Best cut of pork for slow cooker

Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the perfect way to feed a crowd.  This slow cooker pulled pork is easy, tender, delicious and everyone always loves it!

With just 5 minutes of prep, this pulled pork crockpot recipe is ready to go before heading off to work. You’ll come home to a slow cooker full of tender juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches or topping Baked Potatoes or Mac and Cheese.

Best cut of pork for slow cooker

Crock Pot Pulled Pork is Easy to Make

This easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork is an easy family favorite! Let the Slow Cooker do all of the work, and then pile this pulled pork on crusty buns and top with some fresh homemade coleslaw for a dish everyone raves over! This slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for Sunday supper, tailgating or even for parties (on slider buns) or piled on top of baked sweet potatoes!

The best part about this dish is that it cooks in the slow cooker and is ready when you are, which means it’s easy to make.

Pulled Pork Bar: If you are serving a crowd, you can easily turn your slow cooker pulled pork on low to keep it warm until guests are ready to eat.  We just set out a basket of rolls and a bowl of slaw and our guests can create their own sandwiches!

What Kind of Pork for Pulled Pork?

While some people use a tenderloin for pulled pork, it’s so lean that it easily becomes dry and tough (it’s more suited to roasting to medium). Like most slow cooker recipes, a pork roast with lots of nice fat marbled throughout becomes very tender in the Crock Pot!

The best cut of pork for pulled pork is pork shoulder. It can go by different names (and names can vary by location). When looking for pork, I choose boneless (bone in still works just fine, may need a little bit extra time but not much). Any of the following will be great:

  • shoulder butt roast
  • shoulder roast
  • blade roast
  • pork butt
  • boston butt
  • picnic roast
  • pork steaks (which is slices of pork butt)

Any of the cuts above benefit from cooking low and slow to break down the tissues and make it buttery and tender. Pulled pork crock pot recipes are ideal because of the cooking temperature.

Best cut of pork for slow cooker

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot

  1. Line the bottom of the Crock Pot with sliced onion.
  2. Rub the pork roast with seasoning and add to the slow cooker (per recipe below).
  3. Pour Dr. Pepper (or Rootbeer) on top and let the Crock Pot work its magic.
  4. Once cooked, shred with 2 forks and stir back into the juices. Add additional BBQ sauce if needed and serve on crusty rolls!

How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot

The following is for a 4lb boneless pork roast. If you are short on time, cut the pork into 3-inch cubes.

  • Cook on High for 4-5 hours
  • Cook on Low for 7-8 hours

Slow cooker pulled pork needs just a few simple ingredients to create a dish that is so juicy and delicious.

To tell if the pork is done, use a fork and pull off a small piece. It should be easy to remove and melt in your mouth tender. If the pork isn’t fall-apart tender, it’s not quite done yet so cook it a bit longer!

Best cut of pork for slow cooker

What to Serve with Crock Pot Pulled Pork

  • Classic Coleslaw Recipe – Fast!
  • Dill Pickle Coleslaw
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Crock Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Baked Beans
  • Fresh Corn Salad

Did your family enjoy this Pulled Pork Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

Best cut of pork for slow cooker

4.98 from 1173 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Dr. Pepper Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the perfect way to serve a crowd. It’s easy, tender, delicious and everyone always loves it!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

  • 1 pork butt/pork shoulder roast 4-5 pounds
  • salt, pepper, & garlic powder
  • 1 onion sliced, optional
  • 1 can Dr. Pepper
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce or to taste
  • Rolls & coleslaw for serving

  • Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Rub the outside of the roast with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

  • Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 7-8 hours.

  • The meat will be very tender. Using 2 forks, shred the pork and place back in the juices.

  • Add barbecue sauce to taste. Allow to cook an additional 30-60 minutes if desired.

  • Serve on crusty rolls with coleslaw.

Rootbeer or cola can be substituted for Dr. Pepper. Diet Dr. Pepper will work in this recipe.

A larger roast will need extra cooking time.

If you check the pork and it is not tender, it likely needs more time so cover it back up and let it keep cooking.

If your pork produces a lot of juice remove some of the juices before adding the shredded pork back into the mixture. We like to stir in additional BBQ sauce before serving.

Pork can be kept warm in the slow cooker.

Nutrition information does not include rolls.

4.98 from 1173 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Calories: 276 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 592mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1.4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Best cut of pork for slow cooker

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What is the best cut of meat for a slow cooker?

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

Does slow cooking pork make it more tender?

The Benefits of Cooking 'Slow-and-Low' There are so many benefits to this cooking method. Not only does it make the meat far juicier and more tender but it also works with all kinds of meats. No matter your preference, this cooking method works well with whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and even veal.

Why is pork loin tough in crockpot?

Why is meat still tough in the slow cooker? It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.

Can you overcook pork in the slow cooker?

It is very difficult to overcook pork in a slow cooker, but it is possible. Make sure you have enough moisture in your slow cooker so that things don't get tough and cook your pork on low to prevent overcooking.