Dr Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork: A Cozy Favorite
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, kid-approved dinner, this Dr Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe checks all the boxes. It’s tender, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make perfect for busy families who still want delicious home-cooked meals.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while the Dr Pepper infuses the pork with sweet, caramel-like depth. This is one of those main dishes for dinner that gets requested again and again in our house, especially during busy school weeks or lazy summer days.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
This recipe is the ultimate in hands-off cooking just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The pork becomes meltingly tender, and the Dr Pepper adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. Plus, the whole family absolutely love it!
Simple Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot pulled pork:
Pork Shoulder: Also known as pork butt, it’s marbled with fat which makes it perfect for slow cooking until it’s fall-apart tender.
Dr Pepper: The not-so-secret ingredient that adds depth, sweetness, and caramel flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mellow savory note that complements the sweet soda.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for bold, smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: These simple spices give a boost of flavor and round out the seasoning.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings to balance out the sweet and smoky flavors.
Servings, Prep & Cook Time
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
What is Needed
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the pork shoulder all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions. Pour the Dr Pepper over the meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in BBQ sauce and let it warm through for another 15–20 minutes.
- Serve on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Top Tips
- Use boneless pork shoulder for easier shredding and quicker prep.
- Let the pork rest a few minutes before shredding for juicier results.
- Skim the fat from the cooking liquid before mixing it back in.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future dinner.
- Add BBQ sauce gradually so you can adjust to your taste preference.
Recipe Variations
- Swap Dr Pepper with root beer or Coca-Cola for a twist.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
- Use the pork in tacos, nachos, or sliders instead of sandwiches.
- Try a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a tangier flavor.
Recommended Equipment
- Crock pot 6-8 quart (the crock pot I use)
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Mixing spoon
Make Ahead Tips
You can season the pork and prep the onion the night before. Store everything in the slow cooker insert (covered) in the fridge, then just pop it in the base and turn it on in the morning.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store cooled pulled pork in freezer bags (lay flat for easy stacking) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce if needed.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Soft sandwich buns or slider rolls
- Coleslaw (for topping or side)
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Potato salad or mac & cheese
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is a popular Southern-inspired slow cooker meal that takes inspiration from classic BBQ flavors with a unique soda twist. Dr Pepper adds a sweet complexity that balances perfectly with smoky spices and tangy BBQ sauce. This dish has gained popularity as a beloved crockpot favorite for casual gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners alike.
Dr Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Crock pot (6-8 quart)
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 can 12 oz Dr Pepper
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the pork shoulder all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Ingredients: Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions. Pour the Dr Pepper over the meat.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in BBQ sauce and let it warm through for another 15–20 minutes.
- Serve: Serve on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]