Slow Cooker Missouri-Style Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with a Missouri-inspired spice rub, perfect for sandwiches or hearty plates. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder (pork butt), brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 8, 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 8 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard. Pour this mixture around the pork in the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the cooking liquid. Let sit on warm for 15 minutes before serving on buns or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Missouri-Style Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub 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 Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub?

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 pork shoulder (pork butt) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Missouri-Style Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub?

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 Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pulled Pork with Spiced Rub?

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.

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