"Set It and Forget It" Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Easy crockpot meals don't get easier! This BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a total winner. Juicy, flavorful, and practically cooks itself. Get the simple recipe now!

June 3, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Right then, let's get cooking! are you after a meal that's proper easy and tastes amazing? easy crockpot meals are a godsend, especially when you're knackered after a long day.

This recipe for crockpot bbq pulled pork is an absolute belter! it’s got that sweet and smoky flavour that'll remind you of summer barbecues, even if it's chucking it down outside.

Get Ready for "Set It and Forget It" Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a classic dish, originating from the southern united states, where it's a staple at gatherings and cookouts.

It’s all about slow-cooking a tough cut of pork until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. this crockpot recipes slow cooker version is dead easy and requires minimum effort.

Prep takes about 15 minutes. cooking time is around 6- 8 hours on low, perfect for a lazy sunday. this recipe serves 6-8 hungry folks.

You can also serve over rice.

"Set It and Forget It" Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:420 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pound (1.3 - 1.8 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in or boneless
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) yellow mustard

Instructions:

• Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Pat dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, whisk together all dry rub ingredients.
• Generously rub the dry rub all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds flavor, but can be skipped for ultimate ease.
• Place the seared (or unseared) pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
• Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir to combine. Let simmer in the sauce for another 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavor.
• Serve on buns, tacos, or as desired.

Why This Pulled Pork Recipe is a Winner

Honestly, the best thing about this recipe is how little effort it needs from you. pop it all in the crock pot , and away you go!.

Pork shoulder is rich in protein. it's perfect for a family get-together, a barbecue (obvs!), or even just a simple weeknight dinner that feels a bit special.

What makes this recipe special? the depth of flavour you get from the dry rub and the tangy bbq sauce.

It’s a dinner recipes crockpot marvel!

Alright, next up, let's talk ingredients. you can easily adapt it and make it your own, but these are the basics we're working with.

If you like something spicy, try to add a little bit of cayenne pepper, or chipotle peppers.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this cracking easy crockpot meals recipe! We're making BBQ pulled pork, and honestly, it’s so simple, even my nan could do it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

First, let’s gather the main players for this Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker masterpiece!

Main Ingredients

• Pork shoulder: 3-4 pounds (1.3 - 1.8 kg). Look for good marbling – that's where the flavour is. Don't be shy, ask your butcher.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Any kind will do, really.
• Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), packed. Light or dark, your call.
• Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Adds a lovely smoky touch.
• Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Onion powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Freshly ground is always better.
• BBQ sauce: 1 cup (240 ml). Your fave! Seriously, use what you love.
• Apple cider vinegar: ½ cup (120 ml).
• Worcestershire sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml).
• Yellow mustard: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).

Honestly, the pork shoulder is key. Look for a nice, firm piece. Marbling is your friend – it means flavour! If it looks dry, give it a miss.

Seasoning Notes

This spice combo is like the essential rock band of pulled pork. the paprika, garlic, onion, chili, cumin, and oregano harmonize so well.

For an extra dimension, try a pinch of smoked paprika!

Worcestershire sauce is my flavour enhancer secret weapon. It adds a deep, savory note that's just unbeatable.

Out of apple cider vinegar? White vinegar or lemon juice will do in a pinch, you know? It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll work.

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart or bigger). Obviously. This is the heart of the operation for these Easy Crockpot Dinners .
• Large bowl. For mixing that glorious spice rub.
• Fork. For shredding the pork. Dinner Recipes Crockpot need a good fork.

Don't have a massive slow cooker? A large casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid might work in a pinch, but keep a close eye on it and adjust cooking times.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. i'm gonna share my go-to recipe for easy crockpot meals : a ridiculously easy bbq pulled pork.

Honestly, this is one of those "chuck it in and forget about it" recipes. perfect for when you fancy some proper comfort food without the fuss.

We're talking minimal effort for maximum flavour, yeah? think proper tender pork that just falls apart. sorted!

"Set It and Forget It" Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

This crockpot recipes slow cooker dream is a total doddle. we're talking a pork shoulder, a simple spice rub, and your favourite bbq sauce.

Boom. it's brilliant for easy crockpot dinners or when you're having your mates over. this is where i feel very comfortable saying is that this dinner recipes crockpot recipe is so versatile.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on that slow cooker, get your ducks in a row, yeah? trim any excess fat from a 3-4 pound pork shoulder .

Then, in a bowl, mix up your dry rub: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like a kick), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Honestly , this dry rub is the secret weapon.

Step-by-Step to Pulled Pork Perfection

Right, here's how we make the magic happen:

1. Rub that spice mix all over the pork shoulder. Get it nice and coated.
2. Optional, but worth it: sear the pork in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until browned. Adds loads of flavour.
3. Pop the pork into your 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker.
4. Whisk together 1 cup of your fave BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard. Pour it over the pork.
5. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . You want it to shred easily .
6. Shred the pork with two forks and bung it back in the sauce for 15- 30 minutes .

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Here's the thing, don't skip the dry rub. it's crucial. also, get a good bbq sauce. it really makes all the difference.

Don't shred the pork until it's properly tender. patience, my friend. also, let that shredded pork simmer in the sauce for a bit.

Trust me, it's worth it.

This recipe is brilliant as easy crockpot dinners . serve it on buns with coleslaw, in tacos, or over mac and cheese.

You do you! chicken pot pie crock pot is another great dish, but this pulled pork? bangin'! and if you're looking for chicken crockpot recipes , there's loads of them out there.

But trust me, start with this. you won't regret it. and if you like pot pies recipes then you could add the pork into the pot pie, but it is already delicious as it is.

So there you have it: my super-easy, super-tasty pulled pork recipe. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think, yeah? Happy cooking!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for this ace easy crockpot meals recipe! honestly, it's all about making life easier, innit? this pulled pork is so versatile; you'll be chuffed with it.

Recipe Notes

Ace Serving Suggestions

Plating this beaut is easy. i love piling it high on a brioche bun with some crunchy coleslaw. or, you could go all fancy and serve it on a platter with mini buns for a party.

Don’t forget the gherkins. they are an absolute must. thinking of what to serve with it? how about some proper chips, you know the chunky ones? maybe even a little salad if you're feeling healthy.

Storage Like a Pro

Got leftovers? no worries, just whack them in an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, easy peasy.

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. freeze in portions so you can grab what you need. to reheat, just microwave it or pop it back in the crockpot .

A little tip, add a splash of water to the microwave when reheating; helps keep it moist.

Wicked Variations

Feeling adventurous? go spicy! add more chili powder to the rub for a kick. or, try using a different bbq sauce.

The ones with a bit of sweetness really complement the pork. for a dietary swap, ditch the bun and serve it in lettuce wraps.

Perfect if you're watching the carbs. you can also go hawaiian, add pineapple. don't skip on the ingredient substitutions, like apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Each serving packs about 400-500 calories. loads of protein. this will keep you going for ages. it's also got a good bit of fat and some carbs.

Remember, this is just an estimate . it depends on your bbq sauce and portion size. one of the key health benefits of chicken crockpot recipes like chicken pot pie crock pot or using a crockpot in general is it allows the meat to become super tender and delicious.

If you are looking for easy crockpot dinners , consider trying a crockpot chicken pot pie . and there you have pot pies recipes that are both healthy and delicious.

So, there you have it! dinner recipes crockpot are amazing for busy lifestyles. and with crockpot recipes slow cooker , you're golden.

Enjoy making this chicken crockpot recipes . and always remember: crockpot recipes easy are your best friend! you can even make chicken pot pie recipes in a crockpot chicken pot pie .

Honestly, give this one a go. you won't regret it!