Crockpot BBQ Pork Shoulder Steaks
If you are looking for an easy dinner that basically cooks itself, these Crockpot BBQ Pork Shoulder Steaks are exactly what you need. They are tender, juicy, full of BBQ flavor, and require very little prep. Pork shoulder steaks are one of those cuts of meat that can turn into something seriously delicious when they are given plenty of time to cook. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender while soaking up all of that sweet, savory BBQ sauce. And the best part? You do not need a complicated list of ingredients or perfectly measured seasonings. I honestly just grabbed my seasonings and seasoned the pork until it looked and smelled right. Sometimes that is the best way to cook!
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, a lazy Sunday dinner, or anytime you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Most of the work happens in the crockpot.
- Tender and juicy – Pork shoulder is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender.
- Big BBQ flavor – The combination of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and seasonings gives the pork a sweet and savory flavor.
- Minimal prep – Season the pork, add everything to the crockpot, and let it cook.
- Great for leftovers – The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day.

Ingredients
For 2 Pork Shoulder Steaks
- 2 pork shoulder steaks
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water mixed with chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Poultry seasoning, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste if desired
- ½ small white onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce if desired
- 1 tablespoon butter
For 4 Pork Shoulder Steaks
- 4 large pork shoulder steaks, approximately 3.8 pounds total
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth or water mixed with chicken bouillon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Poultry seasoning, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste if desired
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
A Note About the Seasonings
I have kept the seasoning measurements flexible because this is one of those recipes where you really do not have to be precise. I seasoned my pork steaks with a combination of Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, black pepper, salt, and paprika. You can absolutely adjust this based on what you have in your pantry and what flavors you like. The BBQ sauce is going to provide most of the flavor, so there is no need to stress over getting the seasoning measurements perfect.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Season both sides of the pork shoulder steaks generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, poultry seasoning, and any additional seasonings you want to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder steaks on top of the onions.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture over the pork steaks. Place the butter on top of the pork.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for approximately 6 to 8 hours.
You can also cook them on HIGH for approximately 4 to 5 hours if you are short on time.
For 4 Pork Steaks:
Cook on LOW for approximately 7 to 8 hours.
For HIGH, cook for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Because pork shoulder steaks can vary quite a bit in thickness, cooking time may vary. The best indicator that they are ready is when the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 5: Optional – Thicken the Sauce
If you want the BBQ sauce to be thicker and stickier, remove the crockpot lid during the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork before serving.

What to Serve With BBQ Pork Shoulder Steaks
These pork steaks pair really well with classic comfort food sides.

- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy potatoes are one of my favorite sides for BBQ pork. The rich potatoes balance out the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Green Beans – A simple side of seasoned green beans adds something fresh and savory to the meal.
- Mac and Cheese – You really cannot go wrong with BBQ pork and mac and cheese. The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is another easy side that works especially well with BBQ flavors.
- Coleslaw – For something a little lighter, serve the pork with a crunchy, creamy coleslaw.
- Cornbread – A warm piece of cornbread is perfect for soaking up all of that extra BBQ sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the pork to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep some of the BBQ sauce with the pork when storing it. This helps keep the meat moist when reheating.
How to Reheat Pork Shoulder Steaks
You can reheat the pork in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pork in a microwave safe dish with some of the leftover sauce. Cover and heat until warmed through. For the oven, place the pork in a covered baking dish with some BBQ sauce and heat at 325°F until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Leftovers?
Yes. Once cooled, place the pork and some of the BBQ sauce into a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with some of the leftover sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook pork shoulder steaks on HIGH in the crockpot?
Yes. If you are short on time, cook the pork on HIGH for approximately 4 to 5 hours. For the most tender texture, LOW for 7 to 8 hours is my preferred method.
Do the pork steaks need to be completely covered in sauce?
No. You do not need to completely submerge the pork. The pork will release additional juices as it cooks, and the sauce will spread throughout the crockpot.
Can I use a different BBQ sauce?
Absolutely. Use your favorite BBQ sauce. A sweeter sauce will give you a sweeter finished dish, while a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce will give the pork a completely different flavor.
Can I add more BBQ sauce?
Of course. If you love a saucier BBQ pork, add extra sauce toward the end of cooking or serve additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Can I use boneless pork shoulder steaks?
Yes. Boneless pork shoulder steaks work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steaks.
Why are my pork steaks not tender yet?
Give them more time. Pork shoulder contains connective tissue and benefits from longer cooking. If the pork is cooked through but still feels tough, it often simply needs more time in the crockpot.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the pork ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. The leftovers also reheat really well, making this a great meal prep option.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pork Steaks
- Do not skimp on seasoning. Since the pork steaks are large and thick, season both sides generously.
- Do not add too much liquid. Pork shoulder releases plenty of juices while cooking, so you do not need to fill the crockpot with broth.
- Keep the lid closed. Try not to repeatedly open the crockpot while cooking because this allows heat to escape.
- Cook until tender. Do not rely solely on the clock. The pork should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
- Let the sauce thicken. If you want a thicker BBQ glaze, remove the lid for the final 20 to 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot BBQ Pork Shoulder Steaks are one of those recipes that prove dinner does not have to be complicated to be delicious.
With a few simple ingredients, some seasoning, and a little patience, you get incredibly tender pork covered in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce.
Whether you make two steaks for a smaller dinner or throw four big steaks into the crockpot for plenty of leftovers, this is an easy recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation.
And honestly, the best part might be that you can season the pork however you want. No measuring spoons required!


