Flavorful Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

This easy slow-cooked pulled pork is packed with rich, savory flavors that melt in your mouth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

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TIME8 hr 50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, thickly sliced 6 pounds pork butt roast 1 onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional) 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste ½ cup molasses ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by drizzling a teaspoon of olive oil into your slow cooker, then spread the sliced onions over the oil. Place the pork roast right on top of the onions. Let it cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours, until the pork is super tender.

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Step 2

When it’s done, carefully transfer the roast to a platter and discard the onions and any liquid left behind. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

03

Step 3

Next, heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent—this usually takes around 5 minutes.

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Step 4

Toss the shredded pork into the pot along with tomato paste, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer gently. Keep an eye on it and stir now and then until the sauce thickens up nicely, about 30 minutes.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a fatty cut like pork shoulder for the best texture and flavor.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Shred the meat with two forks while it’s warm for easier pulling.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavors that come from slow cooking. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The meat practically falls apart, making it satisfying and comforting.

Serving ideas

Serve the pulled pork on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic sandwich. It also goes well with rice, roasted vegetables, or inside tacos with fresh salsa and avocado for a tasty twist.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.