If you’re in the mood for melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, then this Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is going to be your new best friend. It’s so simple to make, and the flavor is absolutely out of this world. The slow cooker does all the work, and you end up with tender, smoky, and flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Once you throw everything in the slow cooker, you can forget about it and go about your day.
Perfectly tender: The slow cooking process ensures the pork is fall-apart tender and infused with all the amazing spices.
Tons of flavor: The Texas-style seasoning gives the pork that smoky, spicy kick that makes it so irresistible.
Versatile: You can serve it on buns for sandwiches, in tacos, or over rice—whatever your heart desires.
Feeds a crowd: This recipe makes a lot, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients (A Sneak Peek)

You’ll need a pork shoulder (the star of the show), garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, and a mix of spices to really bring out that Texas flavor. Full ingredient list is below!

Directions

Season the Pork

Start by seasoning your pork shoulder with a generous amount of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Rub the seasoning all over the pork to coat it evenly. The more seasoning, the better—the pork will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

Sear the Pork (Optional)

While not necessary, I like to sear the pork in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to develop some extra flavor. It gives a nice brown crust and adds depth to the taste, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Simply sear the pork for about 3–4 minutes on each side until browned.

Set It in the Slow Cooker

Once your pork is seasoned (and seared, if you prefer), place it in the slow cooker. Add your chopped onion, garlic, and a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a bit of tang that helps balance the richness of the pork.

Slow Cook It

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours. The low-and-slow cooking is what makes the pork so tender and juicy. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high and cook for about 4-5 hours, but I highly recommend the low setting for the best results.

Shred the Pork

After 8 hours, your kitchen will smell amazing. The pork should be so tender that it practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork. Remove it from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to soak up all that delicious juice.

Add the BBQ Sauce

Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce (you can go with a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweet, smoky one, depending on your preference). Mix it all together, and let the pork simmer for an additional 15 minutes on low to absorb all the flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Now for the fun part—serving! I love piling this juicy pulled pork onto a soft bun for a classic Texas-style sandwich. You can also serve it over rice, in tacos, or with a side of coleslaw for that perfect balance of flavors.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Choosing the right pork: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the best cut for slow cooking. It has enough fat and connective tissue to stay juicy and tender as it cooks.
Spices: Don’t skip the seasoning! The mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder really gives this dish its signature flavor.
Low and slow: If you want the best pulled pork, always cook it low and slow. It really makes a difference in tenderness and flavor.
Sear it for extra flavor: As mentioned, searing the pork before slow cooking gives it a deeper flavor, but it’s totally optional if you’re pressed for time.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the rub if you like things spicy.
Different cuts of meat: While pork shoulder is the ideal cut, you can also use pork loin if you prefer a leaner version. Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as juicy.
No slow cooker?: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily make this in the oven. Just sear the pork, cover it in foil, and roast it in a low oven (about 300°F) for 4-5 hours, or until it’s fall-apart tender.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pulled pork is so versatile. For a classic meal, serve it on soft buns with a side of coleslaw and crispy fries. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or with roasted veggies for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps or tacos with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do, because this is even better the next day!), store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet on low heat with a bit of the leftover juice or BBQ sauce until it’s hot and tender again. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I cook this pulled pork on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours if you’re in a hurry. However, I recommend the low setting for the best tenderness.

Can I make this without BBQ sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a more traditional Texas-style pulled pork, you can skip the BBQ sauce and just add a little more seasoning. The natural juices from the pork will give it plenty of flavor.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for an extra kick!

Can I use boneless pork ribs instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, you can use boneless pork ribs, but the texture may be slightly different. They’re still great in the slow cooker, just make sure to shred the meat once it’s done.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just making dinner for the family, this recipe guarantees a tasty, stress-free meal. Enjoy every juicy bite!

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

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This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty dinner, and makes enough to feed a crowd.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (or 4-5 hours on high)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Texas / Southern
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Season the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Make sure it’s evenly coated.
Sear the Pork (Optional): Sear the pork in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side for extra flavor, if desired.
Set It in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker with chopped onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
Slow Cook It: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be tender and fall apart when shredded.
Shred the Pork: After cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
Add BBQ Sauce: Stir in the BBQ sauce and let the pork simmer on low for 15 minutes to absorb all the flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve on buns, in tacos, or over rice with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Use pork shoulder for the best results—it’s the most tender and flavorful cut.
Searing the pork before slow cooking adds depth but is optional.
This recipe can be made in the oven by roasting the pork at 300°F for 4-5 hours in a covered pan if you don’t have a slow cooker.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.