By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 10, 2026
Serves 8
73 cal · 490 min
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Recipe GLPR2e5eda80a08cce
Tender, flavorful pulled pork made in a slow cooker with a savory smoke rub and sweet brown sugar, finished with tangy barbecue sauce. This hands-off method yields succulent meat perfect for sandwiches or as a protein for any meal. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.
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Ingredients
1 boneless pork shoulder (about 3-4 pounds)
1 tablespoon apple wood smoke rub
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better to the meat surface.
In a small bowl, combine the apple wood smoke rub and brown sugar, stirring until evenly mixed.
Rub the spice and brown sugar mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating it generously on all sides.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190–195°F and shreds easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Using two forks, shred the warm pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat as desired.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Warm on low for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Comments
A solid weeknight winner for Charlotte families. Pork shoulder and barbecue sauce are standard items at every major chain—Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Kroger, Walmart, and ALDI all stock quality cuts at competitive prices, and brown sugar and smoke rub are pantry staples, so no special trips required. The stated 490 minutes (8 hours 10 minutes) is honest for a slow cooker and accounts for the actual hands-on time being minimal—you mix a rub, sear if desired, and let the cooker work. At roughly $2–2.50 per serving for the protein and sauce, it's a reasonable family meal that reheats beautifully for leftovers and requires zero attention once the lid closes, making it genuinely practical for busy weeknights.
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