crock pot pulled pork root beer recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best crock pot pulled pork root beer recipe

I’ve been making this crock pot pulled pork root beer recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The first time I made it, I was looking for a new twist on traditional pulled pork. I found a recipe online that used root beer as the base instead of the usual barbecue sauce.

I was skeptical at first, but the flavor was amazing. It’s now a staple in our household, and I make it at least once a week. My kids love it because it’s easy to serve – just pile the pork onto a bun and add some coleslaw or pickles.

My husband loves it because it’s so tender and juicy. As for me, I love that it’s a relatively healthy option – you can use leaner cuts of pork and load up on veggies like carrots and onions. Plus, the root beer gives it a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.

I’ve served this at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always one of the first dishes to go. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something quick and easy for dinner. The key to this recipe is using a good quality root beer that’s not too sweet or too bitter.

I like to use A&W or Barq’s for this recipe – they have just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. When you take the lid off the crock pot after 8 hours, you’ll be greeted by an incredible aroma that will make your mouth water. The pork is so tender that it literally falls apart when you shred it with a fork.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Root Beer

4.7 from 872 votes

This tender pulled pork is slow cooked with root beer and spices, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor. The pork becomes incredibly juicy and shreds easily after hours of low heat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (12 ounce) can root beer
1 cup barbecue sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim any large pieces of fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 3 to 4 large chunks.
2In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub the spice mixture all over the pork pieces.
3Place the seasoned pork chunks into the slow cooker and pour the entire can of root beer over the top.
4Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork tender and easily pulls apart when pressed with a fork.
5Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or bowl, leaving the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
6Using two forks, shred the pork into bite sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
7Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce until the meat is evenly coated.
8Cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the pork is glazed.
9Serve the pulled pork immediately on toasted hamburger buns with coleslaw or pickles on the side.
10Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6 quart or larger)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Two forks for shredding

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a deeper flavor, sear the pork chunks in a hot skillet with oil for 2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. You can substitute diet root beer if preferred, but the sugar in regular root beer helps tenderize the meat.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Root Beer Works

This crock pot pulled pork root beer recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something quick and easy for dinner. It’s perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves it, and you can easily scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply place the leftover pork in a saucepan over low heat and let it simmer until warmed through. You can also freeze individual portions of pork for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Root Beer

Q: What kind of pork should I use for this recipe?

The best type of pork to use for this recipe is a boneless shoulder or butt cut into 2-inch pieces.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Q: Can I substitute beef broth for beef stock?

No, you cannot substitute beef broth for beef stock.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

No, you should not make this recipe in advance.

Q: Can I serve this with coleslaw?

No, you cannot serve this with coleslaw.

Similar Posts