Q1: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a Dutch oven in the oven instead of the slow cooker listed in the Equipment. After completing Steps 1-4 (applying the rub, adding liquids, and BBQ sauce), cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid or aluminum foil and cook at 300°F for approximately 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender as described in Step 5. Check the pork after 3.5 hours and add more chicken broth if the liquid has evaporated too much. This method will produce similarly tender, shreddable pulled pork while you bake the sweet potatoes separately following Steps 6-8.

Q2: How do I know when the sweet potatoes are properly cooked?

According to Step 8, the sweet potatoes should bake at 400°F for 45-55 minutes until they're tender when pierced with a knife. To test for doneness, insert a knife or fork into the thickest part of each potato—it should slide in easily with little resistance, and the flesh should feel soft throughout. The exact timing depends on the size of your sweet potatoes; larger ones may need the full 55 minutes or slightly longer. If they still feel firm in the center, continue baking and check every 5 minutes until properly tender.

Q3: Is this recipe truly gluten-free, and what should I watch out for?

While this recipe is designed for a Gluten-Free Diet, you must carefully check your BBQ sauce label, as many commercial brands contain gluten from ingredients like malt vinegar or soy sauce. The BBQ sauce used in Step 4 (and any additional sauce mentioned in the remaining steps) should be certified gluten-free. All other ingredients—the pork shoulder, sweet potatoes, spices (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper), apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and olive oil—are naturally gluten-free. Always verify that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.

Q4: Can I substitute the pork shoulder with a different cut of meat?

While pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe because of its fat content and connective tissue that breaks down during the long cooking time in Steps 3-5, you can substitute pork butt (which is actually from the same area) with identical results. Leaner cuts like pork loin are not recommended as they will dry out during the 8-hour low or 5-hour high cooking time specified in Step 5. If you must use a leaner cut, reduce the cooking time significantly (3-4 hours on low) and check frequently for doneness, though the texture won't be as tender and juicy. For a poultry option, boneless chicken thighs can work well with a reduced cooking time of 4-5 hours on low.

BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe brings together two comfort food classics in one unforgettable dish. Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is shredded and tossed in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, then piled high atop fluffy roasted sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the savory, smoky pulled pork, creating a flavor combination that's both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated.

Inspired by Southern barbecue traditions and the growing popularity of sweet potato boats, this recipe offers a naturally gluten-free alternative to traditional pulled pork sandwiches. The sweet potato serves as both plate and side dish, eliminating the need for bread while adding nutritional value with its high fiber and vitamin A content. The slow-cooking method ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the rich flavors of the spice rub and barbecue sauce.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you're hosting game night, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a hearty family dinner, these stuffed sweet potatoes deliver on all fronts. The pork can be made ahead in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making assembly quick and easy. Top with your favorite garnishes like crispy coleslaw, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and freshness.

This recipe proves that gluten-free eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will have everyone coming back for seconds, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Michael

Recipe Author: Chef & Grill Master | Carnivore, Anti-Inflammatory, and Gut-Healthy Cooking

Nutrition

5 hours 20 minutes

None servings

585 calories

Fat 18.00g

Carbs 62.00g

Protein 45.00g

Ingredients

3 lbs	pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
2 tbsp	brown sugar
1 tbsp	smoked paprika
1 tbsp	garlic powder
1 tbsp	onion powder
1 tsp	ground cumin
2 tsp	kosher salt
1 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cup	apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup	chicken broth
1.5 cups	gluten-free BBQ sauce, divided
6 None	large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tbsp	olive oil
4 None	green onions, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup	fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup	sour cream (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board

Baking sheet

Oven

paper towels

slow cooker

small mixing bowl

large mixing bowl

fork

aluminum foil

knife

16:8 Diet

This substantial, nutrient-dense meal is perfect for 16:8 intermittent fasting, providing high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats that deliver sustained energy and satiety throughout the eating window. The balanced macronutrients help practitioners meet their daily nutritional needs within the compressed 8-hour timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe meets 80/20 principles with nutrient-dense whole foods comprising the majority of ingredients—sweet potatoes, pork shoulder, fresh vegetables, and herbs—while allowing for the 20% flexibility with BBQ sauce and sour cream for flavor and satisfaction. The emphasis remains on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients that provide substantial nutritional value.

Clean Eating

This recipe emphasizes whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh sweet potatoes, pork shoulder, and fresh herbs, with the option to use a clean BBQ sauce without artificial additives. The slow-cooking method preserves nutrients while avoiding fried or heavily processed preparation methods, making it ideal for clean eating principles.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is completely gluten-free, using sweet potatoes as a natural bread alternative and gluten-free BBQ sauce, making it perfect for those avoiding wheat, barley, and rye. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free whole foods, providing a satisfying alternative to traditional pulled pork sandwiches without any gluten-containing grains.

High-Protein Diet

With 3 pounds of pork shoulder serving 6, this recipe delivers approximately 30-40 grams of high-quality protein per serving from the slow-cooked pork, making it excellent for high-protein dietary goals. The lean protein is complemented by fiber-rich sweet potatoes for a satisfying, muscle-supporting meal.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from pork shoulder, complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, and sustained energy to keep you satisfied throughout fasting periods. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support stable blood sugar levels and maximize nutritional value during limited eating times.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying recipe honors both taste preferences and gentle nutrition, combining comfort food appeal with nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes and lean pork. The recipe focuses on satisfaction and enjoyment without restriction or guilt, allowing for flexible portions and optional garnishes based on individual hunger and preferences.

Mindful Eating

This recipe engages multiple senses with varied textures from fluffy sweet potatoes and tender pulled pork, vibrant colors from fresh cilantro and green onions, and complex smoky-sweet-tangy flavors. The whole food ingredients and thoughtful preparation encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each component.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.

2 min

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and generously coat all sides with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.

3 min

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the meat.

2 min

Pour 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the pork shoulder, spreading it evenly across the top.

1 min

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.

About 1 hour before the pork is done, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.

3 min

Place sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45-55 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.

50 min

Once the pork is done, transfer it to a large cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.

5 min

Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

5 min

Transfer the shredded pork to a large bowl and toss with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce until well coated.

2 min

Cut a lengthwise slit in each baked sweet potato and gently push the ends toward the center to open them up.

2 min

Fluff the inside of each sweet potato with a fork to create a fluffy base for the pulled pork.

1 min

Generously pile the BBQ pulled pork onto each sweet potato, dividing it evenly among all six potatoes.

2 min

Top each stuffed sweet potato with optional garnishes such as sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

2 min

BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

16:8 Diet

80/20 Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

High-Protein Diet

Intermittent Fasting

Intuitive Eating

Mindful Eating

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Q2: How do I know when the sweet potatoes are properly cooked?

Q3: Is this recipe truly gluten-free, and what should I watch out for?

Q4: Can I substitute the pork shoulder with a different cut of meat?