Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork cooked low and slow with a tangy, slightly sweet Missouri-inspired BBQ sauce perfect for sandwiches or plates. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder (boneless), salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup yellow mustard, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Pour this mixture over the pork.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with two forks.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking juices and sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Missouri-Style BBQ Pulled Pork?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes