Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

These Dutch oven pulled pork sandwiches are brimming with barbecue-flavored goodness, thanks to a blend of spices, barbecue sauce and creamy tomato. The use of a Dutch oven ensures that the meat will be so tender it’ll just about melt in your mouth, and with the addition of crunchy, creamy coleslaw, you’ll have pulled pork sandwiches that’ll rival those from your favorite barbecue joint. Serve them alongside a creamy potato salad and sweet candied carrots to round out this family-favorite meal.

What’s the best pork for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is widely considered the best cut for making pulled pork. That’s because it has the ideal fat content for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cooked result. This recipe calls for a pork sirloin roast, which is a lean cut that has good flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

• Tomato sauce: The use of tomato sauce adds more body and depth to the barbecue sauce, which you’ll also be adding.
• Onion: Finely chopped or left in larger chunks, the onion will soften as it simmers with the sauce and meat.
• Barbecue sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or if you have the time, a homemade barbecue sauce is worth the extra step.
• Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin and ground cinnamon are the three powerhouse spices used for this recipe’s sweet-and-savory flavor.
• Pork sirloin roast: This particular cut is lean but tender and an excellent cut for making pulled pork.
• Hamburger buns: Again, store-bought is quick, easy and still tasty, but if you have the time, homemade hamburger buns are worth the extra step.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the meat

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In a Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, onion, barbecue sauce, chili powder, cumin and cinnamon. Stir to fully combine, then add the pork. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork to ensure adequate coverage. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, three to four hours.

Step 2: Shred the meat and serve

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Remove the meat from the pan and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pan and heat through. Spoon 1/2 cup of the meat mixture onto each bun and enjoy.

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Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Variations

• Add toppings: A basic pulled pork sandwich is yummy all on its own. But if you really want to level up your sandwich, add some toppings. Favorites include fried or caramelized onions, pickles, banana peppers, sliced jalapenos, a hunk of fresh tomato or a mix of your favorite pickled vegetables.
• Pass on the bun: Whether you can’t do gluten or you’re wanting to mix it up, you don’t have to put your pulled pork on a bun. Instead, add it to a bed of crunchy lettuce, spread it over a wrap and fry it, or use it as a chip dip. Really, the options are endless—this pulled pork is a versatile recipe.
• Use a different cooker: Using a slow cooker results in a meltier pulled pork that’s extra flavorful, as it has likely been cooking for more than eight hours. You’ll combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours, but preferably overnight. You’ll then cook for an additional eight to ten hours, which is how the meat becomes so impossibly tender. This slow-cooker pulled pork recipe is a favorite, if you’re looking to try a slow-cooker option.

How to Store Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

A definite perk of making pulled pork in a Dutch oven: You can store it right in the Dutch oven. This makes heating it up much easier, and also allows the flavors to continue soaking into the meat.

How long does Dutch oven pulled pork last?

Once cooked, it’s best to consume pork within three to four days.

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Tips

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Can I use another cut?

Yes. Other excellent cuts for making pulled pork are pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) and pork butt.

How do I keep pulled pork from drying out?

If you store it properly, this shouldn’t be an issue during reheating. This is because of the extra sauce that the pork is just continually marinating in. If you know you’ll be having leftovers, you can also add more sauce during the cooking process.

Can I use an Instant Pot for this recipe?

Yes, an Instant Pot is an excellent option for making this pulled pork recipe (or other pork recipes!). In your Instant Pot, combine ingredients as outlined above and you’ll have pulled pork sandwiches in under an hour.

Can you overcook pulled pork?

Yes, you can overcook pulled pork. Dutch-oven recipes, like this one, should be checked every now and again to ensure that they’re not at risk for being overcooked (or undercooked, for that matter). Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to tell if your pork is cooked to perfection. The optimal temperature of pork is 145°F. And yes, it’s OK if your pork meat is pink.

How do you shred pulled pork?

You can shred pulled pork by using two forks and pulling the tender meat apart. It’s really that simple! If you have leftover shredded pulled pork, look to these pulled pork recipes for inspiration for putting your leftovers to good use.