Toss a raw pork picnic shoulder in the crock with 3 simple additions and yield a meal so incredible your entire family will be begging for more.

A slow cooker pork shoulder is the kind of easy, dependable meal that shines on a busy holiday weekend when you want the house to smell wonderful and dinner to take care of itself. Using just four ingredients, this Labor Day favorite turns a humble raw pork picnic shoulder into tender, flavorful shredded pork that feels generous enough for a crowd and simple enough for a family supper.

Serve this juicy pork on soft sandwich buns, over mashed potatoes, or alongside classic cookout sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. It also pairs nicely with pickles, extra barbecue sauce, and a crisp green salad if you want to round out the plate with something fresh.

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Champion

Servings: 8 to 10

Finished pulled pork on a platter with buns and classic sides

Ingredients

1 raw pork picnic shoulder, about 6 to 8 pounds
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
12 ounces cola

Pork shoulder, sliced onion, barbecue sauce, and cola

Directions

1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, then set the raw pork picnic shoulder on top.

Onions layered under pork shoulder in slow cooker

2. Pour the cola around the pork, then spoon the barbecue sauce over the top and spread it lightly to coat the surface.

Barbecue sauce and cola added to pork in slow cooker

3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.

Fully cooked pork shoulder tender in slow cooker

4. Transfer the pork to a large pan or cutting board, discard any large pieces of fat or bone, and shred the meat with two forks.

5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker juices, toss to coat, and serve warm on buns or with your favorite sides.

Plated pulled pork with buns, coleslaw, and pickles

Variations & Tips

Milder family version: Choose a sweet, mild barbecue sauce if you are serving little ones or anyone who does not enjoy smoky or spicy flavors. You can always set out a spicier sauce at the table for the grown-ups.

Mild pulled pork sliders with sweet sauce

Make-ahead tip: This pork reheats beautifully, so you can cook it a day ahead, shred it, and store it in some of the cooking juices. Warm it gently before serving so it stays moist and tender.

For extra sauce: If your family likes saucier pulled pork, stir in an extra half cup to one cup of barbecue sauce after shredding. That is especially nice if you plan to pile it onto sandwich buns.

Low-mess serving idea: For parties, keep the shredded pork warm right in the slow cooker and let everyone build their own sandwiches. Set out buns, pickles, slaw, and napkins, and dinner practically serves itself.