This Crock Pot Pulled Pork With Beer is a tender and flavorful recipe, which includes pork shoulder and lager beer. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork With Beer Ingredients
- 4 lbs. pork shoulder (often called pork butt)
- 3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 12 oz. can of lager beer
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Crock Pot Pulled Pork With Beer
- Prepare the crock pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Season the pork: Rub the spice mix evenly over the entire pork shoulder.
- Add to crock pot: Place the seasoned pork into the crock pot and pour the lager beer around the meat.
- Slow cook the pork: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until fork-tender.
- Rest and shred the meat: Remove the pork from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks.
- Make the BBQ sauce: Add ketchup, rice wine vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce directly to the beer and drippings in the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Combine and finish: Return the shredded pork to the crock pot, stir to coat with the sauce, and cook on low for an additional 15–20 minutes.

Recipe Tips
- What’s the best cut of pork to use? Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for juicy, tender pulled pork.
- Can I use something other than beer? Yes! Try root beer, hard cider, apple juice, or even water.
- How spicy is it? The cayenne adds a mild kick—feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Can I skip the BBQ sauce? Yes, but the sauce adds depth and moisture. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce if you prefer.
- Can I prep this the night before? Yes, rub the pork with spices and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
What To Serve With Beer Pulled Pork
Serve this hearty pulled pork with classic BBQ sides:
- Coleslaw or pickled red onions
- Cornbread or sandwich buns
- Baked beans
- Potato wedges or fries
- Macaroni salad
How To Store Pulled Pork With Beer
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled pork in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Pulled Pork With Beer Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 219
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 1027mg
- Potassium: 476mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Vitamin A: 588IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 37mg
- Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What kind of beer is best for pulled pork?
A light lager or amber ale works best. Avoid overly bitter beers like IPAs.
Can I use pork loin instead?
Pork loin tends to be too lean and can dry out—stick with shoulder or butt.
How do I make the pork extra juicy?
Don’t overcook it and be sure to mix the shredded pork back into the cooking juices.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! It freezes well. Just cool the meat, portion it out, and freeze in airtight containers or bags.
Can I serve this without buns?
Absolutely—try it over rice, in tacos, or on top of baked potatoes.
Try More Recipes:
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese
- Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders
- Crock Pot Pork With Sauerkraut And Apples
Crock Pot Pulled Pork With Beer
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes8
hours219
kcalA slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork made with lager beer and homemade sauce—perfect for sandwiches, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 lbs. pork shoulder
3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. paprika
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
12 oz. can of lager beer
- BBQ Sauce:
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup mustard
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Spray crock pot with cooking spray.
- Mix all dry spices in a small bowl and rub over pork.
- Place pork in crock pot and pour beer around it.
- Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours.
- Remove pork, rest, then shred.
- Mix sauce ingredients into the crock pot juices.
- Return shredded pork to the pot, stir, and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve hot on buns or however you like!
