Quick and Easy Pulled Pork – A Soulful Delight for Busy Families

Name: Quick and Easy Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless); 1 cup barbecue sauce (tangy-sweet); 2 medium onions, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Buns for serving (optional)

Posted on October 31, 2025

Protein

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This incredible Pulled Pork comes together in about 8-10 hours with just a little good old-fashioned slow cooking in your trusty slow cooker! It’s the perfect solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! Plus, you can totally switch up the ingredients depending on what you have on hand, it really is the ultimate “clean out the fridge” meal! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into a dish that is not only delicious but also brings comfort to the table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is the star of this show it’s rich, flavorful, and when cooked low and slow, becomes super tender and juicy. I always opt for bone-in if I can find it; the bone adds tons of flavor! But if you can only find boneless, that will work just fine too. You can also use pork butt as a substitute!

Barbecue Sauce

For the barbecue sauce, I like to use a tangy-sweet variety that brings a lovely balance of flavors. You can definitely make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! That said, any store-bought sauce you love will work here. Just make sure to pick one that’s as delicious and zingy as you want your pulled pork to be!

Onion

Onions are such a versatile ingredient, and for this Pulled Pork, they add amazing depth. Sliced onions will cook down beautifully while infusing the pork with flavor. If you’re out of fresh onions, you could also use onion powder, just be mindful that dried spices are more potent, so use about a tablespoon instead!

Garlic

Minced garlic is a must-have for me! It warms up the dish, making it aromatic and delicious. I use four cloves; love that garlicky goodness! But if you’re not a fan, feel free to dial it down to two or even skip it entirely. You could use garlic powder instead, about a teaspoon should do ya!

Smoked Paprika

This magical spice adds a wonderful smoky flavor that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Trust me, you’ll get a hint of barbecue even before it’s cooked! I prefer smoked paprika for this recipe. However, sweet paprika can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Cumin

A dash of cumin adds this earthy note that complements the pork perfectly. Funny story, i always thought cumin was too strong until I added it to my pulled pork, and I was hooked! If you’re out of cumin, taco seasoning works in this pinch!

Salt and Pepper

These are like the BFFs of seasoning! Just a couple pinches of salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors beautifully. Use fresh ground black pepper if possible; it packs a way more intense punch.

Buns for Serving (Optional)

To really enjoy this pulled pork like it’s meant to be, we gotta have some buns, these are optional, but come on, who doesn’t love a good sandwich? You can use brioche, ciabatta, or whatever you have that feels right.

Flat lay of pulled pork ingredients including pork shoulder, spices, barbecue sauce, and buns.

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Pulled Pork

Start with Your Aromatics: Place those sliced onions and minced garlic right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a delicious bed for the pork and help with flavor distribution.
Season the Pork: Grab that beautiful pork shoulder, sprinkle it generously with smoked paprika, cumin, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Rub it all over so that every bite is flavor-packed. I mean, that’s what we’re here for, right?
Layer It: Place the seasoned pork right on top of the onions and garlic. It sits there beautifully, waiting for its turn to shine.
Top It Off: Now, it’s barbecue sauce time! Pour that mouthwatering sauce all over the pork. Go ahead, get cozy with it, make sure it’s covered nicely!
Cook Away: Cover the slow cooker and let it do its thing on low for about 8-10 hours. Just let it hang out until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your home, and you can hardly wait to dig in!
Shred and Serve: Once it’s done cooking, carefully take the pork out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the pork, it’s incredibly easy! Then mix it with the fun juices that have collected at the bottom for maximum flavor.

Shredded pulled pork glistening with barbecue sauce in a rustic bowl.

Time for Buns: Serve it up on some buns if you like, and get ready for a family dinner that’s sure to be a hit!

Pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns with coleslaw and pickles.

My Go-To Recipe for Family Comfort

This is absolutely my go-to recipe when I need some comfort food to bring the family together, especially after a long day of juggling kid duties and work. Seriously! I’m a real sucker for that juicy, tender meat that you can pile on a bun. The best part is that it’s just so versatile, you can throw in any leftover veggies or spices you have and make it your own!

You could even set up a little DIY pulled pork bar; let everyone add their favorite toppings, like coleslaw or pickles, and take the dinner game to a new level. Recently, my youngest even suggested nachos with the pulled pork on top, and let me tell you, it was life-changing!

If you loved this Pulled Pork, be sure to check out my Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos, or my Easy Beef Stew!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish truly comes together with so little effort, just some seasoning and a slow cooker. You could set it in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a meal that makes your kitchen smell like barbecue heaven.

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required! Everything is done in that slow cooker, which means you can spend more time with your family instead of scrubbing pots and pans. Love!

Comfort Food

Oh, pulled pork is the ultimate comfort food; it’s loaded with tons of flavor, and just a couple of bites can feel like a warm hug. Perfect for cooler months when all you want is something cozy and delicious.

Customizable

Here’s the thing: you can use whatever ingredients you have or what your family loves! Swap the barbecue sauce for something spicy if you want some heat, or add different spices to create a whole new flavor profile. Such a crowd-pleaser!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Pulled Pork

Serve your pulled pork with toasted buns (optional) and a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. It also pairs nicely with cornbread, baked beans, or even a simple side salad.

Storage

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!). Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up!

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat this pulled pork is in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist and reheated deliciousness in no time!

Freezer Friendly

Absolutely! You can freeze the leftover pork for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it up as mentioned above!

So, there you have it! A quick and easy Pulled Pork recipe that is perfect for busy families, delicious, and oh-so-soulful. What’s not to love? Make it this week, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to add to your arsenal of home-cooked meals!

Happy cooking!

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