Let me be honest, I used to think pulled pork was one of those dishes only BBQ pros with giant smokers could master. Then I discovered the magic of the crock pot. This easy pulled pork crock pot recipe lets me throw a pork loin into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a tender, juicy pile of BBQ heaven. It’s one of those pork crock pot recipes that never disappoints. I like to joke that this recipe basically cooks itself while I’m busy living life. Whether I use pork loin, pork steaks, or even experiment with porkloin crockpot recipes, the slow cooker does all the hard work. The house smells incredible, and the hardest part is not grabbing a fork every time I walk past. This one works for weeknights, game days, or those lazy Sundays when pulled pork crock pot recipes slow cooker style just hit the spot. Out of all the pork loin crock pot recipes I’ve tried, this one lands squarely at the top of my list of delicious crockpot recipes. Simple, forgiving, and always crowd-pleasing.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- 4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- 5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- 6) Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- 8) Try these Main Course next!
- 9) Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This crockpot pulled pork is juicy, tender, and packed with BBQ flavor.
- It’s part of the best easy pulled pork crock pot recipes you’ll ever try.
- Works with pork shoulder, pork loin, or even pork steaks.
- Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or just eating with a fork.
2) Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
I love recipes that don’t demand a lot of babysitting, and this easy pulled pork crock pot recipe is one of them. Toss everything in, let it simmer low and slow, and the reward is meat so tender it practically begs to be shredded. I’ve tried a lot of pork crock pot recipes, but this one is at the top of my list. It doesn’t just save time; it delivers comfort food that feels like it took all day to fuss over.
The best part is how forgiving it is. Whether you go with a pork shoulder or lean pork loin, this dish adapts. Even pork steak recipes crock pot style work here. Every version comes out rich with smoky, sweet BBQ flavor. You can’t really mess it up, which I find comforting in itself.
If you’re looking for delicious crockpot recipes that keep everyone happy, this one’s your ticket. It’s slow-cooked perfection without the stress.

3) Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Pork Shoulder or Pork Loin: This is the star of the show. Shoulder brings more fat and tenderness, while loin is leaner but still works beautifully.
Onion: I slice one large onion and spread it in the bottom of the crockpot. It sweetens as it cooks and adds depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced. I can’t resist the aroma as it mixes with the pork.
BBQ Sauce: One cup for cooking, more for drizzling later. Pick your favorite brand or go homemade.
Chicken Broth: Half a cup, just enough liquid to keep everything moist.
Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons to bring balance to the smoky flavors.
Smoked Paprika: A tablespoon for that subtle smoky kick.
Salt and Black Pepper: Just enough to season the pork through.
Chili Powder: Half a teaspoon for a gentle heat in the background.
Burger Buns or Rolls: Perfect for stacking the juicy pork once it’s done.
Coleslaw: Optional, but I love the crunch and freshness it adds on top.

4) How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Step 1. Lay onion slices and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. They create a flavorful base.
Step 2. Place the pork right on top. Don’t worry if it looks plain now; it won’t stay that way.
Step 3. Stir together the BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Pour it over the pork.
Step 4. Cover and let the crock pot do the heavy lifting. Set it on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or HIGH for 4 to 5, until the meat practically falls apart.
Step 5. Take the pork out and shred it with two forks. It should pull apart easily.
Step 6. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir it into the juices. Every strand soaks up flavor.
Step 7. Load the pork onto buns, add extra BBQ sauce, and top with coleslaw if you like.

5) Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
I’ve learned a few tricks after making this dozens of times. First, don’t skimp on the BBQ sauce. The crock pot mellows out flavors, so a generous pour keeps the pork bold and saucy. Second, let the pork rest a few minutes before shredding. It holds the juices better and stays moist.
Some people swear by adding liquid smoke, and I agree—it’s a fun way to deepen that backyard BBQ flavor without firing up a smoker. You can also switch up the pork cuts. I’ve tried porkloin crockpot recipes that work great, especially if you want a leaner option. Pork steak recipes crock pot style are more rustic, but still delicious.
Finally, don’t forget the sides. Cornbread, baked beans, or just a pile of chips—everything tastes better with BBQ pulled pork.
6) Making Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Ahead of Time
This recipe shines when made ahead. I often cook it the day before a party, let it cool, then reheat it gently. The flavors settle overnight, and it somehow tastes even better the next day. Pulled pork crock pot recipes slow cooker style have that magic of improving with time.
If you’re storing it overnight, keep the meat and sauce together. That way, nothing dries out. When reheating, I splash in a bit of broth or extra BBQ sauce to freshen it up. It comes back to life beautifully.
And don’t limit yourself to sandwiches. Leftover pork goes into quesadillas, tacos, or over baked potatoes. One batch gives you options all week long.
7) Storing Leftover Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. If I know I won’t eat it soon, I freeze portions. Pulled pork holds up surprisingly well frozen. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove.
Sometimes I freeze it in smaller bags so I can grab just enough for a quick lunch. A warm pulled pork sandwich on a busy day feels like a treat. It’s one of those delicious crockpot recipes that keep on giving.
Whether fresh or frozen, the meat stays tender and flavorful, as long as you keep it sealed well.
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Easy Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipes – Juicy BBQ Flavor
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Burger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
- Coleslaw, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Set the pork on top of the onions.
- Mix together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Pour over pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to coat with the juices.
- Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce and optional coleslaw.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 390
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Written by Elena for Elena Cooks





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