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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Close-up of tender, shredded slow cooker pulled pork heavily coated in rich, dark barbecue sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget recipe is perfect for BBQ sandwiches or meal prepping.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Rub the pork shoulder all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
  7. Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and stir to coat. Cook on WARM for another 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  8. Serve the pulled pork on buns for BBQ sandwiches, or store for meal prep. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce to taste before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with some fat cap remaining.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork and reduce the remaining liquid on the stove top until it thickens slightly before mixing it back in.
  • This recipe freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/