Crock-Pot Pork Tenderloin
This effortless Crock-Pot meal requires very little prep time but tastes incredibly tender and juicy!
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the Crock-Pot is one of the best inventions in kitchen appliances since the microwave. You can make the most exquisite meals with minimal effort, just like this Crock-Pot Pork Tenderloin. Seriously, people, this recipe is supper-club-worthy. It’s a weekday fave, but I’d also argue it’s “fancy” enough for dinner parties too.
Flavor-wise, this pork tenderloin is, you guessed it, tender. There aren’t a lot of added spices, just chili powder and salt. The amazing taste comes mainly from the Crock-Pot cooking method. Cooking the tenderloin slowly ensures the meat stays juicy. This is also thanks to the barbecue sauce and mustard. By the way, go with a sauce that boasts a rich and deep flavor profile, or try one of FFF’s homemade BBQ sauce recipes.
Is Crock-Pot Pork Tenderloin Healthy?
Pork tenderloin is a lean meat and a great source of protein. You’ll also find essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, potassium, and vitamins B12 and B6. One way to guarantee this recipe remains relatively healthy is with your choice of BBQ sauce. Choose a low-sugar option, or make one yourself. We have a low-sugar BBQ sauce that’d be perfect for this Crock-Pot meal.
If you have the time, marinate.
I know the recipe instructions don’t call for it, but it’s never a bad idea to marinate if you have the time. All you have to do is prep the meat as instructed and then store it in the fridge overnight – or at least for a couple of hours. Marinating the pork allows the mustard, chili powder, and barbecue sauce to deeply penetrate the pork, resulting in a succulent cut of meat. You might not even need your knife!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble
Place pork in slow cooker.
Season
Whisk sauce ingredients and coat pork.
Cook
Slow cook until tenderloin is done.
Serve
Rest, slice, and enjoy with sauce.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Pork tenderloin is a forgiving meat and marinates quite well. Feel free prep this meal ahead of time. All you have to do is place the tenderloin in the barbecue sauce mix. Marinate for anywhere from two hours to overnight. This will significantly boost the flavor! After cooking, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for three to five days.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, but please note that different cuts require different cooking times. For example, pork shoulder is a tougher cut, so it’ll take longer to get tender.
I don’t own a crock-pot, but I like this recipe. What should I do?
The texture will be different, but you could bake the pork tenderloin in the oven. Preheat to 325 degrees (or 350, depending on your oven) and place the tenderloin in a covered baking dish. Bake for about one to two hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. If you go the oven route, I strongly recommend marinating the tenderloin for several hours so you can ensure your meat stays as juicy as possible.
Serving Suggestions
Traditional picks like roasted veggies and mashed potatoes are perfect sides for pork tenderloin. Or make things easier for yourself and roast potatoes and asparagus in one pan. You can also keep it casual and make garlic parmesan fries, and for a healthier option, these carrot fries are mighty tasty. Are you trying to stay low-carb? Check out our paleo-friendly zucchini fritters!
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloin into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is evenly coated, then secure the lid on the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on low for 4 hours, until the pork tenderloin’s internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve drizzled with the cooking sauce.
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