This slow cooker pork tenderloin is one of the most delicious yet easy dishes you can make. You put the ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let it do the work for you.

Crock Pot Tenderloin Pork

Can you cook pork tenderloin in a Crock Pot?

Yes, you absolutely can cook pork tenderloin in a Crock Pot. In fact it’s one of the easiest ways to prepare this delicious cut of pork.

You can also use an Instant Pot to cook a pork tenderloin. I put the basic directions below.

It’s faster, but I still prefer cooking a tenderloin in my slow cooker because a slow cooked tenderloin maintains some of its firmness for slicing.

Pork is one of our favorite foods because it’s so versatile. You can cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, in your slow cooker, in an Instant Pot, in an air fryer, and even in a Dutch oven.

Plus, you can substitute pork in most chicken recipes and get excellent results.

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients, besides the pork tenderloin. You might have most of them in your fridge or pantry.

Here are the ingredients I used for this recipe:

• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Barbecue sauce
• Salt and black pepper

Sometimes I add either Tabasco or sriracha sauce. But the barbecue sauce I used had all the spice I wanted.

If you want to add vegetables, some good ones are carrots, green beans, onions, corn, and potatoes. You can actually add whatever you want.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by clicking on the “print” button.

How to Make a Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

First, I always spray the interior of my slow cooker pot with nonstick spray. That saves a ton of cleanup time.

Second, place the pork tenderloin in the center of the pot. This one was a little bit long, so I curled it around on one end.

Next, sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork. If you’re cutting back on sodium, you can skip the salt.

However, the black pepper gives it a little kick that adds flavor. Or you can use cayenne pepper if everyone can handle the heat.

Then, spoon the minced garlic over the tenderloin. Do your best to distribute it evenly, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.

You can use fresh garlic cloves. This time, I used minced garlic in a jar.

In fact, I find myself using that more and more. It tastes good, and it does a great job of adding flavor.

I’m a big believer of saving as much time as possible.

Sprinkle the onions over the pork. I used frozen onions.

But when I chop a fresh onion, I like them diced really small. You can cut them as small as you want.

Next, pour the barbecue sauce over the pork. Be careful not to knock off the onions and garlic.

Finally, pour the small amount of broth on each side of the pork tenderloin. This helps to keep it from drying out while it’s cooking.

I used chicken broth, but you can use whatever kind of broth you have on hand. You can also make broth by mixing a bouillon cube or crystals with water.

Turn the heat to low and cook for 5 hours.

Or you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours. When you cook pork, you want an internal temperature of 145 degrees F

After it’s done, carefully remove the barbecue pork tenderloin from the slow cooker pot and put it on a plate.

Let it rest for about 15 minutes before you slice it. If it falls apart while you’re removing it, that’s fine. It still tastes wonderful.

An Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe is basically the same. However, you’ll need to add another cup of broth and cut the cooking time to 5 or 10 minutes, depending on the size of the meat.

You’ll need to do a slow release for 5 minutes, but it’s a very quick process.

If you prefer not to use barbecue sauce, you can also make a pork tenderloin with cream of mushroom soup. It’s up to you whether or not to add the onions and garlic. I do, but that’s because we like a lot of flavors they provide.

Tips for Making a Flawless Pork Tenderloin

If you follow the directions above or in the recipe card below, your pork tenderloin will turn out great. Here are some tips to make it perfect:

• Season the pork before cooking it.
• Don’t overcook the pork tenderloin, or it will come out dry.
• Allow the pork to rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice it. This allows the juices to settle.

How to Reheat Pork Tenderloin

There are actually several ways to reheat a pork tenderloin. You can pop it into your microwave or air fryer if you’re in a hurry.

But my favorite way to reheat the meat is to place it in a frying pan, add a couple of drops of water or oil, and cover it. Turn the heat to medium-low. It should be perfectly warm in just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Tenderloin

The tenderloin is a specific cut of pork that is not only versatile, but it’s also delicious and easy to cook. Here are some common questions about pork tenderloin:

Q: What is another name for pork tenderloin?

A: It’s often called pork filet and has the nickname “filet mignon of pork.”

Q: Can you use a pork tenderloin in place of pork chops?

A: Yes. Since this is such a tender cut of pork, you can slice it into rounds and use them in most pork chop recipes. I like the fact that you can make them as thick or thin as you want.

Q: Why would a pork tenderloin be tough?

A: Cooking a pork tenderloin for too long can produce some less desirable results, including toughness.

Q: What is the ideal temperature of a cooked pork tenderloin?

A: A pork tenderloin is done when the internal temperature reaches 145˚ F. The center should still have a pinkish tent (not red), and it should still be juicy when you cut it.

Q: Is a pork tenderloin healthy or nutritious?

A: Yes, pork tenderloins are excellent sources of many nutrients, including protein, B6, potassium, zinc, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and more. Since the pork tenderloin is a lean cut, it’s a healthy source of these nutrients and is considered heart-healthy.

More Recipes

This pork tenderloin is delicious when served with these honey mustard roasted potatoes. You can also serve this BLT salad on the side.

Instead of bread, try these corn fritters from the Back to My Southern Roots blog. They’ll add another level of wow to your meal.

If you like super quick and easy meals, you’ll love this pork sausage and rice skillet dinner. It’s delicious and cleanup is a breeze!

For dessert, try this 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to make, yet it’s so delicious!

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