Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate hands-off meal for busy weeknights. With a flavorful garlic herb seasoning and a rich, savory sauce, this dish turns out tender and juicy every time. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it a stress-free, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Pair this delicious pork with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-balanced dinner. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for colder months or an effortless dish for meal prep, this pork tenderloin is a must-try recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Directions:

1. Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for about 2 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender.
6. If you want a thicker sauce, remove ½ cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with cornstarch and water. Pour it back into the slow cooker and let it thicken for 10 minutes.
7. Slice and serve with the sauce drizzled over the top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is the answer. This dish is incredibly tender, infused with a savory garlic-herb seasoning, and requires minimal effort thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering, satisfying meal.

Unlike pork loin, which is larger and requires a longer cooking time, pork tenderloin is smaller, leaner, and cooks relatively quickly. When slow-cooked, it becomes incredibly juicy and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and sauce. The slow cooker allows the meat to remain moist while developing deep, rich flavors with minimal hands-on work.

The History of Pork Tenderloin and Slow Cooking

Pork has been a staple protein across various cultures for centuries. From slow-roasted pork in European cuisines to barbecue-style pork in the Southern United States, this protein is beloved for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors.

Slow cooking as a technique has been used for generations. Before modern slow cookers, families would simmer meats over low heat for hours, either over an open fire or in a covered pot on the stove. The development of the Crockpot in the 1940s revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to prepare tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort.

Pork tenderloin, in particular, has become a popular choice for slow cooking because it’s lean yet incredibly juicy when cooked correctly. When paired with garlic, herbs, and a rich sauce, it transforms into a gourmet-quality dish that is effortless to prepare.

Benefits of This Recipe

✅ 1. Hands-Off Cooking

One of the biggest advantages of this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Simply season the pork, sear it for extra flavor, and let the slow cooker do all the work. This allows you to save time and focus on other tasks while your dinner practically cooks itself.

✅ 2. Ultra-Tender Meat

Cooking pork tenderloin in a slow cooker ensures that the meat becomes fall-apart tender without drying out. The slow, steady heat allows the pork to retain its moisture, making each bite succulent and juicy.

✅ 3. Rich, Flavorful Sauce

The combination of garlic, herbs, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a deep, savory sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the pork. The sauce seeps into the meat during the cooking process, making it taste as though it’s been marinating for hours.

✅ 4. Healthy and Nutritious

Pork tenderloin is naturally lean, meaning it’s lower in fat and calories compared to other cuts of pork like pork shoulder or ribs. This makes it a healthy protein option for those looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

✅ 5. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can pair it with various side dishes, from mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to rice or a fresh salad. It can also be repurposed for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep for the week.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin – Lean, tender, and perfect for slow cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps in searing for extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder & 2 cloves garlic, minced – Gives the dish a deep, rich garlic taste.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides a hint of smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme & 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Classic herbs that pair perfectly with pork.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Keeps the pork moist and adds depth to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Boosts the umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds complexity and richness.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Brings a tangy, slightly sharp flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening the sauce) – If you prefer a thicker sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Pork – Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil and all the dry seasonings, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended) – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for 2 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized crust.
3. Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
4. Slow Cook the Pork – Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional) – If you want a thicker sauce, remove ½ cup of the liquid from the slow cooker, whisk in cornstarch and water, and return it to the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Slice and Serve – Remove the pork, slice it into medallions, and drizzle the flavorful sauce over the top.

Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Tenderloin

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes complement the richness of the pork.

Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and nutrients.

Rice or Quinoa – A simple grain side soaks up the delicious sauce.

Fresh Salad – A light, crisp salad balances the hearty pork.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

• Don’t skip the searing step – While optional, searing locks in juices and enhances the pork’s flavor.
• Use fresh herbs if possible – While dried herbs work well, fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the taste.
• Let the pork rest before slicing – Resting for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute.
• Make extra sauce – Double the sauce ingredients if you love extra gravy to drizzle over sides.

Variations to Try

• Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin – Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweet glaze.
• Spicy Cajun Pork – Swap out the herbs for Cajun seasoning for a Southern kick.
• Apple Cider Pork – Replace chicken broth with apple cider for a slightly sweet and tangy twist.
• Balsamic Glazed Pork – Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a rich, tangy sauce.

Why This Recipe is the Best

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe is the ultimate combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s a foolproof, stress-free meal that delivers tender, juicy meat with a rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, meal prep inspiration, or an elegant yet simple dish for guests, this pork tenderloin will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or special family dinners. The slow cooker ensures that the meat stays moist while the garlic-herb seasoning and savory sauce infuse every bite with rich, delicious flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility—you can customize the seasoning, pair it with different side dishes, and even repurpose leftovers for sandwiches or wraps. Plus, the hands-off cooking method gives you more time to focus on other tasks while still enjoying a home-cooked meal.

If you’re looking for an effortless, nutritious, and incredibly tasty dinner, this pork tenderloin will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!