Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

This crockpot pork tenderloin recipe is a straightforward way to get a flavorful dinner on the table with very little effort. The pork cooks gently in a savory barbecue sauce, becoming tender without drying out.

With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work. It’s a great option for a busy day when you want a satisfying meal ready in the evening.

Why will you love Crockpot Pork Tenderloin?

Minimal Prep: The sauce comes together in one bowl, and the entire meal cooks in the slow cooker, which means less cleanup.

Tender Results: Slow cooking at a low temperature helps keep this lean cut of pork moist and tender.

Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve added everything to the crockpot, you can leave it to cook without needing to watch it.

Crockpot Pork Tenderloin Ingredients

• Pork Tenderloin: This is a very lean cut of pork. Do not substitute it with pork loin, as the cooking time and texture will be different.

• Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand and flavor, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. The sauce is the main flavoring agent.

• Spicy Brown Mustard: This adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. Dijon mustard is a good substitute.

• Chili Powder: A standard American chili powder blend works well here. It adds warmth without much heat.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, chili powder, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot

Place the two pork tenderloins into the basin of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared barbecue sauce mixture directly over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. The pork is done when it is tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice the tenderloin and serve it with the warm sauce from the slow cooker.

What to Serve with Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Serve this pork with mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad.

Helpful Tricks for Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Pork Temperature: For food safety, pork must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Sauce Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the barbecue mixture for a different flavor profile.

Checking Doneness: Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. Always use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading to avoid overcooking the pork.

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the cooked tenderloin.

Crockpot Pork Tenderloin Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?

It is not recommended to cook frozen pork in a slow cooker, as it can spend too long in the unsafe temperature zone where bacteria can grow. Always thaw pork completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

My pork turned out dry. What went wrong?

Pork tenderloin is very lean and can overcook easily, even in a slow cooker. This usually happens if the slow cooker runs hot or if it’s cooked for too long. Use a meat thermometer to pull the pork out as soon as it reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this with pork loin instead of tenderloin?

Pork loin is a different cut and requires a much longer cooking time. This recipe is specifically developed for the size and leanness of pork tenderloin, so we don’t recommend substituting it.

Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Tender pork tenderloin slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce until juicy and flavorful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb pork tenderloin trimmed (usually two 1 lb pieces), about 900g
• 2 cups barbecue sauce 480 ml
• 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard 15 ml
• 2 tsp chili powder 4g
• ½ tsp kosher salt 3g

Instructions

 

• Place the pork tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, mustard, chili powder, and salt until combined.
• Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The pork is ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
• Carefully transfer the pork from the slow cooker to a cutting board.
• Let the pork rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.
• Slice the tenderloin into medallions and serve warm, drizzled with the extra sauce from the crockpot.

Notes

Pork Temperature: For food safety, pork must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Sauce Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the barbecue mixture for a different flavor profile.

Checking Doneness: Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. Always use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading to avoid overcooking the pork.

Keyword barbecue, crockpot pork tenderloin, pork, slow cooker, weeknight dinner