Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Fancy proper pub grub? This easy slow cooker meals recipe for BBQ pulled pork is fall-apart tender and packed with flavour! Just set it and forget it. Get the recipe!

May 30, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, let's get real for a sec. ever feel like a proper bbq feast is way too much effort? well, what if i told you i've cracked the code? this easy slow cooker meals recipe for bbq pulled pork is about to become your new best mate.

Pub Grub Made Easy: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Honestly, this slow cooker bbq pulled pork is a game changer. forget slaving over a smoker for hours. this recipe takes all the best bits of a proper southern bbq and puts them in your crock-pot .

The result? fall-apart tender pork, swimming in a rich, homemade bbq sauce.

This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about big flavour. it's inspired by classic long crockpot recipes , but tailored for busy weeknights.

This dish is perfect for a casual get-together, or when you just fancy some seriously good comfort food. plus, it's so easy, even your nan could nail it! this is definetly a perfect recipe for a crock pit dinner !

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:420 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg boneless pork shoulder roast, excess fat trimmed
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Brioche buns (optional)
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine all pork dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture thoroughly over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• In the same skillet, add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from heat.
• Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork should be easily shreddable with a fork.
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the remaining sauce. Stir to combine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the sauce.
• Serve the pulled pork on toasted brioche buns, topped with coleslaw (optional).

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This bbq pulled pork isn't just tasty; it's also a relatively healthy option. pork shoulder is packed with protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

And by making your own bbq sauce, you can control the sugar and sodium levels. so, you know, less guilt involved! this is one of the slower cooker meals that taste like you have been cooking all day.

Got a football match coming up? this is your answer! this is one of the slow cooker supper ideas perfect for feeding a crowd.

It's also brilliant for those "netflix and chill" nights where you want something seriously satisfying without having to lift a finger.

This recipe is one of the crockpot simple recipes and it will blow your mind

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how incredibly easy it is to achieve that authentic bbq flavour. it's a simple set and forget recipe.

No fancy skills needed, just a bit of patience while the 9 hour crockpot recipes takes care of the magic.

Alright, let's talk ingredients, shall we? It starts with...

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. you wanna make some proper slow cooker bbq pulled pork , yeah? here's what you'll need.

Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you can grab at the local tesco or sainsbury's. i will tell you what to pay attention to, though.

Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' Pulled Pork

Honestly, this Crock Pot Dinner is one of the best easy slow cooker meals out there. It's perfect for a Crock Pot Supper when you're knackered.

Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Pork!

• Pork shoulder roast (boneless): 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) . Trim off any massive chunks of fat.
• Smoked paprika: 1 tbsp . Go for a good quality one; it makes a difference!
• Garlic powder: 1 tbsp .
• Onion powder: 1 tbsp .
• Chili powder: 1 tsp .
• Ground black pepper: 1 tsp . Freshly ground is best, innit?
• Kosher salt: 1 tsp .

The pork : you really want a nice bit of pork shoulder. look for one with decent marbling (that's the fat running through it).

It will render and keep the pork moist during those long crockpot recipes .

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce!

• Olive oil: 2 tbsp .
• Yellow onion: 1 large , finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced.
• Ketchup: 1 cup (240ml) . Heinz is a classic.
• Apple cider vinegar: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) , packed.
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Lea & Perrins, obviously!
• Liquid smoke: 1 tsp (5ml) . Optional, but adds that proper BBQ flavour. I highly recommend it!
• Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp . (Optional, for a kick.)

You know, the right spice combo is key for this one. a bit of smokiness, a touch of heat, and a whole lotta flavor.

No one wants a bland pulled pork. it is even perfect for easy 4 hour crockpot recipes . if you don't have everything, don't panic! tomato paste and malt vinegar will fill in.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• Slow cooker (AKA Crock-Pot ).
• Large bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large skillet.
• Fork (for shredding).

Honestly, you don't need fancy gear for slower cooker meals . if you don't have a skillet, a saucepan will do.

Fork it out, and you don't even need a fancy blender. a slow cooker, on the other hand, is kind of essential for these 9 hour crockpot recipes though.

And that's it! that’s what you need to dive headfirst into making some proper pulled pork. give this crock pot supper a bash.

I promise you won’t regret it! it will definitely give you some slow cooker supper ideas

Right then, let's get stuck into making some slow cooker bbq pulled pork . honestly, there's nothing quite like coming home to the smell of this.

It's proper comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a laid-back weekend. this recipe's foolproof – even i can't mess it up, and that's saying something! it definitely fits the category of easy slow cooker meals

Prep Like a Pro: Your Pulled Pork Foundation

First things first: the mise en place . get everything chopped, measured, and ready to rock. we are going to need a 1.

5 kg pork shoulder roast, trimmed of excess fat. for the dry rub, gather together 1 tbsp of smoked paprika, 1 tbsp of garlic powder, 1 tbsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of salt.

For the sauce, dice one large yellow onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. finally, measure out 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, and 1 tsp liquid smoke if you fancy it.

If you’re feeling brave, a little cayenne pepper can add a kick.

Time-saving tip? Chop the onion and garlic while the slow cooker is warming up. Safety reminder? Don't be a numpty – wash your hands after handling raw pork! It is also good to remember to start with your Crock Pot Dinner ahead of time

From Zero to Hero: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in 8 Simple Steps

1. Spice It Up: Rub all the dry rub ingredients all over the pork shoulder. Get right in there.
2. Sauté, Sauté: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onion until soft, then add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. This adds real flavor!
3. BBQ Magic: Stir in ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon, and liquid smoke (if using). Simmer gently.
4. Crock-Pot Time: Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over it.
5. Patience is a Virtue: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . The pork should fall apart. We are hoping for some Easy 4 Hour Crockpot Recipes
6. Shredding Time: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Discard any big bits of fat.
7. Sauce Reunion: Return the shredded pork to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir and let it soak for 15- 20 minutes .
8. Serve & Enjoy: Pile high on brioche buns with coleslaw. Boom!

This Crock Pot Supper is going to be a crowd-pleaser!

Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection

Honestly, searing those onions and garlic makes all the difference. don't skip that step! a splash of liquid smoke really ramps up that bbq flavor.

If you're after slower cooker meals , it is perfect, and if you want a thicker sauce, take the lid off for the last hour.

A common mistake is not letting the pork rest in the sauce after shredding – that's where it gets all juicy and delicious!.

For a super simple slow cooker supper ideas , prep the pork and sauce the night before. in the morning, just dump it all in the slow cooker and go! a long crockpot recipes that you will love!

And if you're looking for easy crockpot dinners for two , this recipe is easily halved. you know what? this is going to be one of your favorite crockpot simple recipes .

So go on, give it a bash. you won't regret it. and if it all goes wrong? blame it on the slow cooker!

Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this slow cooker bbq pulled pork recipe. honestly, these are the kinda tips i wish i'd known the first time i tried it! trust me, they'll make your life easier.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro, Almost

Fancy plating? pile the pulled pork high on toasted brioche. a dollop of creamy coleslaw? oh my gosh, yes! think pub vibes, but slightly posher.

For sides, i'm a sucker for classic coleslaw, mac and cheese, or even just some good old chips, mate. an ice-cold beer or some sweet tea washes it down perfectly.

You know? basically, anything that screams "summer bbq".

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? no worries! fridge-wise, the pulled pork will keep happily for 3-4 days in an airtight container. freezing is also an option.

Just pop it into freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. reheating? simples! microwave, hob, or even back in the crock pit dinner .

Add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry when reheating.

Variations: Mix it Up, Buttercup

Feel like playing about? go for a spicy bbq version. a pinch of red pepper flakes kicks it up a notch.

Or, for a hawaiian twist, chuck in some drained crushed pineapple. for a dietary adaptation, use sugar-free ketchup. if you haven't got apple cider vinegar you can use white vinegar as a substitute.

It's all about making it your own. honestly, some of the best crockpot simple recipes come from messing about a bit!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let’s be real. this isn't exactly a salad. but, it's got protein! it's estimated around 450 calories, 40g protein, 25g fat and 15g of carbs per serving based on 8 servings.

Plus, pork shoulder is a good source of minerals, you know? just maybe don't eat the whole crock pot supper in one go! remember these are estimates and can vary.

So, there you have it. easy slow cooker meals don't get much better than this. whether you're after easy crockpot dinners for two , or enough for a slow cooker supper ideas gathering, this recipe's got you covered.

So, fire up that slower cooker meals and have a go, even with long crockpot recipes ! you’ll nail it, i promise.

If i can, anyone can!