Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe for Tender Pulled Pork

Get ready to transform your dinner table with this incredibly easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork recipe! This slow cooker method ensures your pork is juicy, tender, and packed with a unique sweetness that everyone will love. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, tacos, or nachos, this pulled pork will quickly become a family favorite.

Crock Pot Dr Pepper Pulled Pork and delicious juicy recipe everyone loves and comes back for. Serve with Coleslaw on buns for a fantastic meal. #devourdinner #devourpower #drpepperpulledpork #instagood #crockpot #crockpotrecipe #slowcookerpork #porkbutt #porkshoulder #easyrecipe #slowcooked #instantpot #instantpotrecipe #easytomake #yum #yummy

This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is a game-changer. While some might call it just Dr Pepper Pulled Pork, the comforting, home-style flavors definitely evoke the spirit of Pioneer Woman recipes – hearty, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and delivers mouthwatering results every time.

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Why This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe is a Must-Try

Life gets busy, and weeknight dinners need to be both easy and satisfying. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked pulled pork. With just a few minutes of morning prep, this Pioneer Woman style Dr Pepper Pork will be ready to enjoy when you are.

This recipe is not only incredibly simple, but it’s also bursting with flavor. The Dr Pepper soda acts as a tenderizer and infuses the pork with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory seasonings beautifully. Using a pork shoulder or pork butt roast ensures a juicy and tender result that shreds effortlessly. This recipe is designed to feed your family or a hungry gathering, making it a go-to for potlucks, game days, or any casual get-together.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork

To make this amazing pulled pork, you’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients:

Pork Roast: Opt for a boneless pork butt or pork shoulder roast. These cuts have excellent marbling, which renders down during slow cooking to create incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Rays is a popular choice for its classic flavor, or you can use your own homemade BBQ sauce for a personalized touch.
Aromatic Vegetables: Onion and garlic form the flavor base of this recipe, adding depth and savory notes.
Dr Pepper Soda: The star ingredient! Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, or even other dark sodas like Root Beer, Coke, or Pepsi will work. Diet sodas are a perfectly acceptable substitute if you prefer.
Dry Rub Spices: A blend of paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper creates a delicious savory crust on the pork. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a touch of heat if desired.

Choosing the Right Pork Roast

For the best slow cooker pulled pork, selecting the right cut of pork is crucial. Look for roasts labeled as Boston Butt, Picnic Butt, Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, or Shoulder Roast. These names often refer to the same cut of meat. These cuts are ideal because of their fat content and connective tissue, which break down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in tender, shreddable pork. While boneless roasts are convenient, bone-in roasts can also be used, though they may require slightly longer cooking times. Avoid using pork tenderloin, as it is too lean and will tend to dry out in the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dr Pepper Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

Let’s get cooking! This Pioneer Woman inspired Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is incredibly easy to follow:

Prepare the Dry Rub: In a bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add cayenne pepper if you want a spicy kick.

Rub Pork Roast with Seasonings

Season the Pork: Generously rub the seasoning blend all over the pork roast, ensuring all sides are coated. Dice the onion and place it at the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the onions, fat side down if possible.
Add Dr Pepper and Slow Cook: Pour the Dr Pepper soda over the pork roast. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. The low and slow cooking process is key to tenderizing the pork and infusing it with flavor.

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, the pork should be incredibly tender and easily fall apart. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Add BBQ Sauce and Juices: You can either return the shredded pork to all the juices in the slow cooker or, for a slightly less saucy result, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking juices and add that back to the pork. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Mix everything together until the pork is evenly coated in the BBQ sauce. Your Pioneer Woman style Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is ready to serve!

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

The versatility of pulled pork is endless! Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The classic choice! Serve on hoagie rolls or slider buns, topped with a generous scoop of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Elevate your mac and cheese by topping it with a generous helping of Dr Pepper Pulled Pork. It’s a comforting and indulgent combination.
Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes: Load up a baked potato with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Pulled Pork Tostadas: For a fun and flavorful twist, try serving pulled pork on tostadas with toppings like red onion and pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
Pulled Pork Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a platter, top with pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, and all your favorite nacho fixings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Pulled Pork Dip: For a quick snack or appetizer, serve pulled pork with tortilla chips for dipping.

Cooking Time for Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork roast. For a 3-4 pound pork roast, use these guidelines:

Low Setting: 6-8 hours
High Setting: 3-4 hours

The pork is ready when it easily shreds apart with a fork. If it resists shredding, continue cooking until it becomes fork-tender. Remember to remove any excess fat when shredding the pork.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Variations and Flavor Boosters

Want to customize your Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork? Here are some delicious variations:

Extra Sweetness: Add brown sugar to the rub or BBQ sauce for a sweeter profile.
Spice it Up: Increase the heat by adding more cayenne pepper to the rub, or include diced green chilies for a Southwestern kick.
Soda Swaps: Experiment with different dark sodas like Root Beer, Coke, or Pepsi for subtle flavor variations.
BBQ Sauce Alternatives: Explore different BBQ sauce flavors to match your preference – smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy.
Liquid Smoke Depth: Add a touch of liquid smoke for a deeper, smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional BBQ. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Choosing Your Slow Cooker

Slow cookers, also known as Crock-Pots (a popular brand name), are essential for this recipe. Any slow cooker will work, regardless of brand or features. They all function by cooking food at low temperatures over extended periods. For a basic and reliable slow cooker, an 8qt Crock-Pot is a great option. If you prefer more features like presets and portability, consider a Hamilton Beach Portable 6qt slow cooker.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Leftover Dr Pepper Pulled Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat easily on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal. For longer storage, freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Freezing in smaller portions makes it convenient for quick lunches or smaller meals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Why use soda in pulled pork?
Soda, particularly Dr Pepper, acts as a tenderizer due to its sugars and carbonation. It breaks down the tough fibers in the pork roast, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender pulled pork.

What makes pulled pork truly great?
Patience is key! Slow cooking the pork roast at a low temperature for an extended period is what creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines excellent pulled pork. “Low and slow” is the mantra for perfect pulled meat.

Why Dr Pepper specifically?
Beyond its popular flavor, Dr Pepper’s unique combination of flavors and tenderizing properties makes it a fantastic ingredient for cooking pork. It enhances the meat’s tenderness and adds a subtle sweetness that complements savory spices.

Should pulled pork be shredded hot or cold?
Shredding pulled pork is always easiest when it’s hot. As the roast cools, the meat fibers become denser and harder to pull apart. For the best, thinly shredded pulled pork, shred it while it’s still hot using forks.

Welcome to Slow Cooker Month!
January is the perfect time to celebrate the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking! This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is just one of many fantastic slow cooker recipes to explore and enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe 5 from 3 votes

Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork Recipe Card

Enjoy this easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Pork recipe made in a slow cooker. Just a few simple ingredients are needed for incredibly juicy and tender pulled pork.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8

Ingredients

3-4 lb Pork Roast (Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder Roast)
½ cup onion, diced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
8-12 ounces Dr. Pepper
1 cup BBQ Sauce

Pork Rub

1 teaspoon Paprika
2 teaspoons Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
½ teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Instructions

Dice onion and place in the bottom of the slow cooker/Crock-Pot.
Rub seasonings on the 3-4 pound pork roast, ensuring all sides are covered.
Place roast in the Crock-Pot on top of the onions and pour 8-12 ounces of Dr Pepper over the roast.
Set Crock-Pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. Roast is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork.
Remove roast from juices and reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of cooking liquid.
Shred pork and add reserved juices. Stir in 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
Serve on buns with coleslaw for a delicious meal.

Instant Pot Cooking Directions

Follow slow cooker directions for prepping and seasoning pork roast and place ingredients into Instant Pot liner. Pour Dr. Pepper over the roast.
Pressure Cook on High for 75 minutes, allowing for a 25-minute Natural Pressure Release.
Reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid.
Remove roast and shred with forks. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and reserved liquid.
Serve on Buns with Coleslaw.
Tip: If using a larger roast, cut it into 2 or 3 chunks for pressure cooking.

Recipe Notes

Choosing Your Pork Roast:
When making slow cooker pork, look for a good roast with marbling. Options include Boston Butt Roast, Picnic Butt, Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, or Shoulder Roast. Boneless roasts are preferred for simplicity, but bone-in roasts can also be used.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cooking Time:
For a 3-4 pound pork roast:

Low: 6-8 hours
High: 3-4 hours

Have you made this recipe? Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates provided as a courtesy by a plugin. Adjustments to ingredients will alter nutritional values.

Nutrition Information:

Post