Crock-Pot BBQ Pork

The easiest, most delicious way to make crock-pot BBQ pork sandwiches cool. Especially during warmer weather.

When summer rolls around, I start craving BBQ—but not the kind that requires standing over a hot grill all day. Slow-cooked BBQ pork is one of the best ways to enjoy barbecue flavors without hovering over a smoker or tending to a grill.

This BBQ Pork recipe is perfect for sandwich lovers, easy to make, and incredibly customizable based on your favorite barbecue sauce. The best part? It has just three ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, craving comfort food, or just need a no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself, this BBQ pork recipe is the answer. You throw it in the slow cooker in the morning, let it do its thing, and by dinnertime—you’ve got tender, flavorful pulled pork ready to pile onto buns.

Why Crock-Pot BBQ Pork Works So Well

There’s something magical about cooking pork low and slow. The long cooking time helps break down the tough fibers, turning even lean cuts of pork into something succulent and tender.

This recipe follows the golden rule for BBQ: low heat + time = fall-apart, juicy meat.

And with just three ingredients, you get a meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking but requires almost no effort. Great for families with working parents.

Here’s why this recipe works:  

✔ Beef broth infuses the pork with moisture and deep flavor  

✔ Slow cooking makes the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender  

✔ BBQ sauce transforms it into a smoky, tangy masterpiece

Ingredients Breakdown: Why They Matter

1. Beef Broth  

• Beef broth helps soften and infuse the pork with deep flavor as it slow cooks. You can also use chicken broth or water, but beef broth adds a richer taste.

2. Boneless Pork Ribs 

• Boneless pork ribs are a fantastic choice because they’re flavorful, tender, and easy to shred. If you want an alternative, try using pork shoulder or pork butt, which have higher fat content for an even juicier result.

3. Barbecue Sauce  

• This is where you can make it your own. Sweet, smoky, spicy—you decide! Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue Sauce is a favorite, delivering rich sweetness with a smooth finish. Bullseye Barbecue Sauce is another great option for those who prefer a bolder, smokier bite.

Want to mix it up a little bit? Try one of the following sauce suggestions:  

• Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce for a tangy contrast.  
• Spicy chipotle BBQ sauce if you love heat.  
• Honey bourbon BBQ sauce for a deep, rich twist.

Crock-Pot BBQ Pork Recipe

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes 
• Cook Time: 4 hours (crock-pot)
• Secondary Prep Time: 5-10 minutes (shredding pork)
• Bake Time: 30 minutes (pork and BBQ sauce)
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Servings: 6-8 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 14 oz can beef broth (14 oz can)
• 3 lbs of boneless pork ribs
• 1 18 oz bottle barbecue sauce   

Instructions:

 Step 1: Slow Cook the Pork  

• Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.  
• Add boneless pork ribs into the liquid, making sure they’re covered.  
• Set the Crock-Pot to HIGH for 4 hours (or LOW for 6-8 hours).

Pro Tip: If using pork shoulder, let it cook on LOW for 8 hours to achieve maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Shred the Pork  

• Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker.  
• Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.  
• If it seems hard to shred at first, just keep going—it will break apart beautifully.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce & Bake  

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  
• Transfer the shredded pork into a Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet.  
• Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce.  
• Bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors fully absorb into the pork.

Nutritional Estimates:

• Calories - 350-400 kcal
• Protein - 35-40g
• Total Fat - 10-15g
• Saturated Fat - 4-6g
• Carbohydrates - 25-30g
• Sugars -15-20g
• Sodium - 800-1200mg

Tip: If you want a lower-sodium or lower-sugar version, opt for low-sodium beef broth and a BBQ sauce with reduced sugar.

Serving Suggestions:
How to Enjoy Your BBQ Pork

A pulled pork sandwich is fantastic on its own, but let’s talk bread, toppings, and sides to elevate it to the next level.

Bread Options:  

• Brioche buns – Buttery, soft, slightly sweet.  
• Toasted hoagie rolls – Great for a long sandwich variation.  
• Hawaiian rolls – Adds a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with smoky BBQ.  
• Classic hamburger buns – Simple, sturdy, and always reliable.

Toppings to Elevate the Sandwich:  

• Creamy coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy contrast to rich BBQ.  
• Pickles – Adds acidity and texture.  
• Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for an extra indulgent sandwich.  
• Jalapeños – For those who love heat.  
• Fried onion strings – A crispy topping that adds incredible flavor.

Side Dish Pairings: 

• Cornbread – A classic Southern BBQ pairing.  
• Potato salad – Creamy and cool, balancing the smoky BBQ.  
• Mac & cheese – The ultimate comfort-food combo.  
• Baked beans – A hearty, flavorful BBQ side.  
• Sweet potato fries – A slightly sweet, crispy complement.

Freezing Leftovers for Another Meal

One of the best parts of making slow-cooked BBQ pork is that it freezes perfectly.

Here’s how to store it for later:  

1. Let the pork cool completely.  

2. Place portions into airtight containers or freezer bags.  

3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.  
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan with extra BBQ sauce for moisture.  
• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil.

Final Thoughts: Try It & Make It Yours!

This Crock-Pot BBQ Pork recipe is one of those meals that’s effortless yet incredibly rewarding. Whether you make it for a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Spicy Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Would you rather make your own BBQ sauce. I love doing that because I can control the amount of sugar and salt. A Spicy Sweet Barbecue Sauce like the one below will bring the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making the pulled pork even more flavorful. Whip it up to drizzle over your BBQ sandwiches.  

Ingredients ~ What Each Element Adds:

•  Ketchup ~ Provides a tangy, tomato-based foundation 
•  Coconut Sugar ~ Adds deep, rich sweetness 
•  Apple Cider Vinegar ~ Balances the sweetness with acidity 
•  Honey ~ Smooth, natural sweetness 
•  Worcestershire Sauce ~ Enhances the smoky, umami flavor 
•  Dijon Mustard ~ Adds sharpness and depth 
•  Smoked Paprika ~ Brings a warm, smoky kick 
•  Garlic Powder ~ Adds savory depth 
•  Onion Powder ~ Complements the garlic with a mellow sweetness 
•  Cayenne Pepper ~ Kicks up the heat 
•  Red Pepper Flakes ~ Adds a lingering spice 
•  Salt ~ Enhances all the flavors 
•  Black Pepper ~ A mild peppery bite

Spicy Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

• Prep Time: 5 minutes  
• Cook Time: 15 minutes  
• Total Time: 20 minutes  

Servings: 2 cups of sauce

Ingredients:  

•  1 cup ketchup
•  ½ cup coconut sugar 
•  ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
•  ¼ cup honey 
•  2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
•  1 tbsp Dijon mustard
•  1 tsp smoked paprika 
•  1 tsp garlic powder
•  1 tsp onion powder
•  ½ tsp cayenne pepper
•  ½ tsp red pepper flakes 
•  ½ tsp salt
•  ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients – In a small saucepan, whisk together ketchup, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.  

2. Season the sauce – Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.  

3. Simmer – Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

4. Adjust to taste – Want more heat? Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes. Need more sweetness? Drizzle in extra honey or brown sugar.  

5. Cool & store – Let cool slightly and transfer to a mason jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Serving Ideas:

This Spicy Sweet Barbecue Sauce is fantastic with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, but it can also be used for:

• Grilled chicken or ribs  
• Dipping sauce for fries or onion rings  
• Brushed onto roasted vegetables  
• Drizzled over burgers  
• Mixed into baked beans for extra flavor

Final Sauce Notes:

This sauce brings the best of both worlds—a sweet base with a spicy kick that enhances any BBQ dish. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge to use for other meals throughout the week!

Let me know if you'd like any tweaks to the recipe—should we kick up the heat even more, or add another sweet element?

I'm sure you'll be buying the ingredients to make crock-pot BBQ pork sandwiches soon. And why not freeze the leftovers? They will be perfect for a day when you don't feel like cooking.

And the BBQ sauce. What’s your favorite brand? Do you like a sweet honey glaze or bold smoky flavors? Let’s hear your best BBQ sandwich combinations!

We found a similar recipe on Salt Pepper Skillet for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. (Link will open in a new window).

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