Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (2024)

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6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

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Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy, these root beer pulled pork sandwiches will blow your mind! You’ll wish you had the simple recipe a long time ago.

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (1)

Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy, these Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches make an easy meal packed with flavor!

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (2)

While this easy recipe has only 4 ingredients, do not let that fool you! The root beer flavor that is produced in this easy slow cooker recipe is out of this world!

This root beer pulled pork recipe slow cooks all day, and is ready just in time for family dinner! It is by far one of the most simple and creative pulled sandwich recipes that our family comes back for seconds and thirds!

Ingredients needed to make Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (3)
  • pork roast (I used boneless)
  • can of root beer (not diet root beer)
  • BBQ sauce
  • hamburger buns

How to make Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

  • Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place roast inside slow cooker and pour root beer (cooking liquid) over the meat.
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (4)
  • Cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (5)
  • Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred pork using two forks (it should just fall apart) on a cutting board. Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of barbeque sauce.
  • Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving.
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (6)
  • Place shredded pork on hamburger buns or soft bunand serve.

To turn this Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe into a freezer meal:

  1. Place roast and root beer into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
  2. When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into the slow cooker.Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
  3. Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
  4. Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving. Place meat on rolls and serve.

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  • SLOW COOKER DR. PEPPER PULLED PORK RECIPE
  • SLOW COOKER KALUA PORK

​Side Dishes to go with this Slow Cooker Pork Recipe:

  • MOM’S EASY POTATO SALAD RECIPE
  • DEVILED EGG POTATO SALAD RECIPE
  • GAME DAY TOTCHOS (TATER TOT NACHOS) RECIPE
  • INSTANT POT SWEET AND SPICY BBQ BEANS RECIPE
  • GREEK YOGURT FRUIT SALAD RECIPE

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Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (7)

Serves: 8

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy, these root beer pulled pork sandwiches will blow your mind! You’ll wish you had the simple recipe a long time ago.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) pork roast (I used boneless)
  • 12 ounces root beer (one can)
  • 1 (18 ounce) bottle BBQ sauce (we love Famous Dave's Rich and Sassy)
  • 8 hamburger buns (or rolls)

Instructions

  • Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place roast inside slow cooker and pour the root beer over the meat.

  • Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).

  • Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.

  • Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving.

  • Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.

Notes

To turn this into a FREEZER MEAL:

  • Place roast and root beer into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
  • When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
  • Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
  • Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving. Place meat on rolls and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 471 kcal · Carbohydrates: 52 g · Protein: 43 g · Fat: 9 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g · Cholesterol: 107 mg · Sodium: 959 mg · Potassium: 839 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 28 g · Vitamin A: 143 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 106 mg · Iron: 3 mg

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (8)

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Recipe source: Allrecipes

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (9)

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  1. April says:

    I've heard of bbq items made with Dr. Pepper. Do you think it could be substituted for the root beer?

  2. Cyd says:

    Sure, Dr Pepper would work too.

  3. Kim McMillen says:

    This is how I cook mine as well, I add some brown sugar when adding the barbecue sauce. I also slow cook my pork ribs in root beer, then throw them on the grill and grill with barbecue sauce till heated through.

  4. Sarah says:

    We are on a nightshade free diet which means among other things no tomatoes, do you think this recipe would work with just the root beer?

  5. Cyd says:

    This recipe calls for Bar B Que Sauce, but no tomatoes.

  6. Daisy says:

    Soooooo . I accidentally just added everything in at once :-/ . I didn't even read the instructions thinking it was just a put everything in and it will work. Do you think it will still come out right?

  7. Penelope Pitstop says:

    This is so, so good! I could eat it every day for a week!!!!!! My family went nuts over this and is asking for me to make it again next week. Awesome recipe and I feel blessed just finding it. Thanks so much!

  8. Penelope Pitstop says:

    Can I just say I love you sisters! You've given me inspiration when it was desperately needed. That being said, my family loved this root beer pulled pork. I used Hatfield teriyaki pork loins cuz they were on sale and it came out so freakin' good! My husband has already asked me to make it again. . .he also had three sandwiches! Great recipe and a great website. God bless and keep'em coming!

  9. Debbie says:

    Can any soda be used , like Dt Root beer

  10. Cyd says:

    Not sure if diet pop would make a difference. I know Dr Pepper can also be used.

  11. Nicole says:

    hi! is the rootbeer supposed to cover the meat? I have a huge slow cooker and i'm not sure that 1.5 cups will be enough... thanks!

  12. Margie says:

    Does it have a strong root beer flavor? We're not generally root beer fans, so wondering if we would like this?

  13. Cyd says:

    You can't taste the root beer at all.

  14. Cyd says:

    The root beer won't cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process.

  15. Cyd says:

    The root beer won't cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process. If you are worried you could add a little more.

  16. Lisa Crenshaw says:

    Would freezing the leftovers be okay? We are a family of 2.

  17. Cyd says:

    The pulled pork freezes well in an airtight container or freezer bag.

  18. Lydia says:

    Tried this for dinner the other day, yum! It was so good!

  19. Patricia says:

    Could pork chops be used instead of a roast?

  20. Cyd says:

    Wouldn't take as long to cook and pork chops really don't shred. But the taste should be similar.

  21. Donna says:

    Love your website! And I totally plan on trying this recipe today...I work night shift, so throwing everything in the crock pot before I go to sleep then dinner being ready when I wake up works out perfectly :-) However, can I put the pork roast in the crock pot frozen? I usually put chicken breasts and pot roasts in frozen, but I just wanted to double check. If not, I'd have to thaw mine out and wait until tomorrow to make it. Thanks!!

  22. Cyd says:

    We have put them in frozen before and it works fine.

  23. Kim says:

    I have a 6lb pork shoulder. I never buy such a big portion of meat but this was on sale. How long do you cook it in the crock pot for and should I double the ingredients?

  24. Becky says:

    I just made these sandwiches for our extended family dinner tonight! They were amazing! Mu husband said it was the best pulled pork he has EVER had! Thanks so much for the recipe. Becky @ themamasgirls.com

  25. Catherine says:

    I have a huge crock pot as well. I have made this dish twice and the root bear doesn't cover the meat. The meat is fine because the moisture stays in the crock pot. Both times I have made this dish has turned out great. We love our sweet BBQ Pulled Pork. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe!!!

  26. maggie says:

    most BBQ sauce contains tomato sauce or paste etc.

  27. Kaylen says:

    Do you recommend thawing out the roast first, since my is frozen. I have heard people putting the frozen roast in for more moisture. Also, will diet soda work?

  28. Cyd says:

    We recommend thawing it first, even if it's just part way. Not sure if diet soda will make a difference or not. We didn't use diet. Let us know how it all works out! :)

  29. Liz says:

    I make my barbeque pork this way but also cut up a couple of oranges and throw them in with the Root Beer and pork. Makes it even better with a hint of citrus.

  30. jodie says:

    Which cut of pork roast is the best to use?

  31. RHome410 @ Friday is Pizza, Monday is Soup says:

    I'm not a huge pork fan. I'm not a huge BBQ sauce fan. But I was intrigued by the root beer and the super-simple prep. I LOVE these sandwiches, as does my whole family. There was a big demand for more, so I currently have 2 batches underway at once. We put them on our homemade whole wheat buns with prepared cole slaw, or shredded cabbage and mayo, for some freshness, crunch, and a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies. ;-) Will be sharing our experience, and linking back to this post, on my blog...hopefully, this week.

  32. Cyd says:

    We have used a pork loin and pork butt. Usually whatever is on sale! :)

  33. RHome410 @ Friday is Pizza, Monday is Soup says:

    My post with links to this page: http://rhome410.blogspot.com/2014/02/new-family-faveso-easy.html

  34. Jennifer says:

    Hi! Thanks for the great recipe that has become a household staple recipe for me. I even shared it on my blog, giving you lovely ladies the credit:http://www.juniperinherhair.com/crock-pot-pulled-pork/cheers!

  35. Megan says:

    Is the nutrition info for the whole recipe, including the buns? Is the calorie count equal to one complete serving?

  36. Cyd says:

    This calorie count for this recipe includes the bun since it's listed in the ingredients. It's for 8 equal servings. If you get more than 8 servings out of this recipe, then the calorie count would be less.

  37. Kristin says:

    I tried this recipe out today and it was phenomenal!! If you like Lloyd's BBQ pork you'll love this. I followed the recipe just how it said only I added in about a tablespoon of brown sugar. Maybe even a little less. My husband raved about this flavor. Perfect!

  38. Juliana says:

    Is it okay to season my meat or should I leave that off? I see the recipe didn't call for it. Thank you!

  39. Cyd says:

    You don't need to season it, but it surely wouldn't hurt anything if you do.

  40. Goldie Meers says:

    I have made this a few years ago for my daughter's 21st and quadrupled it, and I seem to remember loving the taste and simplicity. I can't remember if I thought it needed more sauce, though. I want to make it again for New Year's Eve, and I just noticed the source link to All Recipes. They call for a 2 lb tenderloin, and yours says 3 lb. Did you change the amount of pork intentionally because that is what you made your recipe with? When you quadruple the recipe, that makes quite a difference in the amount of the other ingredients! :) Thanks! (And I love your guys' stuff!)

  41. Cyd says:

    We have always used a 3 pound roast. If you need more sauce at the end of the cooking time, just add in more barbecue sauce. Hope this helps!

  42. J. Tyson says:

    Hi there. Could you use chicken in place of the pork?

  43. Cyd says:

    You can easily use chicken in place of the pork.

  44. jomarie says:

    I have a beef roast to use instead. Can I use the beef and keep the recipe exactly as it is?

  45. Brian says:

    Can this be frozen after being made?

  46. Cyd says:

    This freezes great in an airtight freezer container. Then thaw and reheat when ready.

  47. Lori says:

    We are on a vegetarian diet. Do you think this recipe would work with just the rootbeer and the bbq sauce??? hahahaha.... just kidding.

  48. Beverly says:

    Tomatoes fight cancer...

  49. Chelsea says:

    Has anyone tried doing this in a power pressure cooker?

  50. Neva says:

    Can this be cooked on high for three hours?

  51. Cyd says:

    Low and slow is always best with roast in the slow cooker, but I'm sure it would work on high as well. Just watch it closely so it doesn't dry out and to make sure it's done.

  52. Candy Knutson says:

    I'm making this recipe with chicken breasts right now. I will let you know how it turns out. I don't plan to cook it as long. We love the pork.

  53. Karen says:

    Can I use a pork loin roast or should I use a roast with more fat on it? Thank you

  54. Cyd says:

    You could use a pork loin. Just be sure it doesn't dry out. Cook low and slow.

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (11)

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Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

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Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put root beer in pulled pork? ›

It's sweet, which adds balance to the fatty pork, but it's also acidic, helping to tenderize the meat by wearing down those meat fibers during the cooking process. If you don't want to cook the pulled pork entirely in root beer, you can also mix root beer with water.

Do I need to add liquid to pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

You don't need much liquid to slow cook pork since it releases juices while cooking when using the low setting. I use just enough to flavor the pork along with the reserved juices of the pork and serve the extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you wish to add liquid, you can add 1 cup of chicken broth.

Which is better for pulled pork co*ke or root beer? ›

You could use any flavor of soda really like Dr. Pepper or co*ke but I prefer root beer. The root beer acts as a tenderizer and after soaking in it all day, the pork practically melts in your mouth. After cooking, drain the root beer and add your favorite BBQ sauce to the shredded meat.

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in? ›

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

Is root beer or Dr pepper better for pulled pork? ›

Re: Root Beer vs Dr Pepper for pulled pork.

I think they both taste very similar. I have made Root Beer pulled pork and it is very good. Enjoy!

Why add apple cider vinegar to pulled pork? ›

Why add apple cider vinegar to pulled pork? Pulled pork relies on both the vinegar's acidity and the low-and-slow cooking process to tenderize the meat, breaking down the protein to give the dish its signature moist, fall-apart texture. Cider vinegar also provides a tangy counterpoint to the fatty pork.

Can you overcook pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

On low heat, cook for 8-10 hours; on high heat, cook for 5-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shredded. Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker? Yes, overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.

Should you flip pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

I recommended turning the pork at least once to help the meat cook evenly.

Do you flip pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer. We recommend a temperature of 195-200 °F / 90-93 °C for tender, juicy pork which pulls apart easily.

What is the secret to pulled pork? ›

Skim the fat off the top of the cooking liquid. For more moist and flavorful pulled pork, you can mix some of the cooking liquid back into the pork. Start with a little, mix, then add more until the pork is as wet or dry as you like. Alternatively, for barbecue pulled pork, you can mix in barbecue sauce.

How do I get more flavor in my pulled pork? ›

We use brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a good amount of salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne! Make sure you use all of the seasoning! Also, really rub it into the pulled pork, get all of the nooks and crannies!

Is apple juice or apple cider better for pulled pork? ›

While I highly recommend using apple cider for this pulled pork, if you can't find any you could substitute with apple juice. You could also do half apple juice and half a beer (trust me, it goes well)! Just be sure to use natural – no sugar added – apple juice.

What liquid keeps pulled pork moist? ›

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed.

Should pork shoulder be fat side up or down in a slow cooker? ›

Worgul recommends placing the pork in the slow-cooker fat side up. The fat will render thoroughly during the cooking process and by placing the meat fat side up, it makes it much easier to remove excess fat before serving. "The cooker will be nearly filled with fat and liquid after hours of cooking.

What does root beer do to meat? ›

Root beer and other sodas have a ton of phosphoric and citric acids that make them surprisingly well suited to help soften and tenderize meat. According to Livestrong, soda is slightly less acidic than other common cooking acids like lemon juice and vinegar. Root beer also has a great flavor.

What makes pulled pork better? ›

Pork shoulder is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat, but it's essential you cook it slowly to allow the protein to break down properly.

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