If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both easy and packed with flavor, look no further. This slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. With its tender meat and savory sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious dinner that the whole family will love.
Steps
- Place the pork tenderloin in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, chili powder, and kosher salt. Optional spices like oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder can be added for extra flavor.
- Pour the prepared barbecue sauce mixture over the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Make sure the pork is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on a high setting for 2 to 2 ½ hours or on a low setting for 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
- Once cooked, remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the sliced pork with the sauce from the slow cooker drizzled over it. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin (approximately two 1-pound tenderloins)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 527 | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 1945mg | Potassium: 1252mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 888IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can pork loin be used in place of pork tenderloin for this recipe?
- No, pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts of meat and are not interchangeable in this recipe. Make sure to use pork tenderloin as the recipe suggests.
- How long should pork tenderloin be cooked in the Crock Pot?
- When cooked on the “high” setting, the pork tenderloin should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. It’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached at least 145°F for safe consumption.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin?
- This dish pairs well with sweet potatoes, a crusty bun with a kale salad, or a side of Mexican corn and potato packets.
- How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge using an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge and warm slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave in 80-second intervals, being careful not to overcook.
- What optional spices can be added to enhance the flavor of the dish?
- To add more depth of flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika, or ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder for some heat.
Tips
- Ensure you use pork tenderloin and not pork loin for this recipe, as they are different cuts of meat and cannot be substituted for one another.
- To prevent the pork tenderloin from drying out, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Consider whisking the sauce ingredients directly in the Crock Pot to save on washing dishes, then add the pork and coat it thoroughly with the sauce.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently to avoid toughening the meat.
Equipment
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker – A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the pork tenderloin reaches the proper internal temperature of 145°F.
