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).


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)


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.


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.
- BBQ Apricot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- BBQ Bacon Pulled Pork
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Pineapple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Sweet and Sticky Pulled Pork

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
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
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.



















I’ve heard of bbq items made with Dr. Pepper. Do you think it could be substituted for the root beer?
Sure, Dr Pepper would work too.
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.
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?
This recipe calls for Bar B Que Sauce, but no tomatoes.
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?
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!
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!
Can any soda be used , like Dt Root beer
Not sure if diet pop would make a difference. I know Dr Pepper can also be used.
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!
Does it have a strong root beer flavor? We’re not generally root beer fans, so wondering if we would like this?
You can’t taste the root beer at all.
The root beer won’t cover the meat. You could turn the meat over halfway through the cooking process.
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.
Would freezing the leftovers be okay? We are a family of 2.
The pulled pork freezes well in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Tried this for dinner the other day, yum! It was so good!
Could pork chops be used instead of a roast?
Wouldn’t take as long to cook and pork chops really don’t shred. But the taste should be similar.
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!!
We have put them in frozen before and it works fine.
Was wondering instead of using root beer or Dr Pepper, could I use regular Coke? Thanks!
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?
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.
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!!!
most BBQ sauce contains tomato sauce or paste etc.
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?
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! 🙂
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.
Which cut of pork roast is the best to use?
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.
We have used a pork loin and pork butt. Usually whatever is on sale! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the great recipe that has become a household staple recipe for me.
Is the nutrition info for the whole recipe, including the buns? Is the calorie count equal to one complete serving?
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.
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!
Is it okay to season my meat or should I leave that off? I see the recipe didn’t call for it. Thank you!
You don’t need to season it, but it surely wouldn’t hurt anything if you do.
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!)
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!
Hi there. Could you use chicken in place of the pork?
You can easily use chicken in place of the pork.
I have a beef roast to use instead. Can I use the beef and keep the recipe exactly as it is?
Can this be frozen after being made?
This freezes great in an airtight freezer container. Then thaw and reheat when ready.
We are on a vegetarian diet. Do you think this recipe would work with just the rootbeer and the bbq sauce??? hahahaha…. just kidding.
Tomatoes fight cancer…
Has anyone tried doing this in a power pressure cooker?
Can this be cooked on high for three hours?
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.
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.
Can I use a pork loin roast or should I use a roast with more fat on it? Thank you
You could use a pork loin. Just be sure it doesn’t dry out. Cook low and slow.
This turned out perfect. I hardly had to shred the roast as it was SOOOO TENDER! I will definitely make this again.
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!!