I realize it’s a sweltering hot time of year for many of us, but I couldn’t resist sharing this EASY 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe! Because I love barbecue THAT MUCH!
But I don’t love just ANY kind of barbecue. It has to be the Eastern North Carolina style. I grew up on it and it’s pretty much the standard for me when it comes to barbecue.
Typical Eastern North Carolina barbecue is pulled, shredded or chopped and is flavored with a vinegar-based sauce with sugar, spices and red pepper.
I LOVE it on sandwiches with coleslaw and extra hot sauce on top.
I found out about this EASY recipe one day while on the beach with some friends. I took a bite out of this sandwich and couldn’t believe how tender the pork was and how much flavor it had! When they told me they threw a Boston butt pork roast in the crock pot the night before and only used 2 other ingredients, I had to try it for myself (I couldn’t believe it!).
YES, it’s true! Throw about a four pound Boston butt pork roast in your slow cooker with root beer, cook on low for six hours, drain off liquid and discard any bones, shred pork, return to pot and toss with your favorite vinegar-based sauce (I used Guy Fieri’s Carolina #6) for a PERFECT and easy Eastern NC style barbecue!

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (4 pound) Boston butt pork roast
- 24 ounces (2 cans or bottles) root beer*
- 9 ounces vinegar-based barbecue sauce (or your favorite barbecue sauce)**
Instructions
- Place roast in your slow cooker insert (fat side up) and pour root beer over roast. Cover and cook on low for approximately 6 hours, or until roast shreds easily with a fork.
- Drain off liquid. Remove and discard any bones or excess fat. Pull, shred or chop pork. Return to slow cooker and toss with sauce, coating evenly.
Notes
- * Cola can be substituted for root beer.
- ** Use more or less sauce depending upon personal preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 3 ingredient slow cooker pulled pork
Adapted from The Comfort of Cooking
I’ve made this twice. However, the second time I used Coca Cola instead. Still very good though. It definitely tastes better when you use a good quality BBQ sauce. Great summer lunch/dinner.
★★★★★
Thanks so much Crystal! I made it in my Instant Pot recently and it was just as good (but I haven’t tried it with Coke yet). So happy to hear you enjoyed it! 🙂
Today I made this BBQ; didn’t know what to expect since all I’ve ever head was Smithfields. Well, Smithfields no more. That was wonderful!!!!!!
Glad you liked it, it is amazingly simple and tastes so good! Thank you!
I’m made this the other night..
It was so delicious !!!
Thanks, Pam! Glad you liked it!
This is DELICIOUS!!!! Will be using this recipe again & again!
★★★★★
This recipe suits my household perfectly! Looks delish, Amy 🙂
Thank you so much, Valerie! 🙂
OMG! Gonna be all over this! 4lbs….just enough for me. Family is gonna be missing out!
★★★★★
Thanks, Al! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂