Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork 
... from Aunt Sandy's Kitchen
- Serves: 10 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
This easy pulled pork recipe uses a Boston butt, also called pork shoulder roast, and cooks it low and slow until it is tender enough to shred with two forks. The garlic, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke create a simple homemade barbecue flavor without needing a smoker.
Once the pork is done, shred it, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve it on hamburger buns, slider rolls, baked potatoes, nachos, or alongside classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, or corn muffins.
🛒 Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the dry rub. In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, coarse salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed, then set aside.
- Mix the liquid seasoning. In a measuring cup, stir together the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke. Use 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for mild smoky flavor or up to 3 teaspoons for a stronger barbecue flavor.
- Prepare the garlic. Slice the garlic cloves into 8 to 10 thin slices. Cut small slits into the pork roast and insert the garlic slices into the meat.
- Season the pork. Rub the Boston butt all over with the brown sugar paprika rub, coating the top, bottom, and sides.
- Add to the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork roast in the slow cooker. Pour the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke mixture over the pork.
- Cook until tender. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Check the temperature. For pull-apart pulled pork, cook until the internal temperature reaches about 200°F to 205°F, for shreddable texture. If needed, continue cooking in 30-minute increments and retest.
- Shred the pork. Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Shred the pork with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Add BBQ sauce. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, adding more if you like it extra saucy.
- Serve. Serve warm on sandwich buns, slider rolls, baked potatoes, nachos, or with your favorite Southern side dishes.
Enjoy!
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Recipe Notes
- Temperature matters: Cook a Boston butt until the internal temperature reaches about 200°F to 205°F and the meat is fork-tender.
- Liquid smoke: Start with 1 teaspoon if you are sensitive to smoky flavor. Use 2 to 3 teaspoons if you want a stronger barbecue-style taste.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s, Sonny’s Sweet, and KC Masterpiece Kansas City Classic all work well. Use your family’s favorite sauce.
- Too much liquid? If the pork looks watery after shredding, drain off some cooking liquid before adding the BBQ sauce.
- For sandwiches: Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw, pickles, onions, or extra BBQ sauce.
- For meal prep: Pulled pork reheats well and can be used for sandwiches, baked potatoes, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or rice bowls.
- Freezer tip: Freeze cooled pulled pork in meal-size portions with a little sauce or cooking liquid to help keep it moist when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of pork is best for slow cooker pulled pork?
Boston butt, also called pork shoulder roast, is one of the best cuts for pulled pork because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender after slow cooking.
How long does a 4 pound Boston butt take in the slow cooker?
Plan on 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 4 to 6 hours on HIGH. Some slow cookers run hotter than others, so start checking early but keep cooking until the pork is tender enough to shred.
What temperature should pulled pork reach?
For pulled pork that shreds easily, cook the pork to about 200°F to 205°F. That higher temperature helps the roast become tender and pull apart with forks.
Do I need to add BBQ sauce before or after cooking?
Add the BBQ sauce after the pork is cooked and shredded. This keeps the sauce from overcooking and lets you control how saucy the pulled pork turns out.
Can I make this pulled pork without liquid smoke?
Yes. You can leave out the liquid smoke if you prefer a milder flavor. The garlic, brown sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce will still give the pork plenty of flavor.
What should I serve with BBQ pulled pork?
BBQ pulled pork goes well with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, corn muffins, green beans, fried okra, or a simple side salad.
