How Long to Cook Frozen Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot for Tender, Juicy Results

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You only need 5 things to make this Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe. It’s easy enough for a big group or a weeknight dinner with leftovers. It only takes minutes to put in the slow cooker, and after hours of cooking, the pork is flavorful and falls apart easily.

“Super easy and delicious recipe! It is a crowd pleaser. The homemade bbq sauce is amazing, simple and makes the pulled pork that much better. ” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Kat.

Pulled pork cooked low and slow in a crock pot emerges incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor. While you can certainly cook pulled pork starting with a fresh pork shoulder, using frozen pulled pork can make prep even easier. When cooking frozen pulled pork in the crock pot, proper timing is key to ensure the meat thaws, cooks through fully and ends up fall-apart tender.

Why Cook Frozen Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot?

Cooking frozen pulled pork in a crock pot offers several advantages:

  • Convenience – Skip defrosting and go straight to cooking frozen pork. This saves time and avoids potential mess from thawing.

  • Flavor infusion – The low, slow cooking tenderizes while allowing seasoning and sauce to permeate the meat.

  • Juicy meat – The moist environment and low temp prevents drying out, resulting in succulent pulled pork.

  • Hands-off cooking – Once tucked into the crock pot, frozen pork cooks away unattended for hours.

Using pre-pulled frozen pork means you skip laborious shoulder prep and pulling Just season, cook, and shred!

How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Pulled Pork?

Cooking times vary based on size of the frozen pork, but expect it to take at least 1 1⁄2 – 2 times longer than cooking thawed pork Plan for 10-12 hours on low in a crock pot

Here are general frozen pulled pork crock pot cook times:

  • 2 lb pork – 10-11 hours on low
  • 3 lb pork – 11-12 hours on low
  • 4 lb pork – 12-13 hours on low
  • 5 lb pork – 13-14 hours on low

The meat must be fully thawed and cooked through to be safe to eat. To confirm doneness, use an instant read thermometer to check for an internal temp of at least 145°F.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

Follow these tips for successfully cooking frozen pulled pork in the crock pot:

  • Thaw first for faster cook time – Thawing in the fridge overnight reduces overall cook time.

  • Add liquid – Use broth, water, soda or juice to provide moisture for cooking.

  • Season well – Rub the pork with spices and herbs before cooking for flavor.

  • Cook on low – The low temp gently thaws and tenderizes the pork.

  • Cook for hours – Frozen pork needs hours longer than fresh to fully cook through.

  • Check temperature – Confirm the pork has reached at least 145°F internally before serving.

  • Let rest before shredding – A short rest lets juices redistribute for moist shredded pork.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Frozen Pulled Pork

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Add 1-2 cups liquid like broth or water to crock pot.

  2. Season pork with dry rub or sauce and place in crock pot.

  3. Cook on low for 10-14 hours depending on size of pork.

  4. Check temperature to confirm 145°F.

  5. Rest pork for 30 minutes.

  6. Shred pork using two forks and toss with extra sauce.

  7. Serve juicy, tender pulled pork and enjoy!

Cooking pulled pork from frozen in the crock pot makes prep a breeze. With the right amount of time, temperature, and moisture, the crockpot does the work for you, emerging ready to shred into savory, succulent pulled pork perfection.

how long to cook frozen pulled pork in crock pot

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find all 5 main ingredients at your local Hy-Vee (Columbia). Their helpful butcher counter team can help you select the right cut of pork. They also have a wide selection of BBQ sauces, including some local brands.

how long to cook frozen pulled pork in crock pot

  • Pork shoulder – Also known as Boston butt. You can use bone-in or boneless.
  • BBQ sauce—Make our easy and tasty Homemade BBQ Sauce or buy one at the store. I like Stubb’s BBQ Sauce–great flavor and pretty clean ingredients.

how long to cook frozen pulled pork in crock pot

How to Make Crock Pot Pulled Pork

  • Put the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix them together.
  • Use paper towels to dry the pork shoulder, then rub it all over with the seasoning mix.
  • Spread out the pork in a slow cooker and add 1 cup of BBQ sauce on top.
  • On Low for 7 to 9 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is easy to shred, cover and cook.
  • Place the pork on a cutting board and shred it. Put the meat back in the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
  • With a slotted spoon, move the meat to the toasted buns. If you want, you can top them with the rest of the BBQ sauce. I personally like to top mine with 5-Ingredient Coleslaw too.

how long to cook frozen pulled pork in crock pot

Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe – Ultra Juicy & Easy!

FAQ

Can I cook pulled pork frozen in a crock pot?

Simple BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot Recipe Place frozen pork roast into crock pot. Pour 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar over roasts. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Can pulled pork be cooked from frozen?

Yes! You can cook pulled pork in a slow cooker or crockpot, but you must use frozen pork. Using freshly cooked pork will make the finished dish too expensive to make considering how much fresh pork can cost.

How long to cook 2 lb frozen pork roast in a crock pot?

Cover and cook on high for 4 or so hours. (This is how long it takes in my Westbend slow cooker). Low setting would probably be 6-8 hours.

Can you overcook pulled pork in crock pot?

On low heat, cook for 8-10 hours; on high heat, cook for 5-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shredded. Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker? Yes, overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.

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