you will end up draining the liquid towards the end.

And don’t worry about ending up with pork tasting like root beer. Although it adds a slight tang, it doesn’t take like the soda. Now you’re intrigued, right? I told you this pork is good!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork in white bowl

Barbecue Pulled Pork Ingredients 

Here’s all you’ll need to make this bbq pulled pork recipe in the slow cooker: 

  • Pork roast
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Root beer
  • Barbecue sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork

Did I mention how incredibly easy this barbecue pulled pork recipe is to prepare? So easy, guys!

  1. Season your pork with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. After the pork is seasoned, place it in the slow cooker. Add enough root beer to cover the pork about ¾ up the sides.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours, or on high for 3 ½ hours.
  4. When the timer rings, drain the root beer from the slow cooker and place the pork on a cutting board.
  5. Now it’s time to shred! I use two forks to shred the pork, but use whatever you think would be easiest.
  6. After the pork is shredded, return to the slow cooker.
  7. Add in the barbecue sauce, mix well, cover, and then cook for another half hour. And that’s it!

Have some toasty buns ready to go and you’ve got yourself a delicious pulled pork sandwich waiting for you. This tastes delicious for leftovers, too. Definitely a perfect summer (or anytime) meal in our house!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork in white bowl

What’s the Best Pork for Pulled Pork? 

I have made this slow cooker barbecue pulled pork with several different cuts of meat, but I find that the boston butt works the best. It’s less fatty, meatier, and tastier that other cuts. But if you have pork shoulder or spare ribs, those work just as well. 

I usually buy a 2.5 pound cut, which feeds the hubster and I for dinner, plus another two servings for leftovers later in the week.

Can I Freeze Barbecue Pulled Pork? 

Very easily! Be sure to seal it tightly in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. To thaw, place in your fridge overnight. 

subscribe to my youtube channel to see how easy this recipe is to make!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

It’s important that you use a good barbecue sauce to make this slow cooker pulled pork with root beer , because you want it smothered in the tastiest stuff you can find! My go-to sauce is (and will always be) Sweet Baby Ray’s. Man, I love that sauce! So delicious! But use whatever sauce is your favorite kind.

Skip the garlic powder if you don’t like it, but if you’ve been hanging around here long enough, you know that I absolutely love garlic! So for me, it’s a necessary seasoning!

Lastly, don’t bother trimming the fat from the pork. I made the mistake when I first made this barbecue pork (years ago) and it took me forever to trim! Little did I know that because the pork will become tender, the fat will just tear away when it’s time to shred. So learn from my mistake and don’t trim the fat before it’s cooked! Trust me!

Looking for more slow cooker recipes? I’ve got you covered!

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Slow Cooker Pizza Chili
  • Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pork Loin
  • Slow Cooker No Bean Chili
Moist, tender, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork makes a tasty sandwich or delicious entree when made in the slow cooker!
Print Pin
5 from 4 votes

Slow Cooker Barbeque Pulled Pork

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork is made with just a few ingredients, almost no prep work, and makes the most delicious meal!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue pork recipe, pulled pork recipe, slow cooker recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 447kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds Boston butt pork roast (pork shoulder or spare ribs works well, too)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups root beer soda
  • 4-5 cups barbecue sauce (any kind)

Instructions

  • Line slow cooker with a slow cooker liner or lightly grease with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Season pork on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place pork into slow cooker. Pour root beer over pork, ensuring that it covers pork ¾ of the way up sides.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours or on high for 3 ½ hours.
  • After pork is cooked, remove from slow cooker and place onto cutting board. Shred pork using two forks. Discard any fat.
  • Drain root beer from slow cooker and place shredded pork back into it. Pour barbecue sauce over pork and mix well. Cover and cook on low for another half hour. Serve on toasty buns, if desired.

Notes

  • I found that the boston butt cut of pork works best for this recipe, but pork shoulder or spare ribs will work just as well.
  • I used Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, but any kind will do. Just be sure to pick a kind that you like, as this will make or break the taste of your pork!
  • The brand of root beer doesn't matter, as you will end up draining all of the liquid from the pork when it’s finished cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1734mg | Potassium: 762mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

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By Gayle | October 9, 2017

Comments

  1. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    June 29, 2014 at 6:14 am

    I don’t even eat meat and this looks yum! The root beer is so smart and also I douse EVERYTHING in garlic powder haha 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Glad you like garlic just as much as me, Medha! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says

    June 29, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Mr. Bakes would dive RIGHT into this!! I don’t eat meat but seriously, this is a gorgeous sandwich. I hope you enjoy 4th of July!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! Sounds like your husband would love this! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, too!

      Reply
  3. Danielle says

    June 29, 2014 at 11:38 am

    I love how you used root beer in this, I’ll have to give this a try! Hope you have a good weekend, Gayle!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:48 pm

      The root beer sounds strange, but it really does work! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Isadora @ She Likes Food says

    June 29, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    This looks amazing! I have eaten a ton of pulled pork, I went to school in North Carolina and they have some of the best, but I have only made my own once before. It was so good and I love having tons of leftovers, you are reminding me that I really should make it more often! I would love to have one of these sandwiches on the 4th 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      Isn’t pulled pork the best? This is a quick, easy, and tasty way to make pulled pork…it’s definitely my favorite!

      Reply
  5. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

    June 29, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    Yum! Love pulled pork sandwiches. I can’t wait to try this to see how the root beer is in it. Such a plus it’s a slow cooker recipe. I love letting that machine do all the work!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      The root beer may sound a bit odd, but it really does work! And the slow cooker makes it so tender and delicious!

      Reply
  6. Samina | The Cupcake Confession says

    June 29, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    I must try using root beer!!! I didn’t know about this! These look amazing! Although we don’t eat pork, I want to try this with chicken. These look AMAZING!!!!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:51 pm

      That’s a great idea to try this with chicken, Samina! It would have the same effect, and make it extra delicious!

      Reply
  7. Annie @Maebells says

    June 30, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    Don’t you love your slow cooker?! I actually think I use it more in the summer than in the winter just so I don’t have to heat up the house! This looks soooo good! We love BBQ!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:52 pm

      I adore my slow cooker…it’s probably my favorite appliance I own! I think you would love this pork if you tried it, Annie! So quick, easy, and delicious!

      Reply
  8. Tom @ Raise Your Garden says

    June 30, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    You’re absolutely correct, summer = barbecue beef! I have get my wife to get a slow cooker so she can follow your recipe to the tee! The added root beer was a nice touch.

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      Thanks, Tom! The root beer definitely makes the pork extra tender and gives it a nice added touch, without tasting like root beer!

      Reply
  9. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    June 30, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    I just got myself a new slow cooker today so I am going to be all over this recipe! I can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      I hope you love this pulled pork if you try it, Pamela!

      Reply
  10. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says

    June 30, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    This pulled pork looks amazing! I love slow cooker recipes and love to find new ones. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      July 1, 2014 at 11:22 am

      Thanks for the pin, Cindy!

      Reply
  11. Kathy@ Olives & Garlic says

    July 1, 2014 at 8:18 am

    I love pulled pork, these look so moist and delicious Gayle. Yum

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      July 1, 2014 at 11:22 am

      Thanks, Kathy!

      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    July 1, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Oh gosh I so agree – BBQ pulled pork (or even chicken) is such a summer food in my mind (even though I definitely eat it all year round! haha!). This looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      July 1, 2014 at 2:42 pm

      Thanks, Ashley! Pulled pork and chicken are definitely the way to go!

      Reply
  13. Cailee says

    July 1, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    This looks amazing!! YUM! YUM! I love pulled pork! 🙂 What a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      July 1, 2014 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks, Cailee!

      Reply
  14. marcie says

    July 2, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Oh, wow, root beer? This sounds so good! I love pulled pork, and this sounds like a great way to change it up. My oldest son would especially be in heaven!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      July 2, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Sounds like this would be a perfect meal for your son! The root beer doesn’t add much flavor, but does make the pork tender and delicious!

      Reply
  15. Blair says

    October 9, 2017 at 7:24 am

    Oh, yum! Root beer barbecue! Pork bbq is one of the best meals to come out of a Crock Pot, and your version sounds delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:48 am

      Agreed! Thanks for the sweet comment, Blair!

      Reply
  16. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    October 9, 2017 at 7:54 am

    LOVE the video, Gayle!! I absolutely love pulled pork, so i could (and will) eat this year ’round!! Pinned of course! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 9, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Thank you, Cheyanne!

      Reply
  17. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    October 9, 2017 at 8:39 am

    Pulled pork is a favourite around here, especially this time of year! Never had with root beer before. Bet it adds a lovely sweetness. This looks amazing and awesome video! Pinned! Hope you have a fantastic week, my friend 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 9, 2017 at 8:56 am

      Thanks, Dawn! The root beer definitely adds a nice touch.

      Reply
  18. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    October 9, 2017 at 9:10 am

    We are big fans of pulled pork and this sounds just perfect! As always…great video! I’m hungry!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 9, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Thanks, Annie!

      Reply
  19. Karly says

    October 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Meat sweats already kicking in. Cannot get over how good this looks– NEED to try soon!!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 10, 2017 at 6:21 am

      Thanks, Karly! It’s such an easy meal!

      Reply
  20. mira says

    October 10, 2017 at 8:36 am

    I love pulled pork. Can’t wait to try this version! Looks amazing! Love the video!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:02 am

      Thanks, Mira!

      Reply
  21. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    October 10, 2017 at 8:54 am

    This seriously looks like the BEST pulled pork ever, Gayle!! I’m honestly drooling and wishing this was breakfast right now!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:02 am

      Thanks, Sarah! It’s my favorite kind!

      Reply
  22. Keri | Fashionable Foods says

    October 10, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Pulled pork is my FAV. Like, I could eat WAY too much of it. I’m so glad you decided to reshoot it, Gayle – it has my mouth watering!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 10, 2017 at 11:19 am

      Isn’t pulled pork the best?! Thanks, Keri!

      Reply
  23. Manali@CookWithManali says

    October 10, 2017 at 10:55 am

    sounds like an easy meal which is also so comforting and flavorful!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 10, 2017 at 11:19 am

      Definitely! Thanks, Manali.

      Reply
  24. Brian Hebert says

    February 18, 2020 at 7:03 am

    5 stars
    I have a 9 lb. pork shoulder butt which has the bone in. . I used your seasoning and it is smelling good. My question is : Is it okay to cook it in the crockpot with the bone in and doesit alter the cooking time!?

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      February 18, 2020 at 7:09 am

      Hi Brian! Yes, bone in is just fine. When it’s time to shred the meat, just discard the bone. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  25. Varun Sharma says

    June 20, 2020 at 5:26 am

    5 stars
    It was really helpful. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 20, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  26. Elliott says

    February 27, 2021 at 8:27 am

    5 stars
    Great! I just finished it last night and the result was unexpected, My wife loves it. She got surprised. Yeah. I am going to try this for my friends too. Nice. Thanks for your guide.

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      February 27, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      So happy you both enjoyed!

      Reply

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