boston butt slow cooker recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
boston butt slow cooker recipe
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The Best boston butt slow cooker recipe

I have been making this Boston butt slow cooker recipe for years and it is hands down one of my family’s favorite meals. The meat comes out so tender and flavorful every single time, and it makes the whole house smell amazing. My kids absolutely love it, especially when we pile it on soft buns with some coleslaw on the side. It is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends because the slow cooker does all the work. Plus, pork shoulder is a great source of protein and essential vitamins like B6 and B12, which support energy and immune health. You can feel good about serving this to your family, and it is affordable enough to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pulled Pork

4.9 from 1302 votes

This slow cooker Boston butt recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy pulled pork with a rich, smoky flavor. The meat is seasoned with a simple spice rub and cooked low and slow until it falls apart.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

4 to 5 pound bone-in Boston butt (pork shoulder)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dry Rub

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Cooking

1 cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves

For the Sauce (optional)

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the Boston butt dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the meat.
2In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
3Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker fat side up. Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce around the meat. Add the bay leaves.
4Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
5Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard the bay leaves. Let the meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
6While the meat rests, skim the fat off the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. If making the sauce, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.
7Shred the pork using two forks, discarding the bone and any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with some of the cooking liquid or the prepared sauce to taste. Serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6 quart or larger)
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Two forks for shredding
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, you can sear the Boston butt in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding it to the slow cooker. Leftover pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pulled Pork Works

This slow cooker Boston butt recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to big game day parties or family gatherings. It is so simple to put together and the results are consistently amazing. I love that I can set it and forget it, and then feed a crowd with minimal effort.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pulled Pork

1. Do I need to sear the Boston butt before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing is optional but recommended. It adds a nice crust and deeper flavor to the meat. If you are short on time, you can skip it and the pork will still be delicious and tender.

2. Can I use a boneless Boston butt instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can. Boneless pork shoulder works just as well. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so start checking for tenderness around the 7 hour mark on low.

3. How do I get the pulled pork to be more smoky tasting?

You can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid. Also, using smoked paprika in the dry rub helps boost the smoky flavor without needing a smoker.

4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 5 to 6 hours. The meat will still be tender, but cooking on low for a longer time usually gives the most fork tender results.

5. How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water in a 300°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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