I’d love to share my secret ways to cook pork shoulder (Boston butt) in the slow cooker so that the results are always perfect! Whether you want a mouthwatering pork roast or tasty pulled pork, I can show you how to make it very tender and juicy, never dry!
I will give you tips so that your pork shoulder turns out tender and juicy every time. Whether you want a pork roast or pulled pork. BTW this post does contain affiliate links that earn the site a commission.
This is a cut of pork from the upper shoulder of a pig. It is also called pork shoulder. Though it’s called “butt,” it’s not actually from the back of the pig. In this case, “butt” refers to the wooden barrels that were used to store and transport pork in the past.
Boston butt is a cheap and tasty cut of meat that is often used for barbecue, pulled pork, and other dishes that are cooked slowly. It has a lot of fat on it, which makes it perfect for cooking slowly for a long time, like roasting, smoking, or braising. When meat is cooked slowly and low, the fat and connective tissues break down. This makes pulled pork that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
BBQ Rub: Today, to keep things easy-peasy, I’m going with Bad Byrons Butt Rub Barbecue Seasoning. You can use any seasoning you like, though—just don’t be shy about it—sprinkle on a lot before you start cooking.
As a busy mom who loves serving delicious homemade meals, I rely on my trusty crockpot to help get dinner on the table. And one of my family’s favorites is incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork made from a pork Boston butt roast.
If you haven’t tried cooking pork butt in the crockpot, you’re missing out! The long, slow cooking time helps break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in fork-tender shreds of juicy pork that make for amazing sandwiches, tacos, bowls and more.
In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a pork Boston butt roast to perfection in the crockpot. From prep and seasoning to cook times and tips, let’s get pulled pork on the menu!
Why Cook a Pork Butt in the Crockpot?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using a crockpot for Boston butt:
- Requires minimal prep and hands-on time
- Produces incredibly moist, fall-apart tender meat
- Infuses the pork with spices and flavor as it cooks
- Allows you to cook large roasts easily
- Frees up your oven for side dishes
- Keeps your kitchen cool even in summer
The crockpot does all the work for big, tough cuts like pork shoulder. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty!
Picking the Right Size Pork Butt
Pork butts usually range from 5 to 10 pounds. For the crockpot, I recommend:
- 5-7 pounds for a large crockpot (6-7 quarts)
- 3-5 pounds for a medium crockpot (4-5 quarts)
Aim for 1 hour of cook time per pound on low. Smaller roasts may cook a bit faster.
Prepping the Pork Butt for the Crockpot
To ensure the best results, just a few simple prep steps are key:
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Trim excess fat: Leave about 1/4 inch. Too much fat can make the pork greasy.
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Score the fat cap: Cutting slits helps the seasoning penetrate.
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Generously season: Use a dry rub, herbs, spices, salt and pepper. Get flavorful coverage.
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Refrigerate overnight: Letting it marinate amps up the flavor.
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Cook from semi-frozen: If cooking a large roast, partially thaw only.
That’s all the prep needed for juicy, flavorful pulled pork.
Choosing Your Flavorings
One of the best parts about cooking pork butt in the crockpot is that the meat soaks up spices, herbs, sauces and more. Try:
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Dry rubs: Paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powders.
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Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.
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Fruit juices: Orange, apple, pineapple.
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Vinegars: Cider, red wine, sherry, rice wine.
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Seasoning blends: Jerk, barbecue, Mexican, Cajun.
Layer the flavors and make it your own signature pork butt.
Liquid for Moisture and Flavor
Pork butt cooks best when it braises in flavorful liquid. Use:
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Chicken or beef broth: Opt for low sodium to control salt.
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Fruit juice or cider: Complement your seasonings.
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Beer or wine: Pick lighter options that won’t overpower.
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Water: For mild pork flavor, use 1 cup per hour of cook time.
Adding liquid gives you delicious gravy or sauce from the drippings too!
Cooking Time for Pork Butt in the Crockpot
The long cooking time is what makes the pork insanely tender:
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Low for 8-10 hours: 1 hour per pound is ideal. Go 10+ hours for extra tenderness.
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High for 4-6 hours: Reduce time for smaller roasts.
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Don’t peek! Resist opening the lid to prevent heat loss.
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Shred at 195°F: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Take your time and let the crockpot work its magic.
Finishing Touches Before Serving
Once cooked, here are a few final steps:
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Remove pork and let rest 10-20 minutes. This makes it easier to shred.
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Shred meat with two forks. Discard excess fat and bones.
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Toss with sauce: Add reserved drippings, barbecue sauce, etc.
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Adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, spices to taste.
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Keep warm in crockpot: To serve throughout the day, return shredded meat to pot and reheat as needed.
With these finishing touches, your pork is ready to become tacos, sandwiches, nachos and more!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pork Butt
Here are a few troubleshooting tips for perfect pork butt every time:
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Use meat thermometer to verify doneness – shred at 195°F.
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Cook at least 8 hours for tender meat. Go 10+ hours for fall-apart texture.
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Add more liquid if drying out. Use broth, juice, or water.
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Cook on low; high heats can dry out and toughen meat.
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Let roast rest before shredding so juices redistribute.
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Remove bones and excess fat after cooking for better texture.
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Thaw larger roasts partially to allow cook time for center to finish.
With the right steps, you’ll have amazing pulled pork from the crockpot!
Serving Up Crockpot Pork Butt
Now comes the best part – piling high your tender, juicy pulled pork! Here are some fun ways to serve it:
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Pulled pork sandwiches – Slather bun with sauce and top with pork and slaw.
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Tacos – Heap juicy pork into tortillas and top with fixings like avocado, salsa and lime.
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Nachos – Layer pork with beans, cheese, jalapenos and more for a hearty appetizer.
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Baked potatoes – Turn into a meal with shredded pork, cheese, broccoli, bacon and sour cream.
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Bowls – Create customizable bowls with rice, veggies, egg or whatever you crave!
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Quesadillas – Mix pork with sautéed peppers and onion then stuff into a cheesy tortilla.
The possibilities are endless for enjoying succulent pulled pork straight from the crockpot. It’s so versatile!
I hope these tips help you achieve the most flavorful and fall-apart tender pork butt possible from your crockpot. This set-it-and-forget-it method makes weeknight dinners or big appetizers for a crowd an absolute breeze.
Give this recipe a try and get ready for juicy, spice-infused pulled pork that your whole family will devour!
Two reasons I am using bone-in Pork Butt
Flavor: Collagen, marrow, and connective tissue found in bones can give meat rich, savory flavors as it cooks.
Save money: Sometimes, bone-in cuts are cheaper than boneless cuts, so cooks who are watching their pennies should choose them.
So it adds more flavor and is cheaper, to me this is a win-win!
Should you trim the fat or leave it? That is up to you but I leave it on.
Cooking a pork roast in the crockpot is like a little adventure with many factors at play. You’ve got the size and thickness of your roast, the kind of slow cooker you’re using, and even the room temperature! To make sure I don’t accidentally overdo it, I like to play it safe and use a trusty meat thermometer. It’s my cooking buddy for keeping things just right!
Right now, I absolutely love the ThermoPro TempSpike as my go-to meat thermometer!
Now, let’s talk about the best temperatures for your Boston butt! ️ I aim for about 195°F for a juicy roast that melts in your mouth. But if you’re craving that incredible pulled pork texture, I’d say go all the way to 205°F.
As soon as your pork reaches the right temperature, trim off any extra fat and it’s ready to be served!
Now for the important question: how long did I cook my pork? I let it do its thing for six hours, or until the internal temperature reached 205°F. I then used a trusty probe to make sure it was truly tender.
Once the pork has reached 205°F, shred it into pieces and add a lot of your favorite BBQ sauce for the best pulled pork ever with a saucy twist. Then, set your crockpot to “keep warm” and let it mingle for an extra hour of flavor bliss!.
How to make Tender Pork Roast in the Crock Pot (Boston Butt)
Can you cook Boston butt in a crock pot?
Place the Boston Butt in the crock pot, fat side up. The fat will melt during cooking and keep the meat moist and succulent. Pour the chicken broth or water into the crock pot. This will create steam and help tenderize the meat as it cooks. Cover the crock pot with the lid and set the temperature to low. Let the Boston Butt cook for 8 to 10 hours.
How long do you cook pork butt in a slow cooker?
Cook a pork butt for 8 hours on low in a slow cooker, until the interior reaches at least 200F. This ensures that all connective tissue breaks down. I’ve owned a few different brands of slow cookers over the years, and the timing can vary by an hour or two, which is why it’s best to go off temperature.
Can you cook pulled pork in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook pulled pork in a crockpot. Place the pork loin in the Crockpot and cover with apple juice and seasonings. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then shred with two forks and toss with bbq sauce. Keep the pulled pork warm in the Crockpot.
Can you cook already cooked pork in a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is perfect for cooking already cooked pork, such as pulled pork. It’s an easy and make-ahead meal that results in tender, flavorful, and juicy pork. Our recipe starts with a pork shoulder, also known as a pork shoulder, pork butt, or Boston butt.