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–+ servings

Root Beer Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe uses root beer to make the most tender pork—just shred, toss with BBQ sauce, and pile onto toasted buns for a delicious meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 335
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 pound pork shoulder also called pork butt or Boston butt
  • 2 cans 12 oz each of root beer
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw for serving (optional)
  • Pickles for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create your spice rub.
  2. Remove pork shoulder from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Massage the spice rub all over the pork, making sure to cover all surfaces.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
  4. Pour the root beer over the pork until it's about halfway submerged. Depending on your slow cooker size, you might not need all the root beer.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 6 hours, until the pork is extremely tender and falls apart easily when pierced with a fork.
  6. Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly for easier handling.
  7. Using two forks, shred the pork, removing and discarding any large pieces of fat.
  8. Drain most of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/4 cup.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add the BBQ sauce. Mix well to combine.
  10. Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired.
  12. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 21gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 990mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21g
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