This is the easiest slow cooker pulled pork, but it tastes unbelievable! Make a huge batch and freeze some of it to put on sandwiches or pizza, in soup, tacos, fried rice and more!
I am not kidding. This is the easiest slow cooker pulled pork ever. Probably the easiest slow cooker recipe period. I always feel like slow cooker recipes are more work than they should be. Isn’t the point of the slow cooker that you just throw everything in and then leave, and come home 8 hours later to a delicious meal? Most of the good slow cooker recipes I have made require a few prep steps before or after. And that is fine, I’m willing to do a few extra steps to make sure my meal turns out great. But a super easy, almost no prep recipe is always welcome.
I had never made pork in the slow cooker before this. Although I love bacon and baby back ribs, I don’t prepare pork very often for dinner. I think I had a bad experience with a pork loin and never really wanted to try it again. I didn’t realize how AMAZING a pork shoulder would turn out if I just used my slow cooker. It is like the slow cooker is made for the pork shoulder. ALSO – I keep writing slow cooker, but I always call it a Crock Pot in real life. Even though Crock Pot is the brand name. It’s kind of like calling tissue “kleenex” and a bandage a “band-aid”, which I also do. But I’m trying to be fair to all those slow cookers out there that are not Crock Pots. So I’ll try to stick to calling it a slow cooker.
It takes one minute of prep. When it is finished, you have the most succulent, juicy, tender, fall apart pork you have ever seen.
So, back to this pork roast. Holy heck. Let me count the ways I love this roast. It takes one minute of prep. Then you can forget about it for nine hours. When it is finished, you have the most succulent, juicy, tender, fall apart pork you have ever seen. All you need to do is shred it with two forks and then serve it in any of the following ways: Put it on a sandwich. Make a taco. Put it in some soup. Make lettuce wraps if you are trying to be healthy. Put it on a pizza. Stand at the counter eating it with your fingers Put it on a plate and eat it at the table with silverware like a grown up. The reason I made this so flavor neutral is because I wanted it to be like a blank slate. This makes a really large amount ot meat, so unless you are feeding a crowd you will have some left over. And it freezes beautifully, so you can have some on hand for emergencies – like those nights where ordering a pizza seems like the only option.
I have a few recipes up my sleeve using this pulled pork, but this is the foundation of countless customizable options. All I did to make this pulled pork roast is this: Season the roast with kosher salt Put it in the slow cooker. Turn on the slow cooker to low and set for nine hours. That. Is. It. Sure, you can add some spices if you want, but I like that this is a blank slate for any number of recipes I might want to use it for. And it is anything but bland. I dare you to NOT pop any of it in your mouth when you are shredding it. You won’t be able to stop yourself.
A note about the cut of meat. I have used both boneless boston butt and bone in picnic shoulder for this. They both turned out great but I prefered the flavor of the boston butt. PS – I see you loling about it being called “butt”. It isn’t really from the “butt” of the pig. It is from the shoulder 🙂 If you are a food nerd like me and you want to know why it has that name, check out this article. Also, when I was buying this roast, I first found some “enhanced” roasts in the meat section. Run! Run away! We don’t want our meat “enhanced”, AKA injected with a salt water solution. No thanks. Luckily I found a beautiful pork roast behind the butcher counter. If you find a roast shrink wrapped and labeled “enhanced” put it down and walk over to the butcher counter. They probably have a much better roast for you.
The Easiest Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 1 boneless pork shoulder roast Boston Butt, around 4 pounds
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Season the roast all over with kosher salt. Place in slow cooker and set to low. Cook for about nine hours.
- When cooked remove from slow cooker and allow to cool slightly. If desired, remove any large pieces of fat - they should be very easy to remove at this point. Using two forks, shred the meat.
Notes
**Avoid buying a roast that has been injected with a sodium solution. Try to find a roast that is natural and untampered with. Most likely this will be at a butcher counter.
***You can also use a bone in roast if you can't find boneless
Nutrition
Adapted from Nom Nom Paleo
Items I used in this post (Affiliate Links)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase the items I recommend through the links I provide, I get a small commission. For more info, please see my disclosure policy. Thanks for supporting Fox and Briar!
Creamy Basil Skillet Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
KATHY says
Hi Megan,
I have an 18 1/2 pound pork shoulder picnic whole bone in. Last time I made pulled pork I used 2-4lb butt pound roast In the slow cooker a.k.a. crockpot. I added some onions and some garlic, but it ended up a little dry. I’m thinking I cooked it to long. I can’t screw this one up my son-in-law that is a phenomenal cook with new recipes is waiting. We have a little friendly competition going on here. LOL
Can you give me an estimated time in the slow cooker for this 18 1/2 pound pork shoulder, can I use just the kosher salt to get the same and result as everyone is raving about? Goal is to freeze Into small freezer bags for future use. If there’s anything left once I let the family know what I’m doing. Second thought I’ll keep it a secret for the time being even from my son-in-law. LOL HELP!
PS. I’m sitting here looking at it it’s ready to go once I get your input.
Meghan says
Hi Kathy – the cooking time is going to vary depending on a few different factors. However, I would recommend with such a large roast that you might want to cut it into chunks. With roasts like this, low and slow is best so you might want to even try cooking it overnight. If you check it after 8-9 hours and it’s not tender, give it more time. Hope that helps!
Jim Walker says
Hi Meghan,
Just had carnitas tacos with the best pork EVER!
The beer perhaps added a new flavor.
This is the ONLY recipe for slow cooker pork now. Thanks
Jim
Meghan says
Hi Jim – I am so glad to hear that!
Jim says
Greetings
I just put a 7lb bone in butt in my slow cooker. I added a bottle of Corona, fitting label in light of the current crisis.
I hope that doesn’t take away from the flavor.
Cheers,
Jim
Meghan says
I think it can only improve the flavor. Let me know how it turns ou!
Leslie Ann Rives says
Can I make this using a boneless pork tenderloin? Could I add a little chicken broth so it doesn’t dry out?
Meghan says
Hi Leslie – Pork tenderloin is a leaner cut so I don’t think it will need as much time. It might only need 4 hours in the slow cooker. It also probably won’t have as much flavor on its own since it has less fat. So in addition to cooking for a shorter amount of time, you also may want to add some spices or sauces to increase the flavor. I do have another recipe for pork tenderloin that you might like here: https://www.foxandbriar.com/bacon-wrapped-pork-tenderloin-recipe/
douglas Peck says
Super easy recipe! Thanks. Also, I think it is super funny that we’re using kosher salt in a pork recipe. 😉
Meghan says
So glad you liked it Douglas! And , ha, that is funny, I didn’t think about that.
Candice Jarman says
Is that all you put in the slow cooker? No water or anything? Sorry never had one done and my husband loves it I want to try it
Meghan says
Hi Candice – yep! The meat will release plenty of liquid so you don’t need to add any.
Tammi says
Thanks for sharing, I made it and I loved it!
Julie at Hostess At Heart says
I’m hungry now. I would eat it right off the board. 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks Julie! I know I sure did! 🙂
Bernadette Hinterlong says
This might sound like a stupid question, but I noticed that you used a 4 lb roast. Should I cut the time in half for a 2.38 lb roast? It’s an organic piece of meat (first one I’ve ever bought) and I really don’t want to ruin it! Thanks.
Meghan says
Hi Bernadette – I would not cut the time in half. Since it is a tough cut of meat it needs to cook low and slow in order to become tender. I would check it after 6 or 7 hours but it still might take 8 or 9. It is done when it is very tender and falling apart. I don’t think you need to worry too much about overcooking it. I have actually cooked this roast for longer and it was still great! Thanks for your question!
Liz says
This looks just incredible and so simple. I really do want to try this. Pulled pork is such a crowd pleaser. Plus, I love to use my slow cooker! xx
Meghan says
Thank you Liz! I do love how easy it is!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
This is fantastic Meghan! I love pulled pork and you just got me craving for it!! 😀 I love that this is all pork flavor – and slow cooker meals are so handy!
Meghan says
Thanks so much Dini!
Cathy Butler says
I make this frequently. One thing I do differently. I cool the pork in the Crock Pot, then put the whole thing in the refrigerator. (You must have one with the removable pot!). The fat rises to the top and hardens if left for a few hours or overnight. You can then easily remove the extra fat keeping the good juices in the pot and shred with a fork. Of course, this makes it a two-day deal, but the results are less fat and just as tasty!
Meghan says
That is a great tip Cathy! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I love slow cooker dishes, Meghan. I adore the feeling when you come home in the evening and get dinner ready. This looks super juicy and mouth-watering.
Meghan says
Thank you Anu! It is the best to come home to a delicious meal, right?
jane @ littlesugarsnaps says
So simple. It’s good to be reminded that we don’t need to spend hours chopping up 27 (!?!?) different ingredients to get something good at the end of it. That slow cook is 9 hours well spent. Hoping you will be posting some recipes for your favourite creations with the pulled pork soon.
Meghan says
Thanks Jane! I will be posting one in the next few days in fact! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love making pulled pork in the slow cooker. Yours looks so delicious and juicy!
Meghan says
Thanks Christin!
Ashlyn | Dollop of Yum says
I love pulled pork so so much and am glad you created an easy slow cooker recipe!!
Meghan says
Thank you Ashlyn!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says
Absolutely crazy about pork and just started experimenting with “less prime” cuts in the slow cooker. This version will be happening very soon! Kind of perfect cuz my kids are picky as heck but they can customize this however they like.
Meghan says
Yesss, thanks Christine! It is perfect for picky eaters (I used to be one!).
Rachel @the dessert chronicles says
I love how easy this is! Perfect dinner in this cold weather!
Meghan says
Thanks Rachel!
My Dish is Bomb says
Great minds think alike, pulled pork is on our menu for this weekend. ‘Cept I’m going to add an ingredient and slather it in BBQ sauce. I can’t resist. Your version kind of reminds me of kalua pork, an old Hawaiian favourite!! 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks Katy! I love BBQ sauce too, one of my favorite ways to use this!
Melanie @ Melanie Cooks says
What an awesome recipe! Just 1 ingredient, and uses a crockpot, so it just cooks itself! Can’t get any easier than that! I love pulled pork, yummy yum! There are so many goodies you can make with it! My favorite is on a sandwich, and I mix in some BBQ sauce so it makes BBQ pulled pork!
Meghan says
I LOVE BBQ pulled pork! That is one of my favorites! Thank you so much Melanie!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Pork shoulder is definitely the jam… I mean what is not to like about tender, melt in your mouth, deliciousness? Whenever I make it, I make a few pounds and it seems like I NEVER have any left for the dang freezer because Boy goes to town on the stuff. LOVING your easy-peasy, slow cooker pulled pork, Meghan! This is lazy girl perfection! Pinned! Cheers, doll!
Meghan says
Haha, I didn’t have any leftover this time either. I was like “Where did it all go? Oh, in my stomach.” Thank you so much Cheyanne!
Stephanie | The Foodie and The Fix says
These pictures make me want to put my hands through my screen and grab some of that gorgeous, juicy pork! Seriously, NEED! – Also, in response to Adina, I’ve made pulled pork in the oven before and it works out great too. I usually brown all sides in a skillet (but you could skip this step), wrap it up in foil and bake it at 300 degrees for 4 – 4 1/2 hrs.
Meghan says
Thank you so much Stephanie! I wish I had some right now actually! 🙂 And thanks for the tips about oven baking this too!
Ruby & Cake says
ahh looks so good!!!!! I have a craving for exactly this right now.
Meghan says
Thank you Ruby!
Adina says
It looks so delicious, I have never had pulled pork but would love to try it. I don’t have a slow cooker though… 🙁
Meghan says
I bet it could be adapted to a dutch oven on low heat. I haven’t tried it myself so I don’t know the specifics, but it would be worth trying! Thanks Adina!
Dad says
Yum!
Meghan says
Thanks!
Tracy | Baking Mischief says
I was introduced to the wonder that is pork shoulder earlier this year and I love it! I’m so with you on thinking slow cooker recipes should be uncomplicated and it doesn’t get any easier than this. Pulled pork is such a good base for different recipes. I’m definitely using this method next time I need to cook some.
And I had no idea crock pot was a brand name! I thought crock pot vs slow cooker was a regional thing. Talk about brand dilution…
Meghan says
Thank you Tracy! It is amazing, right? And I NEVER think about the brand name thing either. My crock pot IS actually the crock pot brand, I guess that is why I always use that term 🙂
Ashley says
I adore doing pork in the slow cooker! And this is just so simple! Perfect to make and use in so many meals! Happy weekend!
Meghan says
Thanks Ashley! Isn’t it the best? Happy weekend to you too!
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry says
Oh it’s so easy! You really never would guess, though. You can really see how tender and juicy the pork is too from the photos – it looks amazing! I feel like I really need a slow cooker now! Recipes that use them keep on popping up absolutely everywhere I go, and I think it’s a sign from the universe!!
Meghan says
Thank you Lisa! I use my slow cooker often enough to make it worth it. You can do most things in the oven instead, but I like that you can leave it on and leave the house if you want.
E.A. says
I was fortunate enough to actually sample the pulled pork with Meghan of Fox and Briar~~WOW!! I didn’t even think I liked pork!! This is a definite keeper-recipe!! Yummm~?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meghan says
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
Natasha @ Salt and Lavender says
I agree with you – slow cooker recipes should be easy. This really is haha. Like couldn’t be easier. So good. I love pulled pork. I really should make some soon. I’ve tried a variety of methods including the Coca-Cola method. I don’t really have a preference right now TBH.
Meghan says
Thank you so much Natasha! I think it is pretty hard to make pulled pork that is bad, honestly 🙂
Dad says
Simple
Like your dad!
😉
Meghan says
🙂