Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: Easy Recipe & Tips

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pork. No, you didn’t spend hours slaving over a hot stove – you simply let your slow cooker do all the work! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and effortless entertaining.

Pork tenderloin, while not steeped in centuries of tradition like some other cuts of meat, has become a modern favorite for its lean profile and versatility. It’s a blank canvas that readily absorbs flavors, making it ideal for slow cooking. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it transforms this already tender cut into something truly extraordinary. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a succulent and incredibly juicy dish.

What’s not to love? People adore Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers maximum flavor. The tender, savory pork is perfect served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even sliced on sandwiches. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic in salads or tacos. Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food convenience with this foolproof recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (2-3 pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Preparing the Pork Tenderloin:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our pork tenderloin. This is a super important step because it sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come. Don’t skip it!

1. Trim the Silver Skin: This is probably the most crucial part. The silver skin is a thin, silvery membrane on the surface of the tenderloin. It’s tough and doesn’t break down during cooking, so you definitely want to remove it. To do this, slide a sharp knife under the silver skin, angling the blade slightly upwards. Then, gently run the knife along the tenderloin, separating the silver skin from the meat. You might need to do this in sections. Be patient, and don’t worry if you don’t get it all off perfectly.
2. Pat Dry: Once the silver skin is gone (or mostly gone!), pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear later on. Trust me, that sear adds so much flavor!
3. Season Generously: Now for the fun part – seasoning! In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix it all together really well. Then, rub this mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat every single surface. Don’t be shy! We want that flavor to penetrate deep into the meat.

Searing the Pork:

Searing the pork tenderloin is optional, but I highly recommend it. It creates a beautiful crust and adds a ton of flavor. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference!

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be nice and hot before you add the pork.
2. Sear on All Sides: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the hot skillet. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your tenderloin is too big, you might need to sear it in two batches. The goal is to get a good sear on all sides, creating a flavorful crust.
3. Remove from Skillet: Once the pork is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll need that skillet again in a minute!

Preparing the Slow Cooker:

Now it’s time to get our slow cooker ready. This is where the magic happens! We’re going to create a flavorful base for the pork to cook in.

1. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In the same skillet you used to sear the pork (don’t worry about cleaning it!), add the sliced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. This step is optional, but it adds even more depth of flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this and just add the vegetables directly to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed vegetables (or the raw vegetables, if you skipped the sautéing step) in the bottom of the slow cooker. These will act as a bed for the pork and infuse it with flavor.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. This is our flavorful braising liquid that will keep the pork moist and tender.
4. Pour Sauce Over Vegetables: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking the Pork Tenderloin:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! It’s time to let the slow cooker do its thing. This is where the flavors really meld together and the pork becomes incredibly tender.

1. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Carefully place the seared pork tenderloin on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s partially submerged in the sauce.
2. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pork tenderloin is cooked through and very tender. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
3. Don’t Overcook: It’s important not to overcook the pork tenderloin, as it can become dry. Check the temperature after 3 hours, and then every 30 minutes until it’s done.

Resting and Slicing:

This is a crucial step that many people skip, but it’s essential for juicy and tender pork. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product.

1. Remove from Slow Cooker: Once the pork tenderloin is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
2. Rest for 10-15 Minutes: Tent the pork tenderloin loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
3. Slice Against the Grain: After resting, slice the pork tenderloin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. This makes it easier to chew and enhances the tenderness.

Serving:

Now for the best part – serving! There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious slow cooker pork tenderloin. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with the Sauce: Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the sliced pork tenderloin. This adds extra flavor and moisture.
• Serve with Sides: Serve the pork tenderloin with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
• Make Sandwiches: Use the sliced pork tenderloin to make delicious sandwiches. Add some coleslaw or your favorite toppings.
• Shredded Pork: For a different twist, shred the pork tenderloin with two forks and use it in tacos, burritos, or salads.

Tips and Variations:

Add More Vegetables:

Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.

Use Different Herbs:

Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or sage.

Add a Touch of Sweetness:

Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Make it Spicy:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Thicken the Sauce:

If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker pork tenderloin! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners or even elegant weekend gatherings. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the tender, juicy pork and the flavorful, slightly sweet sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even the recipe!

What makes this recipe a must-try? First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other things while a delicious meal practically cooks itself. Secondly, the flavor profile is universally appealing. It’s not too spicy, not too bland, just perfectly balanced and satisfying. And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in so many different ways, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Speaking of serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! For a classic pairing, try serving the Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The creamy potatoes and tender vegetables complement the pork beautifully. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider serving it with a quinoa salad or a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The bright flavors of the salad will cut through the richness of the pork, creating a delightful contrast.

But don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. You could even add some chopped pineapple or mango to the slow cooker for a tropical twist. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so adaptable to your own personal preferences.

Another great way to enjoy this pork tenderloin is in sandwiches or sliders. Shred the pork and pile it onto toasted buns with some coleslaw or your favorite barbecue sauce. It’s a perfect option for a casual lunch or a fun party appetizer. You could also use the shredded pork in tacos or burritos, adding some salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they’re just as delicious the next day. You can use them in salads, omelets, or even as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are truly endless!

I truly believe that this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!