Are you searching for a foolproof, mouthwatering pulled pork recipe that will become a family favorite? Look no further! This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe, often raved about and reminiscent of the Pioneer Woman’s style of hearty, flavorful cooking, delivers incredibly juicy and tender pork with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this slow cooker method ensures your pulled pork is infused with a unique sweet and savory flavor that everyone will adore. Serve it on buns with coleslaw, in tacos, or piled high on nachos – the possibilities are endless!
Close-up of juicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork served on buns with coleslaw, showcasing its tender texture and flavorful appearance.
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If you’re on the hunt for the best pulled pork recipe, you’ve landed in the right place. We affectionately call this Dr Pepper Pulled Pork because the secret ingredient is, you guessed it, Dr Pepper! While some might call it Pioneer Woman Pulled Pork due to its comforting and crowd-pleasing nature, the name doesn’t matter as much as the result: perfectly seasoned, juicy, and incredibly tender shredded pork. Whether you’re serving it as sliders, tacos, or loaded nachos, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
There are countless ways to cook pulled pork, but my go-to method involves a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. And for those in a hurry, I’ve even included Instant Pot directions in the recipe card below. But for today, we’re focusing on the magic of the slow cooker for this Dr Pepper pulled pork masterpiece. Let me tell you why this recipe is a game-changer.
A slow cooker filled with Dr Pepper Pulled Pork, showcasing the cooking process and the delicious aroma it creates.
Why This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
Life gets busy, and some days it feels impossible to get a delicious dinner on the table. That’s where the beauty of slow cooker recipes comes in. On those hectic mornings when I know I won’t be home until right before dinner, spending just 15 minutes to prep this Dr Pepper pulled pork and toss it in the Crock-Pot is a lifesaver. Set it to low, and by the time you walk in the door at the end of the day, a flavorful, ready-to-shred meal awaits. It’s truly that simple and incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into the details of how I make this magic happen, shall we?
I’m a big fan of the pork roasts I find at Costco. They often come in convenient multi-packs, each roast weighing around 2-3 pounds, perfect for family meals. Slow cooking them this way makes them unbelievably tender, practically falling apart and shredding effortlessly for sandwiches. If you’re not a Costco shopper, don’t worry! Your local butcher or grocery store will have excellent options. Just ask for recommendations on a good pork roast for slow cooking.
The flavor packed into this Dr Pepper pulled pork is phenomenal, and it makes a generous amount, ideal for feeding a large family or a hungry crowd. It’s a consistently top-rated, go-to recipe for anyone looking to make delicious shredded meat with minimal fuss.
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients: Simple and Flavorful
The ingredient list for this recipe is surprisingly simple, letting the quality of the pork and the unique Dr Pepper flavor shine.
Pork Roast: The star of the show! Opt for a boneless Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder Roast. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender and juicy.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! Whether it’s a homemade BBQ sauce recipe or a store-bought favorite like Sweet Baby Ray’s, the BBQ sauce adds that classic pulled pork tang.
Fresh Aromatics: Onion and Garlic are essential for building a savory base. They infuse the pork with depth and aroma as it slow cooks.
Dr Pepper Soda: The magic ingredient! Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, or even other dark sodas like Root Beer, Coke, or Pepsi will work. The soda tenderizes the pork and adds a subtle sweetness and unique flavor profile. Diet sodas can be substituted without compromising the texture.
Dry Rub Spices: A blend of Paprika, Chili Powder, Dry Mustard, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper creates a flavorful crust on the pork and enhances the overall taste. Cayenne Pepper is optional for a touch of heat.
Choosing the Right Pork Roast
When selecting pork for slow cooking, you’re looking for a cut with good fat marbling. This fat renders down during the long cooking process, resulting in incredibly moist and tender pulled pork. You might see these roasts labeled as Boston Butt Roast, Picnic Butt, Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, or Shoulder Roast. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for guidance – they can help you find the perfect roast. While bone-in roasts are also delicious, they may require a bit longer cooking time. For ease and consistency, I usually prefer a boneless roast for this Dr Pepper pulled pork recipe.
Avoid using Pork Tenderloin for this recipe. While tenderloin is a lean and flavorful cut, it tends to dry out in the slow cooker, even with added liquid, and it won’t shred in the same satisfying way as a pork butt or shoulder.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Dr Pepper Pulled Pork in a Crock-Pot
Let’s get cooking! Making this Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is incredibly easy.
First, in a bowl, combine all the dry rub seasonings. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below, but it’s a simple mix of Chili Powder, Paprika, Dry Mustard, Salt, and Pepper. Mix it all together. If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub.
Hands rubbing seasoning blend onto a pork roast, preparing it for the slow cooker.
Next, generously rub the seasoning blend all over the pork roast, ensuring every surface is coated. Dice an onion and spread it on the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the onions, fat side down if your roast has a noticeable fat cap.
Pour a can (or bottle, depending on size – about 8-12 ounces) of Dr Pepper over the pork roast. That’s it for prep! Now, set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic all day, for 6-8 hours. The pork will release its juices and mingle with the Dr Pepper and seasonings, creating incredible flavor.
Dr Pepper being poured over a seasoned pork roast in a slow cooker, ready for slow cooking.
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork roast from the slow cooker. It should be incredibly tender and fall-apart delicious. Use two forks to shred the pork. At this point, you have a couple of options: you can add the shredded pork back into all the juices in the slow cooker, or you can remove about 1 cup of the cooking juices and add those to the pork.
I prefer the latter method – removing some of the juices – as it prevents the pulled pork from becoming too watery. Then, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but honestly, homemade BBQ sauce is also fantastic if you have the time.
With just minutes of active prep time, you’ve now created the base for the best pulled pork sandwiches you’ve ever tasted!
Serving Suggestions for Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Now that you have this amazing pulled pork, how should you serve it? Let me give you some delicious ideas!
Do you love coleslaw? If so, you HAVE to try topping your pulled pork sandwich with a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw. There’s something truly magical about the combination of the sweet and savory pork, the tangy BBQ sauce, and the cool, crunchy coleslaw.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the Dr Pepper Pulled Pork over creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese or even a fluffy Baked Potato. Doesn’t that sound comforting and satisfying?
For a fun twist, try using leftover pulled pork to make tostadas. Top a crispy tostada shell with pulled pork, red onion, and even some grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory combination. Trust me, it’s surprisingly delicious!
And for a super casual snack, you can simply serve the pulled pork with tortilla chips for dipping. It’s perfect for parties or a quick appetizer.
How Long to Cook Dr Pepper Pulled Pork: Slow Cooker Times
For this recipe, I typically use a 3-4 pound pork roast. Here’s a general guideline for slow cooker cooking times:
- Low Heat: 6-8 Hours
- High Heat: 3-4 Hours
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size and cut of your pork roast. The pork is ready when it literally falls apart when you try to shred it with a fork. If it’s not shredding easily, simply cook it a bit longer until it reaches that perfect tender texture. Make sure to remove any excess fat as you shred the pork. The result will be the best BBQ pulled pork you’ve ever made!
Shredded Crock Pot Pulled Pork, showcasing its tender texture and ready-to-serve appearance.
Variations and Delicious Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:
Sweetness Boost: If you prefer a sweeter pulled pork, add a bit of brown sugar. You can mix brown sugar directly into your BBQ sauce or sprinkle it on top of the roast before cooking, either under or over the spice rub.
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the spice rub – ½ teaspoon is a good starting point. Or, stir in some diced green chilies (canned or fresh) when you shred the meat. You can also add your favorite hot sauce to the finished pulled pork.
Soda Swaps: While Dr Pepper is the star, you can experiment with other dark sodas. Root Beer, Coke, Pepsi, or any diet versions of these will work well. Each soda will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
BBQ Sauce Options: Sweet Baby Ray’s is a go-to for its thick texture and great flavor. But feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or homemade recipe. Experiment with different flavors like smoky, sweet, or tangy BBQ sauces to change the overall taste of your pulled pork.
Liquid Smoke Depth: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a touch of liquid smoke. A little goes a long way, so start with just ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
A close-up of Dr Pepper Pulled Pork in a serving dish, highlighting its juicy texture and inviting aroma.
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Choosing Your Slow Cooker: Crock-Pot vs. Slow Cooker
“Crock-Pot” is actually a brand name, but it’s often used interchangeably with “slow cooker.” There are many brands and types of slow cookers available, and most will work wonderfully for this recipe. The key feature of both Crock-Pots and slow cookers is that they cook food “low and slow,” which is perfect for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat like pork shoulder.
If you’re looking for a slow cooker with multiple functions and presets, consider a Hamilton Beach Portable 6qt. For a more basic, no-frills option that gets the job done reliably, the 8qt Crock Pot is a great choice. Choose one that fits your needs and budget!
Storing and Freezing Leftover Pulled Pork
Leftover Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is a treasure! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. A small bowl of reheated pulled pork makes a quick and satisfying lunch.
For longer storage, you can freeze pulled pork in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Freezing it in smaller portions makes it easy to thaw just what you need for a quick meal on hamburger buns or in tacos.
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Why Add Soda to Pulled Pork? Using soda like Dr Pepper in pulled pork recipes results in incredibly juicy and tender meat. The combination of the sugar and carbonation in the soda helps to tenderize the pork and create a delicious flavor.
What Makes Pulled Pork So Good? Patience is key! Cooking a pork roast at low heat for a long time is the secret to perfectly shreddable pulled pork. “Low and slow” is the mantra for all the best pulled meat recipes.
Why Cook with Dr Pepper? Beyond its popular flavor, Dr Pepper acts as a fantastic tenderizer. It helps break down the tough fibers in the pork roast, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy meat.
Should You Shred Pulled Pork Hot or Cold? It’s always easiest to shred pork roast while it’s hot. As the pork cools, the fibers become denser and more difficult to pull apart. For thinly shredded pulled pork, shred it while it’s still warm using two forks.
Welcome to our #NationalSlowCookerMonth Celebration!
January is National Slow Cooker Month, and we’re celebrating all things slow cooker! This week, we’re sharing delicious slow cooker recipes from across the country to inspire your meal plans!
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Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe
Create juicy, tender, and flavorful pulled pork in the slow cooker by using Dr. Pepper. You only need a handful of additional ingredients.
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 tablespoon 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.
How to Cook Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Dice onion and place in the bottom of a Slow Cooker / Crock-Pot.
- Rub seasonings on a 3 to 4-pound pork roast, making sure to cover all sides.
- Place roast in Crock-Pot on top of onions and pour 8 to 12 ounces of Dr. Pepper over 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 a cup to a cup and a half of the 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 the slow cooker directions for prepping and seasoning pork roast. Place ingredients into Instant Pot liner. Pour Dr. Pepper over the top of the roast.
- Pressure Cook on High for 75 minutes, allowing for a 25-minute Natural Pressure Release.
- Reserve a cup to a cup and a half 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
Types of Pork Roast
When making slow cooker pork, look for a good roast. They can be called by various names, so look for a Boston Butt Roast, Picnic Butt, Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, or a Shoulder Roast. I prefer a boneless roast, but you can use a bone-in roast too.
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe
In this recipe, I use a 3-4 pound pork roast and use the following guide as a measurement for cooking times. Keep in mind you can always cut the roast into smaller chunks to help speed up the cooking process.
- Low: 6-8 Hours
- High: 3-4 Hours
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Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Nutrition
Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 696mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
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