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It doesn’t get much simpler than this 4-ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights and party menus, my best pulled pork recipe also happens to be one of my easiest dinner ideas ever.
Meggan’s notes
I’ve always loved the classic flavor combination of pork and apples. As a classically-trained chef, I know apples add both tenderness and flavor to pork while it cooks, whether that means pinning apples to a pork shoulder while it smokes, or topping a pork roast with applesauce in a slow cooker.
Believe it or not, the secret to the best pulled pork is the doneness temperature. While pork is “done” at 145 degrees, it doesn’t become fall-apart, fork-tender until its 180 degrees. At that temperature, the meat shreds easily and all the fat is melted, infusing every bite with juicy, pork flavor. It’s magical.
My other suggestion is to brown the pork in a skillet first. That extra step adds a rich brown crust which leads to extra taste and texture all over the pork. You’ll never get a brown crust in a slow cooker alone, so start it on the stove-top and you’ll be all set.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Pork: Look for a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder roast or pork butt. These heavy-duty cuts of pork have a high fat content which translates to more flavor.
- Applesauce: A half cup of store-bought or homemade applesauce lends moisture and just a hint of sweet flavor to the shredded pork.
- Barbecue sauce: Saucing your pork isn’t required, and if you want to eat it in tacos, serve salsa on the side instead. To go the BBQ route, stir in your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or try my Sweet Baby Ray’s copycat Barbecue Sauce.
Step by step instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sprinkle pork generously with salt on all sides. Add to pot and sear without moving until a dark brown crust forms on one side, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Flip pork over and continue browning on the second side until a dark crust forms, about 4 to 5 minutes longer. Remove from pot and transfer to slow cooker. Pour applesauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Using two forks, shred the pork. Pour barbecue sauce on top if using.
- Cover and cook until barbecue sauce is heated through, about 30 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve in buns if desired.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe makes 12 1/2-cup servings, enough for a dozen entree portions (or eight 3/4-cup servings if you’re only serving this with something light, such as coleslaw).
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a great freezer-friendly entrée! Make a batch and stow it away in freezer-safe containers (dated and labeled) for yourself, a neighbor, a new mom, or anyone else who might need a meal. For meal trains, I offer a bottle of barbecue sauce on the side, a bag of soft rolls for sandwiches, and a simple side (maybe grab a bag of frozen corn, steam it in the microwave, and stir in some butter and salt).
- Pulled Pork Pancakes: Pulled pork on flapjacks? Definitely! Pulled Pork Pancakes earn rave reviews at every party or family brunch where I serve them.
- Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict: Substitute leftover pulled pork for the Canadian bacon and thank me later.
- Enchiladas: Roll up a batch of your favorite enchiladas or burritos with pulled pork as the protein.
- Quesadillas or tostadas: Leftover pulled pork sandwiched between tortillas with a splash of hot sauce and some avocado? Yes, please.
- Chili: Your favorite chili will love you for it; simply swap for ground beef.
- Pizza: Atop a base of purchased, par-baked pizza crust and barbecue sauce, sprinkle an even layer of pulled pork. Finish with sliced red onion and shredded cheddar cheese and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Paleo and Whole30 Compatible: Choose unsweetened applesauce and a Whole30-compatible barbecue sauce such as Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
For pulled pork or any shredded meat, like Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, estimate about ⅓ to ½ pound of meat per person (or about 5 to 6 ounces).
Pork is safe to eat at 145 degrees. However, tough, marbly cuts of pork such as pork butt and shoulder, are tender and fall apart at 180 degrees.
Round out your menu with backyard barbecue favorites such as creamy coleslaw (my version is a KFC copycat), baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
More pork favorites
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Pork Roast
Main Dishes
Pork Cutlets with Apples
Chipotle Copycat Recipes
Chipotle Carnitas Copycat
30 Minute Meals
Grilled Pork Chops
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 pounds pork shoulder roast or pork butt roast (see note 1)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (see note 2)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce optional (see note 3)
- Buns for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sprinkle pork generously with salt on all sides. Add to pot and sear without moving until a dark brown crust forms on one side, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Flip pork over and continue browning on the second side until a dark crust forms, about 4 to 5 minutes longer. Remove from pot and transfer to slow cooker. Pour applesauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or LOW 8 to 10 hours. Using two forks, shred the pork. Pour barbecue sauce on top if using and serve in buns if desired.
Notes
- Pork: Look for a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder roast or pork butt. These heavy-duty cuts of pork have a high fat content which translates to more flavor.
- Applesauce: A half cup of store-bought or homemade applesauce lends moisture and just a hint of sweet flavor to the shredded pork.
- Barbecue sauce: Saucing your pork isn’t required, and if you want to eat it in tacos, serve salsa on the side instead. To go the BBQ route, stir in your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or try my Sweet Baby Ray’s copycat Barbecue Sauce.
- Yield: This easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe makes 12 1/2-cup servings, enough for a dozen entree portions (or eight 3/4-cup servings if you’re only serving this with something light, such as coleslaw).
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
Making this today. What size slow cooker should I use for 4lbs of pork? Also, should I trim excess fat? Thanks.
Hi Erica, I would use a 3 quart or larger slow cooker. I would not trim the fat on this one, pork tends to be a leaner meat, so any fat will help keep the pulled pork moist and tender. I hope you love it! – Meggan
Awesome recipe. Really yummy pork. Thanks for all the great recipes.
You’re so welcome, Phyllis! – Meggan
Tastes great and easy to make.
I didn’t have apple sause so I made from your recipe.
I’m so glad you like the recipe Zahra! Thank you for the comment! -Meggan
Simple & delicious ate the 2 words that sum up this recipe…. a huge winner in my home!
I made sliders with this pulled pork and it’s the best pulled pork I’ve ever had!
Love this idea!!!! It reminds me of how I make mine…I use Hard Apple Cider…that;s pretty much the same thing right ๐ ย
My gosh, could this recipe be any easier?
ย I second that this is a genius idea. I’m all for things that make me lazier when it comes to delicious food prep!
Meggan, EVERYTHING you post makes me hungry. I may have to spend the rest of my life on a treadmill (while I’m eating) just to function! I’ll cook mine on low for 8 hours since it’s an All-clad cooker and cooks just a little hotter than many.
I had to come and see the magic. Applesauce is genius! Kudos to Monica, I’m all for shortcuts.
Magical right? The important thing is it tastes good. Thanks for stopping by! ๐ xoxo
I love slow cooker diehss in cold weather. Do some prep in the morning before you head to the office, then come home to an already-cooked dinner not to mention an aromatic house!