Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Sandwiches and Tacos

Keep a few go-to recipes on hand to simplify weeknight cooking. Alongside classic options like Instant Pot shredded chicken and slow-cooker BBQ pulled chicken, this slow cooker pulled pork is a reliable standby. It stores well, reheats easily, and can be adapted to whatever flavors or sauces you prefer.

Pork is a family-friendly protein that works in many dishes. If you enjoy oven-baked pork chops or slow-cooker pork loin, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly pulled pork comes together in the crock pot. Like shredded chicken, pulled pork is a blank canvas — switch up spices, toss it with different sauces, or add it to salads and bowls.

For a quicker option, consider making an Instant Pot version of pulled pork, which reduces cooking time significantly. Otherwise, prep the pork and aromatics the night before so you can simply place everything in the slow cooker in the morning.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• This easy crock pot pulled pork cooks low and slow with aromatics, spices and beer until it’s fall-apart tender.
• It uses just a few simple ingredients and is easy to customize to your tastes.
• It’s ideal for meal prep — make it ahead and use it throughout the week.
• You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free beer or substituting another cooking liquid.

Recipe ingredients

Only a handful of ingredients are needed, and most can be swapped to fit what you have on hand.

• Pork — Pork shoulder or pork butt are best because their fat content keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
• Spices — A simple rub of kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and cumin works well. If you use table salt instead of kosher, reduce the amount by half.
• Aromatics — Onion and garlic add depth to the braising liquid and flavor the pork as it cooks.
• Beer or braising liquid — Beer adds great flavor, but you can substitute chicken stock, pineapple juice, apple cider, or even water. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free beer or another gluten-free liquid.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to make pulled pork in the slow cooker

This slow cooker pulled pork is truly set-and-forget. Cook time is long, but hands-on time is minimal.

Pro tip: Prep the pork and aromatics the night before so you can add everything to the slow cooker in the morning.

Full instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and cumin. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork pieces.
2. Place the diced onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker and set the seasoned pork on top.
3. Pour beer or your chosen cooking liquid over the pork. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for about 6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and add some of the cooking liquid for extra moisture if needed.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

This pulled pork is extremely versatile. Some serving ideas:

• Top pizza or nachos for a flavorful twist.
• Toss with barbecue sauce and serve in sandwiches or inside baked sweet potatoes.
• Use in burrito bowls with beans and rice, or in tacos with fresh salsa and guacamole.
• Add to grain bowls and salads for a protein boost.

Recipe notes

• Prep shortcut: Chop the onion and smash the garlic the night before and rub the pork with spices so you can simply assemble and start the slow cooker in the morning.
• Cooking low and slow produces the most tender results.
• Finish the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce or tomatillo salsa depending on the dish you’re making.
• Switch seasonings to a favorite dry rub, taco seasoning, or BBQ rub to change the flavor profile.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days — perfect for weekly meal prep.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Servings: 10 • Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 8 hrs • Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is an easy dump-and-go recipe that produces tender, flavorful shredded pork perfect for tacos, sandwiches, nachos and more.

Equipment

• 6-quart crock pot (or similar slow cooker)

Ingredients

For the pork:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 4 large pieces
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (reduce by half if using table salt)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 12 ounces beer (use your favorite regular or gluten-free beer, or substitute with stock, pineapple juice, apple cider or water)

Instructions

1. Combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Sprinkle and rub the spice mix evenly over all pieces of pork.
2. Place the chopped onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seasoned pork on top of the aromatics.
3. Pour the beer or chosen braising liquid over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, or on high for about 6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Remove the pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper and stir in a little of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist. Serve as desired.

Notes

• Prep the aromatics and pork the night before to save time in the morning.
• Longer cooking at low temperature yields more tender meat.
• Finish shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce or salsa to suit the dish you’re making.
• Leftover pork keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (estimated per serving)

Calories: 293 kcal; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Protein: 36 g; Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 839 mg. Nutrition is an estimate for informational purposes only.