The BEST slow cooker pulled pork that you will ever make! Lots of flavor and can feed a crowd!

We’re settling into the first official full week of Fall and seeing a glimpse of that cooler weather on the calendar.

(I hope I didn’t just jinx us.)

I always feeling an overwhelming amount of happiness and excitement this time of year for a few reasons: 1) our wedding anniversary is a couple weeks away— 3 years!!?!, 2) the holidays around the corner, and 3) it’s slow cooker season.

Let’s talk about #3. The slow cooker is not only a saving grace when it comes to busy weeknights but it also creates some flavor-packed meals that require hardly any work. Those set and forget it recipes are my favorite and today I’m sharing one with you!

I made this pulled pork over the weekend. It was one of those recipes where I saw pork shoulder was on a sale and I knew I didn’t want to “make” dinner. I threw on some spices and almost 8 hours later, we feasted and every bite was an explosion of flavor— I knew I had to share it. We now have tons of leftovers (which I love!) for days.

What makes this the best?

• In the recipe I mention not only having a bone-in pork shoulder, but also one with a fat layer on the bottom. This is not only key for flavor, but also keeping the pork moist during the cooking process.
• FLAVOR. Not only does the bone and fat layer help with flavor, but the spice blend then enhances the natural flavor of the pork and takes it to the next level.
• There’s no work! This recipe is specifically is a set and forget it. There aren’t any extra steps at the beginning, just a quick step at the end of pull apart the pork. And it’s your choice how shredded you want the pork— I prefer larger chunks throughout.

For a light lunch, skip the bun and pile it on a salad (it’s goooooood!). For dinner, get creative with the toppings— some of my favorites are: vinegar based slaw, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, pepper jack cheese, or pile on your favorite BBQ sauce (heyyyy Sweet Baby Rays!), or add them all 🙂

Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a lazy weekend, a family event or having friends over for foot, this is crowd-pleasing slow cooker pulled pork is a lifesaver. Less time in the kitchen, more time doing what you want to do.

Now go dust that slow cooker!

The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

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Description

The BEST slow cooker pulled pork that you will ever make! Lots of flavor and can feed a crowd!

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Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion, halved and sliced
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 (4-7 pound) pork shoulder or butt (bone-in with a layer of fat)

Equipment Needed

• 5 quart or larger slow cooker

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Instructions

• Add the sliced onion to a 5 quart or larger slow cooker. (Here's the one I own and love!)
  
• In a small bowl, combine the spices and stir together. Sprinkle the dry rub onto the pork shoulder¹ and massage in so it adheres coating all sides. Place the pork shoulder, fat layer up, into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
• Remove the remaining fat layer on the top. Using two forks, pull the apart– it will pull apart very easily. Remove and discard the bone. Serve on a toasted brioche bun with your favorite barbecue sauce, if desired.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Notes

Make ahead tip: Pre-cooked pulled pork can be frozen in a freezer-friendly container or zipped-top bag for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, head as desired. I prefer to heat in a skillet on medium with 2-3 Tablespoons of water.

¹If you can't find a bone-in pork shoulder or butt, a boneless one can be used.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @runlifteatrepeatblog or tag #runliftandeat!

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