Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Have you tried Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork? Check out my favorite recipe for Texas style pulled pork and make a batch today.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Recipe

My husband is originally from Texas, and he loves his Texas pulled pork BBQ. Barbecue sandwiches are one of his favorite ways to enjoy pulled pork.

Thankfully, this Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is so easy to make that we can have it regularly. Pork sandwiches make a great lunch or dinner with my homemade coleslaw.

Make sure you try my root beer recipe too. They go so well together.

Learn more about making root beer. You could use it if you’re making the rootbeer pulled pork by Pioneer Woman or any other award winning pulled pork recipe.

What is pulled pork?

Pulled pork is a type of shredded meat that has been cooked slowly for several hours. It is typically made with pork shoulder, but other cuts of pork roast can also be used.

I like to make this Texan pulled pork recipe in a slow cooker because the pork tenderloin can cook all day while I’m at work.

If you want a Crock Pot Express Pulled Pork Recipe, this will work perfectly.

How do you make pulled pork?

There are many different ways to make pulled pork, and the recipe will vary depending on what kind of recipe you’re using. However, the basic method is to cook the pork slowly over low heat until it is tender enough to shred.

What do you serve with Texas pulled pork?

• Baked beans
• Homemade Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob with gochujang mayo.
• Toasted bun

Best apple cider vinegar for pulled pork

I recommend using good-quality apple cider vinegar, such as Heinz. This will help balance out the richness of the pork and give it some acidity.

Can you use bottled barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can use bottled barbecue sauce in this recipe. I prefer to make my own because it’s so easy to do with this recipe.

But, if you are pressed for time, you can use store-bought. I recommend using a good-quality sauce, such as Stubb’s or Bull’s Eye.

Learn how to make homemade barbecue sauce.

Can you make this ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it for later. Simply store the pork in a sealed container or ziplock bag until you are ready to use it. Store if frozen for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it out in the refrigerator before using it, and then follow the rest of the cooking instructions. Store it in the refrigerator for three days.

Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker. The pork will be tough and dry if you cook it too high of a setting. It’s best to cook it on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Do you need liquid in the slow cooker for pulled pork?

Yes, you will need some kind of cooking liquid for the slow cooker to function properly. Typically, apple cider vinegar or a broth are used. If you don’t have any liquid on hand, you can also use water.

How do you shred the cooked pork?

You can use two forks to shred the cooked pork. Another option is to use a handheld mixer. Simply place the pork in the mixer bowl and mix on low until it’s shredded to your desired consistency.

These meat claws work well when you make pulled pork in the slow cooker. My husband swears by them.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork ingredients

• 3-4lb Pork Loin or Pork Cottage Roll, excess fat trimmed
• 1 Onion, chopped
• Two cloves of fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
• 3/4 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard or mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder or Onion Powder
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, optional
• Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste

If you like your pulled pork sweet, you can add brown sugar to the ingredients. I like to add dark brown sugar or light brown sugar.

Some people like to add chili powder to make the BBQ sauce hotter. You can adjust the seasonings as you like.

Other optional ingredients include tomato paste, hot sauce, apple juice, and smoked paprika. Making pulled pork is something everyone does differently.

Do you add liquid smoke?

I don’t use that in my recipe. Many brands have undisclosed MSG in their liquid smoke, which can cause health problems. If you want that smoky flavor, you can add it.

What size Crock Pot do I need?

We use a large oval slow cooker to make this Texas pulled pork recipe. You can use a smaller slow cooker if you need to. Just make sure you have enough room.

If you have a smaller crockpot, look for a pork butt or Boston shoulder roast that will fit.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot. Simply follow the instructions for preparing the pork, and then add it to your electric pressure cooker with all the other ingredients.

Cook on high pressure for about 50 minutes, until the pork is fully cooked and fork-tender. It tastes great in a Texas pulled pork sandwich.

Best buns for Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

Any soft buns will work for this recipe. We often use hamburger buns because that’s what we have on hand.

You can also serve your Texas style pulled pork on toasted buns. Just toast the buns until they are golden brown.

How to make Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

The cooking time will vary slightly depending on how large your pork roast is.

• Place the pork in the crockpot and sprinkle on the chopped onion and minced garlic.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the pulled pork.
• Secure the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 4-5 hours on high or low for 8-10 hours.

• Remove the cooked pork from the crockpot and shred. It’s done when the roast shreds easily.
• Return the shredded pulled pork to the crockpot and stir to coat completely in the sauce.
• Spoon pork on a soft bun topped with coleslaw or your favorite pulled pork toppings.

This is an excellent recipe for busy nights because it’s ready when you come home. We generally make pulled pork sandwiches when we make Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork.

Save a little extra sauce to add to your shredded pork sandwich when it’s done. This is the best way to serve BBQ!

To reheat Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

You can add the meat to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it’s warmed through. This is a versatile recipe, so make a big batch and enjoy slow cooker pulled pork all week.

This is one of our favorite pork recipes. We make it any time there is a good deal on a pork butt or pork loin roast at the store.

Here are some more delicious recipes you may enjoy.

• How to roast beef for sandwiches
• Leftover roast ideas