Alright, let’s talk about my personal holy grail of easy dinners: pulled pork in the crock pot. For real, I can’t overstate how many times this little magic trick has saved me from the “what am I cooking tonight?” panic. The thing about pulled pork slow cooked low and slow is that it’s basically foolproof. You set it, forget it, and come back to mouthwatering, tender meat that falls apart like it’s been kissed by the BBQ gods themselves.
Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of flavor spins, and by “all sorts,” I mean I might have gone a little pulled pork crazy on weekends, family visits, and lazy Sundays. So I rounded up the 10 best crock pot pulled pork recipes from the cream of the crop blogs and Pinterest boards, sprinkled in my own kitchen hits and misses, and here we are. This list has you covered whether you want sweet, spicy, tangy, or just pure classic.
Oh, and heads-up — I’ve also slipped in some kitchen gear that’s saved my sanity (and helped me shred pork like a boss). A quick shoutout to my Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, which is basically my slow cooker’s fast-forward button. Okay, ready? Let’s dive in!
1. The Classic Crock Pot Pulled Pork (Your BBQ Bestie)
You want simple? This old faithful is where it’s at.
Stuff you need:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt & pepper
- Onion slices, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth
- Your fave BBQ sauce
How I roll:
Rub a good heap of those spices all over your pork — don’t be shy! Lay it over onions in the crock pot, splash vinegar and broth, and let it do its thing for 8 hours on low. Then shred the heck out of it (I’m obsessed with these OXO Meat Claws — trust me, you need these). Mix in BBQ sauce and warm it an extra bit. Put it on soft buns — something like Kings Hawaiian Slider buns work like magic.
Confession
I sometimes sneak a forkful straight off the claw mid-shred. No judgment, just amazing pulled pork joy.
2. Sweet and Tangy That’ll Make You Smile
If your sweet tooth and tang cravings had a baby, this would be it.
Ingredients you’ll love:
Pork shoulder, apple juice and cider vinegar mix, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, onion, BBQ sauce.
The deal:
Mix the apple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon to pour on your pork. Slap it in the crock and slow cook all day. The sweetness plus tang combo is next level. My family devours this one. Serve with slaw or pile it high on sliders.
3. Spicy Chipotle Adventure
For when you want your pulled pork with a little fiery “hello.”
What you’ll need:
Chipotles in adobo, smoked paprika, jalapeño, cumin, garlic powder, onion, broth, BBQ sauce.
How to:
Throw all those smoky, spicy goodies in your crock with pork and cook low and slow. Lime juice squeezed on top before serving brings it home. Ideal taco fuel!
4. Good Ol’ Carolina Vinegar Kick
This one feels like a road trip to the South without leaving your kitchen.
What’s in it:
Vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, sliced onion.
Method:
Pour that tangy, peppery mix all over pork and onions. Slow cook. Shred and toss in its own tangy juices. Slap it on rolls with slaw. Yes!
5. Hawaiian Kalua Vibes (Liquid Smoke Magic)
Ever wanted that Hawaiian luau flavor without booking a flight? This is it.
Ingredients:
Sea salt, liquid smoke, chicken broth, pork butt, onion.
The fun part:
Season pork with salt, lay it on onions, drench with liquid smoke and broth, then slow cook. Serve over rice. Instant tropical vibes, no grass skirt needed.
6. Asian-Inspired Goodness
Soy sauce, hoisin, honey, ginger, garlic — this recipe gives your pork an unforgettable umami hug.
Quick run-through:
Mix those flavors, toss pork and onion in, slow cook, shred and soak up all that saucy goodness. Serve over rice or tucked in steamed buns.
7. Root Beer Pulled Pork (The Fun One)
Yes, you read that right—root beer! It’s like a subtle soda sweetness that makes everything tender and sticky in the best way.
What to do:
Just pour it in with your pork and onions and cook it slow. Shred and add BBQ sauce. Serve on toasted buns with pickles, and watch it disappear fast.
8. Mustard’s Southern Soul
The vinegar-mustard combo is a Southern BBQ classic for a reason—zingy, tangy, and perfect.
Ingredients:
Yellow mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, onion.
Steps:
Slather, slow cook, shred, toss with sauce, and enjoy.
9. Garlic Herb Comfort
Simple, elegant, and comforting. Garlic, rosemary, thyme, broth—this one feels like a warm hug.
How it goes:
Rub pork with herbs and garlic, slow cook with onions and broth. Shred and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
10. Chili Made from Pulled Pork Leftovers
Love chili? Love pulled pork? Marry the two with this hearty slow cooker chili.
What’s inside:
Leftover pulled pork, beans, tomatoes, onions, chili powder, cumin.
Steps:
Mix, cook, top with cheese and sour cream, and dig in.
Kitchen Tips from Someone Who’s Cooked Their Share of Pulled Pork
- Don’t stress fat trimming — leave a bit; it protects the pork and amps flavor.
- That pre-sear before slow cooking? Game changer. That caramelly crust boosts flavor.
- Rest meat before shredding (I know, patience, right?) — juices stay put.
- Get yourself good shredding claws! OXO Meat Claws make shredding fast and fun.
- Freeze leftovers in small portions — pulled pork reheats like a dream.
There you go—10 down-home, totally doable pulled pork crock pot recipes packed with flavor and love. Whether you want smoky, sweet, spicy, or classic, these recipes will make your kitchen smell like a dream and your family ask for seconds (and maybe thirds).