Crockpot pork tenderloin recipe is easy to cook! We showed you How to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the oven before, now it is time for a balsamic glaze cooked to tender bites of goodness for dinner packed with protein.
Not only is this the perfect way to slow cook pork to make it tender and moist but itโs also a recipe that my family loved as well. Anytime I can whip up a dinner that we all enjoy, you know itโs certain to be good! (affiliate links present)
Pork Tenderloin in Crockpot Recipe
Crockpot recipes might be my favorite way to cook various cuts of meat. Just set it and forget it until youโre home! I like to use my meat thermometer to be certain that the pork is done cooking all the way before allowing it to rest because itโs better to be safe than sorry when youโre eating various meats.
From frozen is possible too though! You would want to use the timing and temp. from our Frozen Pork Loin in Crock Pot instructions. You could still make this sauce to cook it or just drizzle on top when done.
We began this whole journey by creating Instant Pot pork tenderloin, then a crispy air fryer pork loin with a dry rub on the outside, and then moved on to this one. You should try them all as they all taste a bit different, but all good.
with Balsamic
I have added fruit in our Crockpot pork chops, and sometimes in this as well. Onions are a must, an apple sliced if I have it BUT balsamic vinegar is a must either way. Iโm about to throw a huge wrench into your meal planning. I love this recipe so much because there are so many ways that you can easily make it.
I like to pay attention to the nutritional information or recipes because Iโm always looking for ways that I can improve the health and taste. Adding apples to this recipe is one simple way to do just that.
I also like to add chicken broth as the liquid because it gives it a lot more flavor and taste. These are just a few of my tips on simple ways that can really enhance the flavor of this slow coker pork tenderloin recipe.
Amazing Pork Tenderloin Slow Cooker Recipe
Here are quick instructions. There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post as well for you.
Step 1 โ Put olive oil in a skillet on the stovetop and set piece of meat that has been seasoned, at least with salt and pepper, into a large skillet and brown on all sides of meat. Set sliced onions on bottom with meat on top. Sprinkle garlic and brown sugar over that.
Step 2 โ Whisk together sauce in a small bowl with your broth, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to create your glaze that will get soaked up by the protein. Now pour this on top.
Step 3 โ Cook on low for 6 hours or until the thickest middle area reaches 145 degrees F. Timing will depend on how large yours is. If you want it to fall apart for shredded pork cut in half at the beginning.
How to thicken the sauce
If you want to make pressure cooker gravy remove meat, allow to rest before slicing, and pour liquids into a saucepan. Allow to bubble. Take some liquid out into a cup and whisk in 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Add this back in and stir. Allow to thicken and serve together.
6-8 hours is what you will need depending on how large and/or thick yours is. There are a variety of weights but 3 pounds is average.
Is there a simple way to do a brown sugar & balsamic sauce for pork?
Yes, just whisk together with garlic, balsamic, sugar, broth and soy sauce to make a sort of marinade to pour over the top. There will be a bit of liquid that is in the slow cooker once it starts to cook and that liquid is tasty to eat!
You can easily thicken it up at the end by adding in a bit of corn starch and flour plus some seasonings and have a nice drizzle of liquid to enjoy with your cooked tenderloin, too.
That pretty much says it all. This is one of the best slow cooker recipes using pork tenderloin that youโll find. The meat is tender and there are so many great flavors that youโll get in every single bite. When it comes to garnishes and toppings, there are a few choices to consider.
You can garnish with fresh cilantro and chives to give it a light and delicious flavor or you can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce on top as well.
Iโve even taken it to a whole other level and added a bit of heat to my tenderloin recipe before. A little sprinkle of cayenne pepper never hurt anyone, right?
While this slow cooker dish isnโt hard to make, there are a few tips that you need to remember. It is possible to overcook the meat so in this case, longer doesnโt always mean better. Pay attention to the cook time in the printable recipe below and do your best to adhere.
Understand that different cuts of meat will also work for this recipe. This will also mean that theyโre going to have different textures, too. If youโre fine with that, great but donโt be surprised if this recipe turns out chewier than you thought it was going to be. Use more of your balsamic to make this beef arm roast recipe next!
If youโre craving a hearty meal that is easy and will have everyone coming to the table, check out this Crock pot Pork Tenderloin recipe. Itโs one easy meal that makes an amazing dinner with loads of flavor.
How to save leftovers
Just be ready as this will serve quite the crowd. If youโre lucky enough to have leftovers, just put them in the fridge to enjoy later! This will taste just as amazing the very next day! Try our other methods of cooking pulled pork this month too.
Pork Tenderloin Recipe in Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 c brown sugar
- 1/2 c broth, beef or vegetable
- 1/3 c balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Put olive oil in a skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat.
- Season all sides of tenderloin with salt and pepper. Put into skillet and sear all sides. If yours is quite thick and you want to make pulled pork to fall apart when done I would cut it in half in the middle thickest part of your meat.
- Put sliced onions on bottom of Crockpot with seared tenderloin on top of that.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and brown sugar on top of meat.
- Whisk together in a bowl your broth, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Pour this on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 โ 8 hours or until the center at the thickest part reaches 145 degrees F and/or it is easy to shred with 2 forks if you want it so tender it falls apart.
- If you want to make gravy to serve with it then remove meat, allow to rest before slicing, and pour liquids into a saucepan.
- Allow to bubble. Take some liquid out into a cup and whisk in 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Add this back in and stir. Allow to thicken and serve together.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What should you serve with shredded pork?
Last but not least, letโs talk about the other food recipes that would pair up perfectly with this crockpot tenderloin recipe. As I mentioned earlier, anything potatoes is always a win in my book. I love mashed potatoes, garlic potatoes, air fryer baked potatoes, slow cooker cheesy potatoesโฆthe list could go on and on.
But if youโre wanting to stay on the healthier side for side dishes options, air fryer green beans and pressure cooker corn are an awesome idea, too. You can even whip up a nice side salad to go along with this!
Made this yesterday for company. It was fabulous. Only change I made was making the gravy/sauce separately and added a 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. I did this only because the pork was done in less time (4.5 hrs) & I did not want to cook it any more. Will definitely make again.
glad it was a hit!!
This is not a pork tenderloin, itโs a pork loinโฆhuge difference.