Description
Tender and flavorful pulled pork, slow-cooked with root beer and spices, then smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce and served on soft hamburger buns. A perfect, easy-to-make dish for gatherings or family meals!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pork shoulders or butts (about 2 pounds each)
- 24 oz root beer (not diet)
- 1/2 cup water
- Dash of hot sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2.5 cups barbecue sauce (or to taste)
- 12 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the root beer and water over the pork. Add a dash of hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on high for 6+ hours, or until the pork easily shreds with a fork.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the pork to a large bowl and discard the liquid. Shred the pork with forks.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, mixing until the pork is well-coated.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns. For an extra twist, top with mac and cheese if desired!
Notes
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more garlic, hot sauce, or spices for extra flavor.
- Barbecue sauce options: You can use a smoky, sweet, or tangy BBQ sauce depending on your taste preferences. Try experimenting with different sauces for variety.
- Make ahead: The pulled pork can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a slow cooker or on the stove before serving.
- Freeze leftovers: Pulled pork freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Bun options: Try serving the pulled pork on brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg