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Some nights the slow cooker is the only answer. This pork tenderloin takes about 10 minutes to get going - a quick sear, a simple sauce, and then the Crock Pot handles the rest. It comes out tender, easy to slice, and covered in a rich sauce that works over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
The pork cooks slowly in a mix of broth, BBQ sauce, and pantry seasonings. Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth works if that is what you have. The sauce thickens right in the slow cooker so there is no extra step at the end.
This recipe is part of our Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes collection, featuring simple dinners readers make often.
Ingredients You'll Need
- pork tenderloin (two pieces)
- salt
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- dried parsley
- garlic cloves, minced
- beef broth or chicken broth as substitute
- BBQ sauce
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- cornstarch
- Chopped parsley, for topping
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the pork tenderloins.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The pork should be lightly golden on the outside and pull apart easily with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and slice. Spoon the sauce over the pork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe Tips
- Cooking times are estimates since slow cookers heat differently. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer. The pork is ready when it reaches 145°F, the outside is lightly browned, and a fork pulls the meat apart without resistance.
- Use 2 teaspoons cornstarch for a thinner sauce or 4 teaspoons for a thicker sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a little more broth.
- This slow cooker recipe works well served with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Carrots and sliced onions can be added directly to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Pork tenderloin is lean, so check it at the early end of the cooking time. Overcooking dries it out fast.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezer Tips
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Add a small splash of broth if needed to keep the pork from drying out.
For make-ahead prep, season the pork and mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then add everything to the slow cooker when ready to cook.
This Crock Pot pork tenderloin also works well as a freezer meal. Place the seasoned pork and sauce in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook according to the recipe.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta - An easy one-pot dinner with rotini, beef, and cheese that's perfect for busy nights.
- Root Beer Pulled Pork - Tender pulled pork that works as sliders or a hearty main, great for easy dinners.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili - A comforting slow cooker main course that's great for chilly days.
- White Chicken Enchiladas - A cheesy baked dinner that's easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin two pieces
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce of choice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 to 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the pork tenderloins.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The pork should be lightly golden on the outside and pull apart easily with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and slice. Spoon the sauce over the pork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Use 2 teaspoons cornstarch for a thinner sauce or 4 teaspoons for a thicker sauce.
- Beef broth can be replaced with chicken broth if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- This recipe can be frozen before cooking. Freeze the seasoned pork and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before placing in the slow cooker.
