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I’m excited to share my favorite slow cooker pork recipe with you! This juicy pork tenderloin is a game-changer for busy folks like us. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before.
Picture this: you toss a lean, foot-long pork tenderloin into your crockpot. Add some spices and barbecue sauce, and voila! Hours later, you’ve got a mouthwatering meal waiting for you. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic days when cooking feels like a chore.
Just remember, we’re talking about pork tenderloin here, not pork loin. They’re different cuts and can’t be swapped. But trust me, this easy pork recipe will have you coming back for seconds!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m excited to share why this Crockpot pork tenderloin recipe is a game-changer for your kitchen. Let’s dive into the top reasons you’ll fall in love with this dish!
- Effortless cooking: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, giving you time to relax or tackle other tasks.
- Flavorful pork: The homemade spice rub, featuring smoked paprika and aromatic spices, infuses the meat with incredible taste.
- Melt-in-your-mouth tenderness: Slow cooking ensures the pork is perfectly tender every time.
- Versatile meal: This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Frees up stovetop space: Perfect for busy kitchens or when you’re cooking multiple dishes.
I love how this recipe combines simplicity with amazing results. The blend of spices creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb all those delicious seasonings, resulting in a truly memorable meal.
This Crockpot pork tenderloin is my go-to for stress-free entertaining. It never fails to impress!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The combination of effortless cooking and flavorful pork makes it a winner for any occasion.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love how simple yet flavorful the pork tenderloin ingredients are for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the spice rub, mix:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Don’t have all the spices? No worries! You can swap oregano for Italian seasoning or add cumin for a nutty twist. If you like it spicy, try chipotle powder instead of chili powder.
For the cooking liquids, beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth works too. Want to halve the recipe? Just use one tenderloin and keep the same amount of broth. The spice rub and other ingredients can be cut in half.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Happy cooking!
Instructions
I love using the slow cooker method for cooking pork tenderloin. It’s simple and delivers mouthwatering results every time. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
First, trim any excess fat from your pork tenderloins. This makes the dish leaner and healthier. Then, mix up a flavorful spice rub. I use paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover the meat with this spice mix, making sure it’s well-coated. Now, put the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Add beef broth and a bit of butter for extra flavor.
Let the slow cooker do its magic! Cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Here’s a crucial temperature guide for perfectly cooked pork tenderloin:
- 145°F – Medium rare (pink center)
- 150°F – Medium (slightly pink center)
- 160°F – Well done (little to no pink)
Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. Once it hits 145°F, it’s ready! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
This resting time lets the juices spread, making the meat tender and juicy. Serve your pork tenderloin with the cooking liquid as an au jus. Add some fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, slow cooker pork tenderloin!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I have some top tips for cooking pork tenderloin. Always watch the internal temperature. It should be 145°F to be safe. I use a thermometer to make sure it’s perfect.
There are ways to store leftovers. Put your cooked pork in a sealed container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. If you won’t eat it soon, freeze it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Now, let’s talk about reheating. If you froze pork, thaw it in the fridge the night before. When you’re ready, reheat it slowly. I like using the stovetop or microwave on a low setting. This keeps the meat tender. Make sure it’s hot all the way through without cooking it too much.
- Check internal temperature regularly
- Store leftovers properly
- Reheat slowly to maintain tenderness
These tips will make your pork tenderloin taste great. Whether it’s fresh or reheated, enjoy your meal!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love to mix things up with this pork tenderloin recipe. Try different BBQ sauces or add red wine to the cooking liquid. It makes the dish taste new and exciting. Don’t be afraid to get creative with pork tenderloin variations!
For side dishes, I have a few favorites. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic. But baked rice or crusty buns for sandwiches are great too. Sweet potatoes, Mexican corn, or crispy potato packets also go well with the pork.
For a complete meal, add a quick kale salad or some roasted veggies. This dish’s versatile flavors work with many cuisines. Whether you’re going classic American or trying something new, this pork tenderloin is perfect.