Slow-cooked pulled pork piled on soft buns with tangy BBQ sauce is a crowd-pleasing family classic. Rich in protein and perfect for meal prep, this freezer-friendly recipe feeds a crowd effortlessly.
Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub evenly with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper for a full exterior flavor.
Slice the onion into thick rings and layer them at the base of a slow cooker, then place the seasoned pork on top.
Pour apple cider vinegar around the pork (avoiding the top to preserve the spice rub), cover, and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours until the pork is tender enough to easily shred with forks.
Remove the pork and transfer to a board; discard excess liquid and onions, then shred the pork while still warm, removing excess fat as needed to maintain a meaty texture.
Return the pulled pork to the slow cooker, add barbecue sauce, stir well, and warm on LOW for 20 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.
Toast hamburger buns lightly, then pile high with pulled pork and serve hot. Extra pulled pork freezes well—perfect for make-ahead meals.