Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
Want a tasty meal without much effort? Try 3-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork! You’ll only need pork, root beer, and barbecue sauce. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours.
The result? Tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or eating on its own. It’s so easy, you might never go back to complicated recipes again!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
You’ll need just 3 simple ingredients for this easy pulled pork recipe:
- Pork shoulder (3-4 pounds)
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup)
- Root beer (1 can or 12 ounces)
The pork shoulder is the star of the show. You can also use pork butt if that’s what you find at the store. Both cuts work great for slow cooking.
For the barbecue sauce, pick your favorite brand. Sweet, spicy, or tangy – it’s up to you! If you’re watching your sugar intake, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Root beer adds a unique flavor, but you can swap it out. Try cola, Dr. Pepper, or even chicken broth for a less sweet option.
Want to mix things up? Add some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar can give your pork a tangy kick.
Remember, the slow cooker does most of the work. You just need to toss these ingredients in and let the magic happen!
Instructions
Start by placing your pork roast in the slow cooker. Pour a can of root beer or Dr. Pepper over the meat. This helps tenderize it.
Next, add about a cup of barbecue sauce. Choose your favorite flavor – sweet, spicy, or smoky all work well.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 8-10 hours. The long, slow cooking makes the meat super tender.
When the time’s up, take the pork out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the meat. It should pull apart easily.
Mix some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded pork. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
If you want, you can add more barbecue sauce now. Stir it in well.
Your pulled pork is ready to serve! Try it on buns, in tacos, or even on top of a salad.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use a pork shoulder or butt for the best results. These cuts have more fat, making your pulled pork juicy and flavorful.
Trim excess fat before cooking. This helps reduce grease in the final dish.
For extra flavor, rub the pork with spices before adding it to the slow cooker.
Don’t lift the lid while cooking. This lets heat escape and increases cooking time.
Shred the pork with two forks when it’s done. It should fall apart easily.
Add extra BBQ sauce after shredding for more flavor. Taste and adjust as needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days.
You can freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Try using the leftovers in tacos, sandwiches, or on top of baked potatoes for easy meals.