Pulled Pork (Crock Pot)

I found this pulled pork recipe years ago, and it's a favorite at potlucks. Freezes well for easy quick meals.

Pulled Pork (Crock Pot)
Pulled Pork (Crock Pot)

I found this pulled pork recipe years ago, and it's a favorite at potlucks. Freezes well for easy quick meals.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Served Person: 10
  • Carbohydrate 6.07408 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 0.044 g
  • Fiber 0.748000020980835 g
  • Protein 0.484 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.01848 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (248g)
  • Sodium 3.328 mg
  • Sugar 5.32607997901917 g
  • Trans Fat 0.01232 g
  • Calories 25 calories

Step-by-step

  • Slice one onion and place in crock pot.
  • Put in the roast and cover with the other onion, sliced.
  • Pour over the ginger ale.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for about 12 hours. (See Note below regarding amount of time needed!)
  • Remove the meat, strain and save the onions, discard all liquid.
  • With two forks, shred the meat, discarding any remaining fat, bones or skin. (Most of the fat will have melted away.)
  • Return the shredded meat and the onions to the crock pot, stir in the barbecue sauce.
  • Continue to cook for another 4 to 6 hours on LOW.
  • Serve with hamburger buns or rolls and additional barbecue sauce.
  • Any leftovers freeze very well. TIP: freeze ready-made sandwiches - a scoop of meat on a bun, well-wrapped. These make a great quick meal or snack. To reheat, remove wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and zap 1-2 minute in the microwave.
Note: Shoulder or butt are recommended because the meat shreds very well. Other cuts do not shred as readily. It is a fattier cut, but the fat melts away in the cooking and is poured away when you discard the liquid. Note 2: I have an older, smaller crock pot. The above times work perfectly for me. But if you have a newer or bigger crock pot, you may need to revise times downward, esp. after the bbq sauce is added. I think you need at least a couple of hours for it all to meld, but that may be all you need. Update: I recently bought a bigger crockpot, I think 5 or 6 qts. I cooked a 6 lb pork shoulder in it for 8 hours and it was shreddable at that point. Shredded, added the sauce, and cooked for another hour or so to meld everything. So use your best judgment on timing! Note 3: You might want to turn your roast over after it's cooked a while, to ensure more even cooking. I think this may depend on the size and shape of your roast and the size of your slow cooker. Remember that each time you remove the lid you lose heat and be careful, as turning a large piece of meat is awkward.

My Go-To Pulled Pork Recipe: A Crock-Pot Wonder

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, easy, and delicious meals that the whole family enjoys is a constant challenge. That's why I'm sharing my absolute favorite pulled pork recipe – a crock-pot masterpiece that's become a staple in our home. This recipe isn't just convenient; it's incredibly versatile and adaptable to various schedules and tastes.

The beauty of this pulled pork recipe lies in its simplicity and forgiving nature. You literally throw everything into the crock-pot, set it, and forget it (almost!). The slow cooking process infuses the pork with incredible flavor, resulting in tender, juicy, and perfectly shreddable meat. It's the kind of meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to focus on other things – like, you know, actually enjoying a relaxing dinner with your family, instead of spending hours in the kitchen.

The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. That sweet and smoky scent of perfectly cooked pork permeates the entire house, creating an irresistible invitation to dinner. I often find myself adjusting my schedule just so I can get home in time to enjoy the fragrant steam emanating from the crock-pot. It's a little ritual, a small moment of anticipation and comfort in the midst of a busy week.

This recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can prep it in the morning before heading off to work, and by the time dinner rolls around, it’s ready to be shredded and served. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. I often make a double batch, knowing full well that half of it will be devoured that evening, and the other half will be transformed into delicious sandwiches or tacos throughout the week. It's the kind of meal that keeps on giving.

Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is also perfect for potlucks, parties, or any other gathering. The generous amount of pulled pork ensures there’s plenty to go around, and the slow-cooked tenderness makes it a crowd-pleaser. I've taken this to countless barbecues and family gatherings, and it's always a hit. People rave about its flavor, its ease of preparation, and its sheer deliciousness. I've even had requests for the recipe, which I'm always happy to share.

Adaptability is Key: I love how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences. Some of my favorites include sweet and smoky, spicy, and tangy. You can also add other ingredients to customize the flavor profile, such as diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar. The possibilities are endless!

Freezing for Future Meals: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its freezability. I often make a large batch and freeze half of it for future meals. Simply portion the shredded pork into freezer-safe containers, and you'll have a quick and easy meal ready whenever you need it. This is a lifesaver when you're short on time or energy, ensuring that you can always enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beyond the Pulled Pork: The versatility of this recipe extends beyond the classic pulled pork sandwich. The shredded pork is delicious in tacos, nachos, salads, or even atop a bed of rice. Its rich flavor and tender texture complement a wide array of dishes, making it a truly versatile ingredient in my culinary repertoire. This isn't just a pulled pork recipe; it's a culinary foundation for countless delicious possibilities.

So, there you have it – my go-to crock-pot pulled pork recipe. It's a simple, delicious, and incredibly convenient meal that's become a staple in our home. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become one of your favorites, too! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a time-saver, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the simple joys of delicious, home-cooked food.

Ingredients You'll Need: (I've already listed the ingredients, but this emphasizes it for emphasis!) 4 lbs pork roast (shoulder or butt), 2 large onions, 1 cup ginger ale, 1 (18 ounce) bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce, and additional barbecue sauce for serving (optional).