Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Perfect for Busy Days

If there’s one thing we all appreciate, it’s a delicious meal that practically cooks itself. Enter the slow cooker—our kitchen hero, especially on those busy days when you barely have time to breathe, let alone whip up a full dinner. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life in general, slow cooker pulled pork is here to save the day. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Plus, your house is going to smell like a BBQ pit master has taken over by the time it’s done. Win-win!

But before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why pulled pork is such a crowd-pleaser. First off, it’s versatile. You can pile it onto sandwiches, stuff it into tacos, serve it over rice, or even enjoy it by itself with a side of coleslaw. The possibilities are endless. And did I mention leftovers? Pulled pork keeps well, meaning you’ll have a delicious meal ready for the next day (or two) without any extra effort.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—slow cooking sounds like something that takes forever, and technically, it does take a few hours. But that’s the beauty of it! You set it and forget it. In the time it takes to binge-watch your favorite show, run errands, or wrangle the kids, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. By the time you’re ready to eat, dinner’s done, and you’ve barely lifted a finger.

So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get this pulled pork party started!

The Ingredients

To make this delicious pulled pork, you only need a handful of ingredients. And the best part? Most of them are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4-5 pounds of pork shoulder (or pork butt) – This is the best cut for pulled pork because it has the right balance of fat and meat to give you that perfect tenderness.
• 1 large onion, sliced – For extra flavor and a little sweetness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything tastes better with garlic.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – Your favorite kind. Go with something sweet, smoky, or spicy, depending on your mood.
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – For a tangy kick that helps balance the richness of the pork.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – Adds that perfect hint of smoky flavor without needing a grill.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – For a little earthy warmth.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Helps caramelize and enhance the flavors.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

Optional extras: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you want a deeper flavor, you can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Alright, now that we’ve got everything together, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prep the Pork

First, season your pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Really rub those spices in—don’t be shy! The seasoning is what’s going to give the pork its deep, rich flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Now, grab your slow cooker and layer the sliced onions at the bottom. The onions will not only add flavor but also help keep the pork juicy as it cooks. Toss in the minced garlic too—because we’re all about layering flavors here.

Step 3: Add the Pork

Place your seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the top, then drizzle about half of your BBQ sauce over the pork. This will allow the pork to soak up all that sweet and tangy goodness as it slowly cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Now comes the easy part. Set your slow cooker to low and let the pork cook for about 8-10 hours. Yes, that sounds like a long time, but remember—good things come to those who wait. If you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can set it to high and cook it for 4-6 hours. Just keep in mind that cooking low and slow will give you the most tender, fall-apart pork.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

Once the pork is done, it will be so tender you’ll be able to shred it with just a couple of forks. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, pull the pork apart until it’s all shredded and looking irresistibly delicious.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Now, return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce. If you like your pulled pork saucy, feel free to add a bit more BBQ sauce until it reaches your desired level of sauciness. Let the pork soak up all those flavors for another 10-15 minutes on low.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your pulled pork is now ready to enjoy! Serve it up on soft buns for sandwiches, or go creative with tacos, sliders, or even pulled pork nachos (you won’t regret it). And don’t forget the sides—coleslaw, pickles, or a nice potato salad go perfectly with pulled pork.

Pulled Pork Recipe Recap

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
2. Layer sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Place the pork on top and pour in the apple cider vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 4-6 hours).
5. Shred the pork with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
6. Add the remaining BBQ sauce, stir, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve on buns, tacos, or however you like your pulled pork.

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And there you have it! A delicious, foolproof pulled pork recipe that’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You’ll probably have leftovers to enjoy later, and trust me, they taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

So go ahead, pull out that slow cooker, and let it do the heavy lifting. By dinnertime, you’ll be enjoying a plate full of tender, juicy pulled pork that’ll have everyone thinking you spent all day in the kitchen. (Your secret’s safe with me!)