Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This slow cooker pulled pork is the ultimate “set it and forget” dinner that turns out fall-apart tender meat that’s incredibly flavorful every time!

Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork

When I’m not making carnitas for taco night, this all-American pulled pork recipe is what gets my friends and family excited to come over for summer BBQs. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like a backyard pitmaster, yet it couldn’t be any easier in your Crockpot or slow cooker. The meat is juicy and fall-apart tender, and the spice rub hits all the right notes. If you’re after those same rave reviews I get every time I serve it, here’s why you’ll love making it:

• Prep takes just 5 minutes. The slow cooker handles the rest!
• The rub is spot on. Savory, spiced, and packed with flavor, it’s everything you want in classic pulled pork.
• It’s perfect for a variety of meals. Think pulled pork tacos, sliders, bowls, and more. I’ll share a few ideas below!

Pulled Pork Ingredients

• Pork shoulder: Boneless pork shoulder is what you need (also called pork butt or Boston butt). Look for one that’s well-marbled but not too fatty on the outside. You can always trim any excess fat off as well. Bone-in pork shoulder works too, but I prefer a boneless one for more meat-to-bone ratio in the slow cooker.
• Spice rub: My go-to blend is paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. It’s flavorful-spicy (not heat-spicy) and totally addictive. If you’ve made my brisket rub before, this one’s similar, but a little bit more savory and less smoky-sweet.
• Aromatics: Diced yellow onion, fresh garlic, and a splash of orange juice to round everything out and add a subtle brightness to the final flavor.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 

Step 1: Mix the paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper together, then generously rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, then add the diced onion, garlic, and orange juice on top.

Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. When it’s done, the pork should shred easily with two forks. Transfer it to a cutting board, shred, then return to the juices in the slow cooker to keep everything tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Pulled Pork

• Go classic BBQ: Serve with sides like coleslaw, cucumber salad, potato salad, and baked beans for the ultimate summer cookout, especially as a 4th of July recipe, Memorial Day recipe, or Labor Day recipe.
• Add some sauce: Toss it with my homemade BBQ sauce for a saucier pulled pork that’s always a hit.
• Holiday centerpiece: Serve with mashed potatoes (or mashed sweet potatoes) and roasted veggies for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
• Savory breakfast: Pair leftovers with a fried or poached egg for a protein-packed breakfast.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

• Birria: The spices and flavor in this are so good.
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast: The best all-in-one meal for fall and winter.
• Barbacoa: The best shredded Mexican beef.
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: A great way to cook a whole chicken with ease.
• Or give these other slow cooker recipes a try!

This recipe was originally posted May 2015, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!