Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Tomato Sauce
This tender pulled pork combines pork tenderloin and shoulder for the perfect balance of lean meat and rich flavor. The homemade sauce blends tomato sauce, ketchup, cider vinegar, and brown sugar for a sweet-tangy profile that penetrates the meat during the long, slow cooking process. The dual-cut approach ensures you get both tenderness and robust pork flavor without excess fat. Perfect for feeding a crowd at barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners. Serve on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 4 cider vinegar
- 4 brown sugar, not packed
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 12 oz. raw lean boneless pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
- 12 oz. raw boneless pork shoulder, the leanest piece you can find, trimmed of excess fat
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ⅛ tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups onion, roughly chopped
- red pepper flakes(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Mix tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder in slow cooker
- 2
Season both types of pork with salt and pepper and add to the pot
- 3
Top with onion and lightly stir
- 4
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until pork is cooked through
- 5
Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks
- 6
Return shredded pork to slow cooker and mix well
Tips
Use a combination of pork cuts for optimal texture and flavor balance
Trim visible fat before cooking to prevent greasy pulled pork
Let pork rest briefly before shredding for easier handling
Good to Know
Refrigerate shredded pork up to 4 days in airtight container
Cook completely up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently
Serve hot on hamburger buns, over rice, or with coleslaw
Common Mistakes
Don't skip trimming fat to avoid greasy results
Avoid overcooking on high heat to prevent dry meat
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use only one type of pork instead of two?
Yes, but the combination gives better texture. Use all shoulder for richer flavor or all tenderloin for leaner results.
How long will the pulled pork keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored pulled pork will keep up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the cooked pulled pork?
Yes, freeze in portions up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.