Go Back
taco made from instant pot bbq pork taco meat and pickled onions and drizzled with bbq sauce

Instant Pot BBQ Pork Tacos

Yield: 12 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Seasoning Mixture:

  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt, I use coarse, kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pork:

  • 3 to 5 pound pork roast
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup root beer
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided (you'll use 1 cup at first and 1/2 cup later)

Extras:

  • Tortillas
  • Toppings, sour cream, cheese, pickled onions, cilantro, tomatoes, BBQ sauce, etc

Instructions 

  • Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Measure out 1 tablespoon and set aside.
  • Cut the pork roast into large 3- or 4-inch chunks. Season the pork pieces on all sides with the seasoning mix left in the bowl.
  • Add the broth, root beer and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce to the insert of a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. Whisk to combine. Nestle the seasoned pork into the liquid. Seal the lid, set the valve to seal and cook on high pressure for 50-55 minutes.
  • Let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes (or all the way) and then quick release the remaining pressure.
  • At this point, if you don't want the pork swimming in liquid, you can ladle out some of the liquid and discard. Keep at least 1-2 cups so the pork stays moist.
  • Shred the pork with two forks. Stir in the reserved seasoning mixture and 1/2 cup additional BBQ sauce. Heat through.
  • Serve pork in tortillas with desired toppings.

Notes

Slow Cooker: for a slow cooker version, follow the recipe instructions, but cook the seasoned pork with the same amount of broth, root beer, and BBQ sauce in a 6- or 8-quart slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low. Discard liquid as needed, shred the pork, and stir in the reserved seasoning mix and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Heat through.
BBQ Sauce: I use Kinders or Sweet Baby Rays for store bought or my favorite homemade version here.
Root Beer: You can probably sub in a favorite cola soda for the root beer (haven't tried it myself).
Spicy: for a bit more of a sweet and spicy kick, up the chili powder as desired or add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture.
Nutrition Facts: the nutrition facts for this recipe were calculated based on the pork mixture and seasonings (but do not include the tortillas/toppings as those are added based on personal preference).