Root Beer Pulled Pork

Root Beer Pulled Pork

There are a million pulled pork recipes out there, but none hit quite like this one. Forget the complicated rubs and fancy smoker setups — all you really need is a bottle of root beer and a little patience. The soda does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the pork and giving it a sweet, deep flavor that makes people ask, “What’s in this?” The answer — and the secret flex — is root beer.

This isn’t just barbecue, it’s weeknight magic. Throw everything in the slow cooker before work and come home to meat so tender it basically falls apart when you look at it. Pile it on buns, stuff it in tortillas with jalapeños, or just eat it straight out of the pot. It feeds a crowd without draining your wallet or your energy.

The best part? No need to hover, baste, or babysit. The root beer takes care of flavor and moisture while the pork melts into perfection. When you want something that feels like it came off a smoker in Memphis but actually came out of your Crock-Pot in sweatpants, this is the recipe.

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 can (12 oz) root beer (not diet)
• 1 bottle (18 oz) of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Buns, tortillas, or rolls for serving

Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then set it on top of the onions.
3. Pour the root beer over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork shreds easily.
5. Remove the pork, shred with two forks, and discard excess fat.
6. Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about ½ cup for moisture.
7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in the barbecue sauce, and let it sit on warm (or low, if warm isn’t available) for 20–30 minutes so the meat can soak up the flavor.
8. Serve on buns, tacos, or however you like — extra sauce encouraged.

This root beer pulled pork isn’t just a recipe, it’s a trick up your sleeve. It’s the kind of dish that makes people think you’ve been working all day, when really the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this one’s a keeper — simple, bold, and unforgettable.