Slow cooker pork tenderloin is one of those meals that makes dinner easier without cutting corners. It takes just a few minutes to get everything into the Crock Pot, then it slowly cooks into tender slices with a flavorful sauce. This slow cooker recipe works well on busy days and still feels like a complete, comforting meal.
The pork cooks slowly in a mix of broth, BBQ sauce, and pantry seasonings. Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth can be used as a substitute if that's what you have on hand. When it's done, the meat is tender and easy to slice, and the sauce is rich without being heavy. This Crock Pot pork tenderloin is a good option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want something simple.
This recipe is part of our Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes collection, featuring simple dinners readers make often.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy prep with simple ingredients
- Cooks low and slow for tender pork
- Sauce thickens right in the slow cooker
- Works well for leftovers
- Fits into busy schedules without extra steps
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. Place the seasoned pork into 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 when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 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.
- 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.
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
If you're planning meals for the week or just want more simple dinner ideas that are easy to cook and family-friendly, try these from PopularRecipes.com:
- 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 casual 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.
Each of these main course recipes is easy to follow and fits well with hearty weeknight dinners or meals that don't require too much hands-on time.
📖 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. Place the seasoned pork into 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 when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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