Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate easy comfort food. With just a few ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Pork becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful thanks to a combination of herbs, a rich honey balsamic glaze, and slow, gentle cooking.
The combination of pork tenderloin, honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels indulgent yet simple. Paired with a buttery sauce that’s good enough to drizzle over everything, this recipe will make your home smell amazing.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe Highlights
- Easy prep with just 10 minutes of hands-on work.
- Perfectly tender pork every time with slow cooker convenience.
- A honey balsamic glaze that’s flavorful and versatile.
- Minimal ingredients needed for a big flavor payoff.
- Great for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PORK – This recipe uses pork tenderloin, which is a lean and tender cut that’s ideal for slow cooking. It cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the glaze beautifully. If using pork loin as a substitute, note that it’s a thicker cut and will require a longer cooking time to reach the correct internal temperature.
SEASONING – The combination of chili powder, dried rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper creates a flavorful herb rub. The chili powder adds a mild kick, while the rosemary and sage bring earthy and woodsy notes that complement the pork. Salt and black pepper are essential for balancing the flavors and bringing out the best in the dish.
BROTH – Low-sodium chicken broth is used to keep the pork moist during cooking while blending seamlessly into the glaze. The low-sodium option gives you better control over the dish’s saltiness. If needed, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.
HONEY – Honey is the key to balancing the savory and tangy elements of the glaze with its natural sweetness. It also helps create a slightly caramelized finish when spooned over the pork.
VINEGAR – Balsamic vinegar is perfect for this glaze, providing a rich tanginess and depth of flavor. Its slight sweetness enhances the honey, while its acidity balances the richness of the pork and butter.
MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of sharpness and complexity to the glaze. Its smooth texture blends easily into the sauce, making it an ideal choice. If needed, you can substitute it with whole-grain mustard for a slightly different flavor and texture.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Rub the tenderloin with the herb mixture and place it in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the broth, butter, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce into the slow cooker around the tenderloin and cook on low for 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145º Fahrenheit.
- Rest the pork for 10 minutes, slice into medallions, and serve with the sauce spooned over the top.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Transfer any leftover pork and sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days, making it a great option for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
FREEZE – Slice the pork and add it to a freezer-safe container, spooning some of the sauce over the slices to prevent them from drying out. This method keeps the pork tender and flavorful for up to 3 months. To use, thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight.
REHEAT – Warm the pork gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a spoonful of the leftover sauce or a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet to trap steam, ensuring the slices stay moist and tender.
MAKE AHEAD – You can prepare the herb rub up to a day in advance and apply it to the pork tenderloin. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes it easier to get the dish cooking on a busy day. Simply store the rubbed tenderloin in the refrigerator in a covered dish or sealed bag until ready to cook.
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Serving Suggestions
MASHED POTATOES – Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion for the tender pork. They soak up the rich honey balsamic glaze, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
ROASTED POTATOES – Crispy on the outside and tender inside, roasted potatoes are a versatile and satisfying side that pairs beautifully with the pork and soaks up the flavorful glaze.
OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – These soft, hearty rolls are ideal for mopping up every bit of sauce, making sure nothing on your plate goes untouched.
SCALLOPED POTATOES – Rich and creamy, scalloped potatoes bring a luxurious texture to the meal and pair perfectly with the tender pork and its flavorful glaze.
BEET SALAD – A vibrant beet salad adds earthy sweetness and a pop of color to your plate. Toss roasted or boiled beets with a light vinaigrette, feta cheese, and walnuts for a simple yet elegant side that pairs beautifully with the pork.
Recipe Success Tips
DON’T OVERCOOK – Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches exactly 145º Fahrenheit. Overcooking can dry out this lean cut of meat, so check the temperature early, especially if your slow cooker runs hot. Remember, the pork will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
LET IT REST – After cooking, allow the tenderloin to rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful instead of dry.
USE THE RIGHT CUT – Pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe because of its tenderness. Avoid substituting with pork loin unless you adjust the cooking time, as it’s a thicker cut that requires longer to cook through.
DOUBLE THE SAUCE – If you enjoy extra sauce for drizzling over sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, double the glaze ingredients. Leftover sauce also freezes well, so you can enjoy it with other meals later.
MONITOR YOUR SLOW COOKER – All slow cookers cook differently, so keep an eye on your tenderloin if you’re unfamiliar with your machine. A quick peek near the end of the cooking time can help you avoid overcooking.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Temperature Should I Cook Pork Tenderloin To?
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to at least 145º Fahrenheit.
Rare: 145º-150º Fahrenheit
Medium: 150º-155º Fahrenheit
Medium-Well: 155º-160º Fahrenheit
Well done: 160º Fahrenheit +
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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2-2 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 6 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Mix the rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl.
- Rub the herb mixture into the tenderloins, coating each side. Then place the tenderloins into the slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, butter, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce into the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly onto the tenderloins to preserve the rub.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours or until the tenderloin has reached about 145º Fahrenheit.
- Remove the tenderloins from the slow cooker, let rest for about 10 minutes, and then slice into medallions.
- Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the tenderloin medallions and serve.
Equipment
Notes
SLOW COOKER TIMES
on low – 2 hourson high – 1 hour
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.