Crock-Pot Pork Barbecue
Tender, flavorful pulled pork with a smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for gatherings and slow cooker convenience, offering rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 1/2 of the chopped onions in the bottom of the crock-pot.
- Add the pork butt, remaining onions, and optional cloves on top of the onions in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook overnight on low heat (about 8 to 12 hours).
- Remove the bone, onions, and fat from the cooked meat.
- Pour off the liquid from the cooking process.
- Cut the pork butt into small pieces.
- Add the large chopped onion and 16 ounces of barbecue sauce to the meat.
- Cover and cook for 1 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 8 hours on low, stirring 2 or 3 times during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork butt in your favorite spices or a vinegar-based sauce overnight before cooking. If you don't have pork butt, a pork shoulder is a great substitute. You can also adjust the barbecue sauce based on your taste, using sweet or spicy varieties to complement the dish. Don't skip the optional cloves, as they add a unique depth to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious pork barbecue on soft buns for sandwiches, or over rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with coleslaw or Mama'S Macaroni Salad for a refreshing side. It also complements baked beans or corn on the cob beautifully, making it perfect for summer gatherings. Don't forget to have extra barbecue sauce on hand for drizzling!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the barbecue in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Pork Barbecue contains roughly 211 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork butt is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you can use pork shoulder or even pork loin in a pinch. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time and could be drier if overcooked.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
The best barbecue sauce for this recipe depends on your personal preference. A sweet and tangy sauce works well, but feel free to experiment with regional styles, such as Carolina mustard sauce or Kansas City-style sauce, for a unique twist!
Can I cook this recipe in a regular oven instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can cook the pork in a covered Dutch oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for about 4 to 5 hours, or until tender. Just make sure to check periodically and add a bit of liquid if it looks dry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).