Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking pork tenderloin in the Crock Pot, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Pork Tenderloin – Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, and lean cut of meat. While it’s often cooked quickly over high heat, pork tenderloin Crock Pot recipes like this one can also be delicious! This cut is usually an average of one pound in weight, so I used two. Look for a pork tenderloin that is pinkish in color with marbling, and steer clear of any that is pale in color or has dark spots on the fat. Don’t confuse this with pork loin roast, which is a completely different cut of meat. (Use my Crock Pot pork loin recipe instead if that’s what you have on hand.) Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For flavor. Olive Oil – This recipe for Crock Pot pork tenderloin works nicely with the flavor of olive oil, but avocado oil would work as well. Chicken Broth – When I have time, I make my own reduced sodium chicken broth, but I usually just use store-bought. And bone broth is great as well for extra nutrition. Coconut Aminos – This soy sauce substitute adds a sweet and savory umami flavor. You could substitute soy sauce or tamari, if you prefer. Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the gravy. My go-to is this sugar-free honey whenever recipes need honey, but you can use any kind of honey you prefer. Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the pork tenderloin great tang, plus it acts as a tenderizer. If needed, you can substitute red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor. For convenience, you could use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Rosemary – For the best flavor, only use fresh rosemary sprigs. You could substitute other sturdy herbs, such as fresh thyme, if you like.
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In The Crock Pot
This section shows how to cook pork tenderloin in the slow cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In The Crock Pot?
Cook pork tenderloin in the Crock Pot on Low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F using a meat thermometer. This pork tenderloin gets so flavorful from slow cooking, but the key is to cook it for extra 5-8 minutes at the end once you slice it. This is a game-changer — you get saucier meat in every bite instead of just the sides.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep sliced Crock Pot pork tenderloin with gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place pork on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also wrap pork in foil before reheating, which will help it retain its moisture. If you’re short on time, you can always reheat pork in the microwave at low power. Freeze: Cooked pork tenderloin will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a bag submerged in cold water, before reheating.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
You can serve this slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe with pretty much anything. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
Vegetables – Veggie sides like roasted green beans (or air fryer green beans), roasted asparagus, Instant Pot cauliflower (pictured above), or sauteed zucchini all pair well with slow cooker pork tenderloin. For a sweeter side, try roasted delicata squash. Potatoes – Meat and potatoes are a classic meal option. Pair this tenderloin with oven roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or lighter alternatives like mashed cauliflower or roasted rutabaga. Comforting Sides – For a larger crowd, make dishes like loaded cauliflower casserole, squash casserole, or asparagus casserole while your pork tenderloin cooks away in the Crock Pot. Salads – Try pear salad, kale crunch salad, or spring mix salad for a quick and easy side dish.
More Easy Pork Recipes
Pork is such a versatile meat works for so many different recipes. If you like this pork tenderloin Crock Pot recipe, you’ll like these other easy pork dishes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
