Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (from scratch)

This easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is made with my homemade BBQ sauce – it smells incredible while it slow cooks all day and comes out tender and delicious.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is one of those dishes you can serve all year round. Perfect for potlucks or large gatherings to feed a crowd without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. I came up with this leaner version of pulled pork using boneless pork loin roast and homemade BBQ sauce, which gave me complete control of what was added. See more slow cooker recipes for easy dinner ideas.

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

You don’t need much liquid to cook pork in a slow cooker since it releases juices while cooking. I use just enough to flavor the pork along with the reserved juices of the pork and serve the extra BBQ sauce on the side.

If your slower cooker runs too hot, you may need to add a half cup of water or broth or possibly replace the appliance. I’d also recommend checking your pork at the five-hour mark – if it easily shreds, then it’s done cooking.

I used the smallest roast I could find since I was making this for my family. Depending on the size of your pork loin, you will have to alter how much BBQ sauce to add. Keep in mind the pork shrinks after it is cooked, so you will want to weigh it cooked. I added two tablespoons of BBQ sauce for every three ounces of cooked pork, along with some of the reserved juices from the pork. (If your kids don’t like BBQ sauce, set some of the pork on the side for them before adding it back to the crock pot.)

I used the 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker (affil link) to make this BBQ pulled pork. I love it because you can adjust the time you want crock pot to cook, and it automatically turns to warm when it’s done. It also has a probe for meat that automatically shuts off when done. This slow cooker is so great that I actually own several!

What to Serve with Pulled Pork

I made pulled pork sandwiches with a really good, quick slaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, a little vinegar, salt, and a touch of olive oil. It would also be great on baked potatoes or tacos. You can serve the pork by itself with a side of macaroni and cheese, corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or rice pilaf.

Variations:

• Sub apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
• If you don’t have liquid smoke, leave it out or season the pork with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• You can use pork shoulder if you prefer.
• If you don’t have time to make the pulled pork sauce, you can buy a BBQ sauce from the store – just make sure it doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup.
• To make this pork in the Instant Pot, follow the same directions but use the “Meat/Stew” function, add 1 cup of broth and cook until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 40 minutes.

More Slow Cooker Pork Recipes You’ll Love: