Name: Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 1 (3 pound) pork roast ((I used boneless)); 12 ounces root beer ((one can)); 1 (18 ounce) bottle BBQ sauce ( (we love Famous Dave's Rich and Sassy)); 8 hamburger buns ((or rolls))

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches can be prepared in the Instant Pot or slow cooker for a tangy, flavorful dinner for an easy family dinner.

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Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy, these root beet pulled pork sandwiches make an easy meal packed with flavor. While this easy recipe has only 4 ingredients, do not let that fool you. The root beer flavor that is produced in this easy pork recipe is out of this world.

In the slow cooker, this recipe can cook all day, ready just in time for family dinner. It is by far one of the most simple and creative sandwich recipes that our family cooks week after week.

If you are short on time or it is too hot to turn on the oven, you can make this recipe using a pressure cooker (or Instant Pot).

A raw beef roast on a white tray sits beside a bottle of root beer and a bottle of barbecue sauce on a light surface.

Shredded cooked meat served on a white oval plate, placed on top of a light blue cloth napkin on a white surface.

Recipe Ingredients

To make our root beer pulled pork sandwiches, you need the following ingredients:

Pork roast (boneless)
Root beer (1 12-oz can)
BBQ sauce
Hamburger buns

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

Slow Cooker, if not using Instant Pot
Instant Pot, if not using Slow Cooker
Bear Claws
Fork
Serving Platter (Rectangular)

Pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce on a round bread roll, resting on a wooden board.

A shredded barbecue pork sandwich on a bun is served on a white plate with other sandwiches in the background.

How to Make Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Instructions

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place roast inside slow cooker and pour the root beer over the meat.
Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving.
Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.

Instant Pot Instructions

Place pork roast in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Pour root beer on top of roast.
Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot and move the valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL (PRESSURE COOK) button and set timer for 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound, depending on the size of your roast).
When the timer is done, let the pressure do a NATURAL RELEASE (it will take at least 20 minutes, but I even prefer to let the roast sit in there for a couple hours to make sure it is super tender).
Remove the lid and shred the roast with 2 forks.
Drain the root beer out of the Instant Pot and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.

Freezer Meal Modification

Place roast and root beer into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving. Place meat on rolls and serve.

Recipe Notes

If you don’t have root beer, you could substitute Dr. Pepper or Coca Cola.

Pulled pork sandwiches topped with barbecue sauce are served on a wooden board, with additional pulled pork and bread visible in the background.

Pulled pork sandwiches on a white tray, topped with barbecue sauce, with sandwich buns and some sauce drips visible.

Enjoy More Delicious Pulled Pork Recipes

From sandwiches to burgers, to wraps, hand-held meals are great for lunch, picnics, and family dinners. Check out our comprehensive collection of sandwiches, burgers, and wraps here.

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

5 from 12 votes

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches can be prepared in the Instant Pot or slow cooker for a tangy, flavorful dinner for an easy family dinner.

8 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Save Print Review Pin

Ingredients

▢ 1 (3 pound) pork roast, (I used boneless)
▢ 12 ounces root beer, (one can)
▢ 1 (18 ounce) bottle BBQ sauce, (we love Famous Dave's Rich and Sassy)
▢ 8 hamburger buns, (or rolls)

Equipment

Slow Cooker, if not using Instant Pot
Instant Pot, if not using Slow Cooker
Bear Claws
Fork
Serving Platter (Rectangular)

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place roast inside slow cooker and pour the root beer over the meat.
Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (or until meat easily shreds).
Take the roast out of the slow cooker and shred using two forks (it should just fall apart). Drain the root beer out of the slow cooker and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving.
Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.

Instant Pot Instructions

Place pork roast in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Pour root beer on top of roast.
Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot and move the valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL (PRESSURE COOK) button and set timer for 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound, depending on the size of your roast).
When the timer is done, let the pressure do a NATURAL RELEASE (it will take at least 20 minutes, but I even prefer to let the roast sit in there for a couple hours to make sure it is super tender).
Remove the lid and shred the roast with 2 forks.
Drain the root beer out of the Instant Pot and place the shredded roast back inside. Stir in the bottle of BBQ sauce.
Place meat on hamburger buns or rolls and serve.

Notes

If you don’t have root beer on hand, you could substitute Dr. Pepper or Coca Cola.

For Instant Pot recipe, the timing is the following: 10 minutes prepare time, 1 hour cook time, 20 minutes natural release, for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 471 kcal · Carbohydrates: 52 g · Protein: 43 g · Fat: 9 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g · Cholesterol: 107 mg · Sodium: 959 mg · Potassium: 839 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 28 g · Vitamin A: 143 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 106 mg · Iron: 3 mg

Cuisine: American

Cost: $12

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Main Course

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

Questions & Reviews

April says:

I’ve heard of bbq items made with Dr. Pepper. Do you think it could be substituted for the root beer?

Cyd says:

Sure, Dr Pepper would work too.

Kim McMillen says:

This is how I cook mine as well, I add some brown sugar when adding the barbecue sauce. I also slow cook my pork ribs in root beer, then throw them on the grill and grill with barbecue sauce till heated through.

Sarah says:

We are on a nightshade free diet which means among other things no tomatoes, do you think this recipe would work with just the root beer?

Cyd says:

This recipe calls for Bar B Que Sauce, but no tomatoes.

Daisy says:

Soooooo . I accidentally just added everything in at once :-/ . I didn’t even read the instructions thinking it was just a put everything in and it will work. Do you think it will still come out right?

Penelope Pitstop says:

This is so, so good! I could eat it every day for a week!!!!!! My family went nuts over this and is asking for me to make it again next week. Awesome recipe and I feel blessed just finding it. Thanks so much!

Penelope Pitstop says:

Can I just say I love you sisters! You’ve given me inspiration when it was desperately needed. That being said, my family loved this root beer pulled pork. I used Hatfield teriyaki pork loins cuz they were on sale and it came out so freakin’ good! My husband has already asked me to make it again. . .he also had three sandwiches! Great recipe and a great website. God bless and keep’em coming!

Debbie says:

Can any soda be used , like Dt Root beer

Cyd says:

Not sure if diet pop would make a difference. I know Dr Pepper can also be used.

Nicole says:

hi! is the rootbeer supposed to cover the meat? I have a huge slow cooker and i’m not sure that 1.5 cups will be enough… thanks!

Margie says:

Does it have a strong root beer flavor? We’re not generally root beer fans, so wondering if we would like this?

Cyd says:

You can’t taste the root beer at all.

Cyd says:

The root beer won’t cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process.

Cyd says:

The root beer won’t cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process. If you are worried you could add a little more.

Lisa Crenshaw says:

Would freezing the leftovers be okay? We are a family of 2.

Cyd says:

The pulled pork freezes well in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Lydia says:

Tried this for dinner the other day, yum! It was so good!

Patricia says:

Could pork chops be used instead of a roast?

Cyd says:

Wouldn’t take as long to cook and pork chops really don’t shred. But the taste should be similar.

Donna says:

Love your website! And I totally plan on trying this recipe today…I work night shift, so throwing everything in the crock pot before I go to sleep then dinner being ready when I wake up works out perfectly 🙂 However, can I put the pork roast in the crock pot frozen? I usually put chicken breasts and pot roasts in frozen, but I just wanted to double check. If not, I’d have to thaw mine out and wait until tomorrow to make it. Thanks!!

Cyd says:

We have put them in frozen before and it works fine.

AJ says:

Was wondering instead of using root beer or Dr Pepper, could I use regular Coke? Thanks!

Kim says:

I have a 6lb pork shoulder. I never buy such a big portion of meat but this was on sale. How long do you cook it in the crock pot for and should I double the ingredients?

Becky says:

I just made these sandwiches for our extended family dinner tonight! They were amazing! Mu husband said it was the best pulled pork he has EVER had! Thanks so much for the recipe.

Catherine says:

I have a huge crock pot as well. I have made this dish twice and the root bear doesn’t cover the meat. The meat is fine because the moisture stays in the crock pot. Both times I have made this dish has turned out great. We love our sweet BBQ Pulled Pork. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe!!!

maggie says:

most BBQ sauce contains tomato sauce or paste etc.

Kaylen says:

Do you recommend thawing out the roast first, since my is frozen. I have heard people putting the frozen roast in for more moisture. Also, will diet soda work?

Cyd says:

We recommend thawing it first, even if it’s just part way. Not sure if diet soda will make a difference or not. We didn’t use diet. Let us know how it all works out! 🙂

Liz says:

I make my barbeque pork this way but also cut up a couple of oranges and throw them in with the Root Beer and pork. Makes it even better with a hint of citrus.

jodie says:

Which cut of pork roast is the best to use?

RHome410 @ Friday is Pizza, Monday is Soup says:

I’m not a huge pork fan. I’m not a huge BBQ sauce fan. But I was intrigued by the root beer and the super-simple prep. I LOVE these sandwiches, as does my whole family. There was a big demand for more, so I currently have 2 batches underway at once.

We put them on our homemade whole wheat buns with prepared cole slaw, or shredded cabbage and mayo, for some freshness, crunch, and a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies. 😉 Will be sharing our experience, and linking back to this post, on my blog…hopefully, this week.

Cyd says:

We have used a pork loin and pork butt. Usually whatever is on sale! 🙂

Jennifer says:

Hi! Thanks for the great recipe that has become a household staple recipe for me.

Megan says:

Is the nutrition info for the whole recipe, including the buns? Is the calorie count equal to one complete serving?

Cyd says:

This calorie count for this recipe includes the bun since it’s listed in the ingredients. It’s for 8 equal servings. If you get more than 8 servings out of this recipe, then the calorie count would be less.

Kristin says:

I tried this recipe out today and it was phenomenal!! If you like Lloyd’s BBQ pork you’ll love this. I followed the recipe just how it said only I added in about a tablespoon of brown sugar. Maybe even a little less. My husband raved about this flavor. Perfect!

Juliana says:

Is it okay to season my meat or should I leave that off? I see the recipe didn’t call for it. Thank you!

Cyd says:

You don’t need to season it, but it surely wouldn’t hurt anything if you do.

Goldie Meers says:

I have made this a few years ago for my daughter’s 21st and quadrupled it, and I seem to remember loving the taste and simplicity. I can’t remember if I thought it needed more sauce, though. I want to make it again for New Year’s Eve, and I just noticed the source link to All Recipes. They call for a 2 lb tenderloin, and yours says 3 lb. Did you change the amount of pork intentionally because that is what you made your recipe with? When you quadruple the recipe, that makes quite a difference in the amount of the other ingredients! 🙂 Thanks! (And I love your guys’ stuff!)

Cyd says:

We have always used a 3 pound roast. If you need more sauce at the end of the cooking time, just add in more barbecue sauce. Hope this helps!

J. Tyson says:

Hi there. Could you use chicken in place of the pork?

Cyd says:

You can easily use chicken in place of the pork.

jomarie says:

I have a beef roast to use instead. Can I use the beef and keep the recipe exactly as it is?

Brian says:

Can this be frozen after being made?

Cyd says:

This freezes great in an airtight freezer container. Then thaw and reheat when ready.

Lori says:

We are on a vegetarian diet. Do you think this recipe would work with just the rootbeer and the bbq sauce??? hahahaha…. just kidding.

Beverly says:

Tomatoes fight cancer…

Chelsea says:

Has anyone tried doing this in a power pressure cooker?

Neva says:

Can this be cooked on high for three hours?

Cyd says:

Low and slow is always best with roast in the slow cooker, but I’m sure it would work on high as well. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out and to make sure it’s done.

Candy Knutson says:

I’m making this recipe with chicken breasts right now. I will let you know how it turns out. I don’t plan to cook it as long. We love the pork.

Karen says:

Can I use a pork loin roast or should I use a roast with more fat on it? Thank you

Cyd says:

You could use a pork loin. Just be sure it doesn’t dry out. Cook low and slow.

Stephanie Ricketts says:

This turned out perfect. I hardly had to shred the roast as it was SOOOO TENDER! I will definitely make this again.

Nance Moreland says:

I never made pulled port, but always ordered when we went out for ribs (IDKY!) This was such a good – and wow – easy recipe! Finicky hubster and visiting adult son (who smokes all his meats) both enjoyed it. I did transfer to a smaller crock after shredding and did not add sauce (hubster doesn’t like). The shredded pork was a HUGE hit! On the reheat side, I did add a bit of pork gravy (jar) just enough to hold the meat together. It was wonderful both times. I did freeze the left over with gravy for a fast Wednesday night supper. Thank you for this recipe. SOOOOO EEEEEZZZZZZZ!! and a real lip smacker!!

Join The Discussion

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April says:

I’ve heard of bbq items made with Dr. Pepper. Do you think it could be substituted for the root beer?
Cyd says:

Sure, Dr Pepper would work too.
Kim McMillen says:

This is how I cook mine as well, I add some brown sugar when adding the barbecue sauce. I also slow cook my pork ribs in root beer, then throw them on the grill and grill with barbecue sauce till heated through.
Sarah says:

We are on a nightshade free diet which means among other things no tomatoes, do you think this recipe would work with just the root beer?
Cyd says:

This recipe calls for Bar B Que Sauce, but no tomatoes.
Daisy says:

Soooooo . I accidentally just added everything in at once :-/ . I didn’t even read the instructions thinking it was just a put everything in and it will work. Do you think it will still come out right?
Penelope Pitstop says:

This is so, so good! I could eat it every day for a week!!!!!! My family went nuts over this and is asking for me to make it again next week. Awesome recipe and I feel blessed just finding it. Thanks so much!
Penelope Pitstop says:

Can I just say I love you sisters! You’ve given me inspiration when it was desperately needed. That being said, my family loved this root beer pulled pork. I used Hatfield teriyaki pork loins cuz they were on sale and it came out so freakin’ good! My husband has already asked me to make it again. . .he also had three sandwiches! Great recipe and a great website. God bless and keep’em coming!
Debbie says:

Can any soda be used , like Dt Root beer
Cyd says:

Not sure if diet pop would make a difference. I know Dr Pepper can also be used.
Nicole says:

hi! is the rootbeer supposed to cover the meat? I have a huge slow cooker and i’m not sure that 1.5 cups will be enough… thanks!
Margie says:

Does it have a strong root beer flavor? We’re not generally root beer fans, so wondering if we would like this?
Cyd says:

You can’t taste the root beer at all.
Cyd says:

The root beer won’t cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process.
Cyd says:

The root beer won’t cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process. If you are worried you could add a little more.
Lisa Crenshaw says:

Would freezing the leftovers be okay? We are a family of 2.
Cyd says:

The pulled pork freezes well in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Lydia says:

Tried this for dinner the other day, yum! It was so good!
Patricia says:

Could pork chops be used instead of a roast?
Cyd says:

Wouldn’t take as long to cook and pork chops really don’t shred. But the taste should be similar.
Donna says:

Love your website! And I totally plan on trying this recipe today…I work night shift, so throwing everything in the crock pot before I go to sleep then dinner being ready when I wake up works out perfectly 🙂 However, can I put the pork roast in the crock pot frozen? I usually put chicken breasts and pot roasts in frozen, but I just wanted to double check. If not, I’d have to thaw mine out and wait until tomorrow to make it. Thanks!!
Cyd says:

We have put them in frozen before and it works fine.
AJ says:

Was wondering instead of using root beer or Dr Pepper, could I use regular Coke? Thanks!
Kim says:

I have a 6lb pork shoulder. I never buy such a big portion of meat but this was on sale. How long do you cook it in the crock pot for and should I double the ingredients?
Becky says:

I just made these sandwiches for our extended family dinner tonight! They were amazing! Mu husband said it was the best pulled pork he has EVER had! Thanks so much for the recipe.
Catherine says:

I have a huge crock pot as well. I have made this dish twice and the root bear doesn’t cover the meat. The meat is fine because the moisture stays in the crock pot. Both times I have made this dish has turned out great. We love our sweet BBQ Pulled Pork. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe!!!
maggie says:

most BBQ sauce contains tomato sauce or paste etc.
Kaylen says:

Do you recommend thawing out the roast first, since my is frozen. I have heard people putting the frozen roast in for more moisture. Also, will diet soda work?
Cyd says:

We recommend thawing it first, even if it’s just part way. Not sure if diet soda will make a difference or not. We didn’t use diet. Let us know how it all works out! 🙂
Liz says:

I make my barbeque pork this way but also cut up a couple of oranges and throw them in with the Root Beer and pork. Makes it even better with a hint of citrus.
jodie says:

Which cut of pork roast is the best to use?
RHome410 @ Friday is Pizza, Monday is Soup says:

I’m not a huge pork fan. I’m not a huge BBQ sauce fan. But I was intrigued by the root beer and the super-simple prep. I LOVE these sandwiches, as does my whole family. There was a big demand for more, so I currently have 2 batches underway at once.

We put them on our homemade whole wheat buns with prepared cole slaw, or shredded cabbage and mayo, for some freshness, crunch, and a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies. 😉 Will be sharing our experience, and linking back to this post, on my blog…hopefully, this week.
Cyd says:

We have used a pork loin and pork butt. Usually whatever is on sale! 🙂
Jennifer says:

Hi! Thanks for the great recipe that has become a household staple recipe for me.
Megan says:

Is the nutrition info for the whole recipe, including the buns? Is the calorie count equal to one complete serving?
Cyd says:

This calorie count for this recipe includes the bun since it’s listed in the ingredients. It’s for 8 equal servings. If you get more than 8 servings out of this recipe, then the calorie count would be less.
Kristin says:

I tried this recipe out today and it was phenomenal!! If you like Lloyd’s BBQ pork you’ll love this. I followed the recipe just how it said only I added in about a tablespoon of brown sugar. Maybe even a little less. My husband raved about this flavor. Perfect!
Juliana says:

Is it okay to season my meat or should I leave that off? I see the recipe didn’t call for it. Thank you!
Cyd says:

You don’t need to season it, but it surely wouldn’t hurt anything if you do.
Goldie Meers says:

I have made this a few years ago for my daughter’s 21st and quadrupled it, and I seem to remember loving the taste and simplicity. I can’t remember if I thought it needed more sauce, though. I want to make it again for New Year’s Eve, and I just noticed the source link to All Recipes. They call for a 2 lb tenderloin, and yours says 3 lb. Did you change the amount of pork intentionally because that is what you made your recipe with? When you quadruple the recipe, that makes quite a difference in the amount of the other ingredients! 🙂 Thanks! (And I love your guys’ stuff!)
Cyd says:

We have always used a 3 pound roast. If you need more sauce at the end of the cooking time, just add in more barbecue sauce. Hope this helps!
J. Tyson says:

Hi there. Could you use chicken in place of the pork?
Cyd says:

You can easily use chicken in place of the pork.
jomarie says:

I have a beef roast to use instead. Can I use the beef and keep the recipe exactly as it is?
Brian says:

Can this be frozen after being made?
Cyd says:

This freezes great in an airtight freezer container. Then thaw and reheat when ready.
Lori says:

We are on a vegetarian diet. Do you think this recipe would work with just the rootbeer and the bbq sauce??? hahahaha…. just kidding.
Beverly says:

Tomatoes fight cancer…
Chelsea says:

Has anyone tried doing this in a power pressure cooker?
Neva says:

Can this be cooked on high for three hours?
Cyd says:

Low and slow is always best with roast in the slow cooker, but I’m sure it would work on high as well. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out and to make sure it’s done.
Candy Knutson says:

I’m making this recipe with chicken breasts right now. I will let you know how it turns out. I don’t plan to cook it as long. We love the pork.
Karen says:

Can I use a pork loin roast or should I use a roast with more fat on it? Thank you
Cyd says:

You could use a pork loin. Just be sure it doesn’t dry out. Cook low and slow.
Stephanie Ricketts says:

This turned out perfect. I hardly had to shred the roast as it was SOOOO TENDER! I will definitely make this again.
Nance Moreland says:

I never made pulled port, but always ordered when we went out for ribs (IDKY!) This was such a good – and wow – easy recipe! Finicky hubster and visiting adult son (who smokes all his meats) both enjoyed it. I did transfer to a smaller crock after shredding and did not add sauce (hubster doesn’t like). The shredded pork was a HUGE hit! On the reheat side, I did add a bit of pork gravy (jar) just enough to hold the meat together. It was wonderful both times. I did freeze the left over with gravy for a fast Wednesday night supper. Thank you for this recipe. SOOOOO EEEEEZZZZZZZ!! and a real lip smacker!!