Skip to main content

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Plate of tender shredded pork.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7 to 9 hours
Makes: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or regular) 
2 teaspoons garlic powder 
2 teaspoons dry mustard 
1 teaspoon salt 
¼ cup water  
3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast (see Notes)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a small bowl, mix dry spices together.
  3. Rub the spices all over the surface of the roast. If possible, put in a covered container and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  4. When ready to cook, lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
  5. Place the water and roast in the cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until the pork shreds easily when pulled with a fork.
  6. Move the pork to a large dish and shred the pork with 2 forks. Remove extra fat.
  7. Pour liquid from the slow cooker into a bowl and cool. Skim the hardened fat from the top. Add remaining juices to the pork.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Pork shoulder roast is also known as pork butt roast.
  • Serve in sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, on a salad or in a grain bowl. Add your favorite barbeque sauce if desired.
  • Try adding other flavors to the spice mix such as black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano or cayenne pepper.
  • The pork roast is best cooked slowly on LOW. You can reduce the cooking time by about an hour by cutting the roast in 4 pieces and cooking on HIGH for the first hour, then turn to LOW for the remaining time.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)
glass of agua fresca

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)

Enjoy a refreshing and delicious blended drink made with your favorite fruit. Thanks to the Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
about 4 cups
Raspberry Fruit Dip
Bowl of yogurt raspberry dip served with sliced apple and pear.

Raspberry Fruit Dip

A sweet and creamy dip that comes together in a few minutes. Perfect for dipping fruit!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Green Beans with Onions and Almonds
Oval serving dish with tender green beans and toppings.

Green Beans with Onions and Almonds

A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sweet, savory, crunchy and tangy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Baking dish of baked pear and cranberries with an oat topping.

Pear and Cranberry Crisp

Whole grain oats, warm brown sugar and sweet fruit make this a flavorful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)
Fruit smoothie in a tall glass.

Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack, or on the go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups