Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ

Craving easy crockpot dinner ideas? This Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ is fall-apart tender & bursting with flavor! Minimal effort, maximum taste. Get the recipe now!

May 23, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, let's dive into this!

Recipe Introduction: Pulled Pork Perfection!

Quick Hook

Fancy some BBQ without all the fuss? These crockpot dinner ideas will change your life. Honestly, this Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ delivers a smoky, tangy-sweet flavour bomb!

Brief Overview

Pulled pork bbq is a classic american dish. it's a staple in the carolinas. this recipe is super easy. it only takes about 6- 8 hours on low.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. perfect for a family dinner, a get-together with mates, or even prepping for those dreaded meal-prep sessions.

Main Benefits

Pork is packed with protein, which is essential. it's a champion. this recipe's great for busy weeknights. it's proper dead easy.

What makes this recipe special? it's the simplicity and the big flavour. we can put together easily some salisbury steak crockpot if we don't have any pork at home.

Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:480 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 3-4 pound (1.3-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank's RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar
• Hamburger buns (optional)
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients. Mix well.
• Generously rub the pork shoulder with the prepared rub, ensuring it's evenly coated.
• Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion and garlic.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, hot sauce, and brown sugar.
• Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
• Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes for maximum flavour absorption.
• Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.

Get Ready to Rumble: Your Ingredients Await

Want to know what you need? for the spice rub, get some paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

We'll need a pork shoulder, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce for the pork.

Remember salisbury steak meatballs ? these are great too!

This recipe is totally customisable! you can even try it with frozen meatballs. think meatballs frozen . it would be amazing.

Seriously, crock pot meatballs with the tangy carolina sauce. i might try this souvlaki recipe next week! salisbury steak meatballs frozen could also be a fun twist on the classic! slow cooker salisbury steak would also be a perfect match if you wanted to mix the pork and meatballs and gravy .

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I remember the first time i made pulled pork. oh my gosh, it was a disaster! over mashed potatoes ? don't even go there.

The pork was dry. the sauce? watery. but i learned. i tweaked. and now? this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Trust me on this one, okay?

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for the best darn slow cooker carolina pulled pork bbq you'll ever make! it's easier than you think.

Trust me, even i can make this, and i once set fire to water. true story.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you need:

• Smoked Paprika: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) This is your flavor bomb . Don't skimp!
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), packed.
• Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Totally optional, unless you like it spicy!

Now for the star of the show:

• Pork Shoulder (Butt): 3-4 pounds (1.3-1.8 kg), boneless. Look for a good marbling of fat. This equals flavour! Seriously.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, roughly chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup (240 ml). This is the Carolina secret sauce !
• Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120 ml).
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml).
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) I use Frank's RedHot.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).

I am so glad to share the best crockpot dinner ideas with you!.

Seasoning Notes

This rub is essential! don't skip it. smoked paprika is a must! it brings the flavor. garlic and onion powder provide a savoury base.

Cayenne pepper adds a cheeky kick. i had my daughter's boyfriend once, who can't eat spicy at all!, but he loved it anyway.

Spice combinations: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne are your best mates here. Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar give tang.

Equipment Needed

The beauty of Salisbury Steak Crockpot , sorry of this recipe is that you don't need fancy gadgets. Here's the bare minimum:

• Crockpot: 6-quart (or larger) is best.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For the rub.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
• Two Forks: For shredding like a boss.

Honestly, that's it. You probably have most of this already!

I once tried making this with a smaller crockpot. big mistake. the pork didn't fit properly and cooked unevenly. learn from my mistakes!.

Now, let's dive into making it over mashed potatoes .

This Crock Pot Meatballs style, will soon become a family favourite. Think of it as a Souvlaki Recipe but far more easy to make.

Ready to get cooking? stay tuned for the step-by-step instructions! get ready for the most delicious salisbury steak meatballs you've ever had! or better yet, the slow cooker salisbury steak , you will be making!.

And remember, you can totally use meatballs frozen to make this dish even easier. now you know what meatballs and gravy looks like in 2024.

Okay, mates! let's get down to it. this slow cooker carolina pulled pork bbq recipe is the bee's knees. honestly, it’s so simple, even i can't mess it up.

You know, those days when you fancy some proper comfort food but can’t be bothered faffing about? this is that recipe.

It's basically like having salisbury steak meatballs frozen ready to go, but way better. i was proper knackered after work the other day, and i managed to get this sorted in about 15 minutes.

Magic.

Prep Like a Pro (Sort Of)

Mise en Place? More Like Mise en Place Your Bets !

Right, essential bits first. get your 2 tablespoons smoked paprika , 1 tablespoon brown sugar , 1 tablespoon kosher salt , 1 teaspoon black pepper , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon onion powder , and a dash of cayenne if you're feeling brave all in one place.

Chop your onion. mince two garlic cloves. that's your essential prep done. it's not brain surgery, is it?

Time-Saving Hacks (Because Who Has Time?)

Honestly, buy pre-minced garlic. life's too short to mince garlic. also, measure out all your spices in advance and bung them in a container.

Boom. you've just saved yourself, like, five whole minutes.

Let's Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step to BBQ Heaven

Here's how to turn that hunk of pork into something amazing:

1. Mix the Rub: Whack all those lovely spices together in a bowl. Give it a good mix.
2. Rub-a-dub-dub: Get your hands dirty and rub that spice mix all over your 3-4 pound pork shoulder . Don't be shy!
3. Veggie Base: Chuck your chopped onion and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker.
4. Pork Placement: Plonk the pork shoulder right on top of the onion and garlic.
5. Sauce Time: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup apple cider vinegar , 1/2 cup ketchup , 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce , 2 tablespoons yellow mustard , 1 tablespoon hot sauce , and 2 tablespoons brown sugar .
6. Sauce It Up: Pour that glorious sauce all over the pork.
7. Slow Cook Magic: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . The pork should be pull-apart tender, like you'd want your Salisbury Steak Crockpot to be.
8. Shredding Time: Take the pork out, shred it with two forks, and put it back in the sauce for about 30 mins.

Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection

• Don't Skip the Rest: Letting the pork simmer in the sauce after shredding it makes a massive difference. Trust me.
• Spice It Up: If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rub for a bit of a kick. It’s like having Souvlaki Recipe levels of flavour.

Honestly, making crockpot dinner ideas like this is a game-changer. you can totally prep it in the morning and come home to the most incredible smells.

Forget about meatballs and gravy, over mashed potatoes tonight - we're doing proper pulled pork!

And if you are a fan of Crock Pot Meatballs , you could honestly tweak this to get a similar result!

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for this Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ . Because, honestly, the fun doesn't stop at the cooking, does it? It's all about making it your own!

Recipe Notes: Making it Your BBQ

Serving Suggestions: Plate It Like You Mean It!

Right, you've got this pile of gorgeous, tender pulled pork. what next? presentation is key! think rustic. a wooden board piled high, or classic burger buns.

A dollop of coleslaw is non-negotiable, mate ! some people like potato salad or corn on the cob, proper picnic fare! a cold lager? absolutely.

It's a cracking match. this recipe goes hand in hand with good times, just like these easy crockpot dinner ideas .

Storage Tips: Keeping the Party Going

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stuff keeps really well.

• Fridge: Chuck it in an airtight container. It'll last for 3-4 days no worries.
• Freezer: Meatballs Frozen? Absolutely! Pulled pork freezes like a dream. Pack it in freezer bags (squeeze out the air!). It's good for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave works in a pinch, but honestly, gently reheating in a pan with a splash of water or broth is the best. Slow cooker on low also does the trick!

Variations: Get Creative, You Rebel!

Want to mix it up? Go for it!

• Dietary Adaptations: Keto? Swap the brown sugar for sweetener, and use keto buns. Gluten-free? Easy, just check your Worcestershire sauce.
• Seasonal Swaps: Summer? Chuck some grilled pineapple in the mix. Winter? Maybe some roasted butternut squash on the side.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, this isn't health food, right? but, it's proper soul food. you're getting protein from the pork, and a bit of fibre if you add coleslaw.

It's all about balance. and let's be honest, happiness is healthy too!

Listen, don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe. have fun with it! it's supposed to be easy, tasty, and bring a smile to your face.

So, get cooking, and let me know how it turns out! maybe this can become your new favourite alternative to salisbury steak crockpot .

Or maybe it will inspire you to try a souvlaki recipe next! you never know!. maybe next time we can combine meatballs and gravy with salisbury steak meatballs and serve it all over mashed potatoes !.

Who knows?!. try it, play around with crock pot meatballs and come up with something amazing!. maybe even a slow cooker salisbury steak with salisbury steak meatballs frozen !