BBQ Pulled Pork (slow cooked to perfection)
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This easy BBQ pulled pork slow-cooks until tender and saucy with bold, smoky flavor. A quick spice rub and the slow cooker do all the work for you.
This foolproof BBQ pulled pork delivers tender, juicy, smoky meat every single time, with barely any hands-on work. A quick spice rub and a long, slow cook turn a simple cut of pork into something rich and deeply flavorful — the kind of dinner that everyone happily comes back for seconds of. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and reliable enough to serve when you’re feeding a crowd.
It’s also one of my favorite stress-free entertaining recipes. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the pulled pork tastes just as good tucked into sandwiches, piled onto nachos, or rolled into burritos. Make a big batch and you’ve got the base for several easy meals without any extra effort.
You only need a handful of ingredients to make it happen. Start with boneless pork butt (also called pork shoulder or Boston butt), then add BBQ sauce, stock, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Simple ingredients, big payoff.
What to serve with bbq pulled pork
Wondering how to serve your BBQ pulled pork or what to do with leftovers? This delicious, savory dish is super versatile, so you can use it in a variety of recipes. Here are my top picks:
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Warm up some tortillas and spoon on some BBQ pulled pork, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.
- Pulled Pork Chili: Make a warming chili with your BBQ pulled pork, using it in place of the ground meat.
- Pulled pork shepherd’s pie: Fill a baking dish with pulled pork, adding some diced carrots, peas, and corn in there. Pile some mashed potato on top, and bake it to perfection!
- Pulled Pork Enchiladas: Mix your leftovers with some select veggies and cheese, wrap it up in a tortilla, and slather it with BBQ enchilada sauce and cheese for some hickory-good enchiladas!
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: This guy is layered with chipotle mayo, crispy jalapeños, and crunchy slaw.
Recipe FAQs
How do I store leftover pulled pork?
This stores well in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Leftovers freeze and reheat really well – thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I make BBQ pulled pork in the oven?
You can! Low and slow is the best method for cooking pulled pork. Put the pork and liquids in a pot, cover it with a lid or foil, and bake it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of your pork. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much pulled pork per person when entertaining?
When gauging how much pulled pork to make per person for your gathering, consider how you’re serving it, as the appropriate amount will depend on what else is on offer. Generally, aim for around ⅓ to ½ lb per person. If you’re serving your pulled pork in hearty, filling dishes like a burrito or pizza, stick closer to ⅓ lb per person. However, if your pulled pork is the star of the show, on top of some mash and next to a light salad, you’ll want closer to ½ lb per person.
BBQ Pulled Pork (slow cooked to perfection)
Ingredients
- 1 3-4 lb boneless pork butt
- 1 ½ cups bbq sauce
- 1 cup broth
Spice Rub
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt
Instructions
- Start by mixing the spice rub ingredients together in a small bowl.2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt, ¼ cup brown sugar
- Remove the butcher twine from the pork and then cover it with the spices, working it into all the nooks and crannies.1 3-4 lb boneless pork butt
- Place the pork in a slow cooker and add any remaining spices. Pour the BBQ sauce and broth into the slow cooker, cover with the lid, and turn the slow cooker on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours.1 ½ cups bbq sauce, 1 cup broth
- Remove the pork from the pot and put it into a large bowl. Pour the juices into a medium-sized pot. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat and continue to boil until the juices reduce to the thickness of BBQ sauce. Spoon the fat out and discard it.
- Shred the pork with two forks or a pair of meat claws, then pour the reduced sauce over the pork and mix well.
- Serve the BBQ pulled pork in a sandwich, taco, burrito, or with mashed potatoes, or any other way you'd like!
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
What type of broth did you use? Vegetable, chicken or beef?
We’ve made this with both chicken and beef broth and it turns out great with either.
Can you do this in the oven? What would be the temp and time?
You can definitely braise in the oven instead. 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours. Note: I haven’t tested this pulled pork recipe in the oven, but that temp/time is what I would usually aim for with oven braised meats. Please check it after 2 hours and add more stock if the pot looks dry.
I made this yesterday- then made your sandwich with it. It is so incredible. Love that you reduced the cooking sauce. That really made it!