Pinterest Pork Tenderloin Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is covered in an easy garlic herb rub and drizzled with a honey balsamic glaze!

This crock pot pork tenderloin is made with minimal effort and maximum flavour. It is moist, tender and perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes!

slow cooker pork tenderloin slice in crockpot with sauce

Table of Contents

Should I sear my pork before adding it to the slow cooker?
Can you overcook pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?
What is the difference between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
Can I cook vegetables with my pork?
More pork tenderloin recipes:
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze Recipe

So when I busted out my crock pot this morning to make this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, I almost felt a little guilty.

It's been a while.

But crockpot season is back and I couldn't be more excited.

That means our fall comfort food favorites like this Crockpot Whole Chicken, Slow Cooker Pot Roast, and Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup are back on the menu. Time to get cozy!

We also love using it on busy days for prepping a big batch of Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or Crockpot Shredded Chicken.

But about this slow cooker pork tenderloin!

I wanted to keep the recipe simple, but I also like to add a ton of flavor. I've done this with a garlic herb rub and a honey balsamic glaze — it's sweet and savory and a little tangy!

Tips and Tricks for Cooking this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin:

One of the most important things is not to overcook your tenderloin! It is so moist and tender when cooked perfectly, and we don't want it to turn dry and unappetizing. The best way to know is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — it should be about 160 degrees F and you need to let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Be sure to trim the silver skin! It can be tough and isn't something you'll want to eat (if you forget, it's not the end of the world, but it's good practice!). For a visual on how to do this, check out this video.
If you're not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can omit it or swap in a bit of apple cider vinegar. You can also just cook it in a combination of broth and barbecue sauce and it will still be delicious!

ingredients for slow cooker pork tenderloin rub — Stir together seasoning blend

ingredients for crockpot pork tenderloin sauce — Stir together seasoning blend

Should I sear my pork before adding it to the slow cooker?

It's up to you.

I usually don't, as I'm not a big fan of extra dishes and prep time 😉

But you absolutely can, and it does add a nice crust and great flavor. It just depends how much time you have!

To sear it before slow cooking, rub the pork tenderloin down with a bit of oil and season with the seasoning blend.

Sear at a high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then add to the slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook crock pot pork tenderloin?

Most pork tenderloins are roughly the same diameter, so the cook time for this recipe will mostly vary depending on your slow cooker or crockpot.

I recommend starting with 2 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high, checking the temperature and adjusting from there.

It's important to know your slow cooker and how well it heats — do you usually end up having overcooked meat or undercooked? Do you usually need longer or shorter cook times? How well done do you like your tenderloin? These are all important things to consider and will vary from person to person.

pork tenderloin in slow cooker cut in half

Can you overcook pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?

Yes!

You can overcook anything in the slow cooker, although it takes a little longer.

Unfortunately, pork tenderloin is not one of those slow cooker meals you can just let cook all day. Ideally, you will turn off the slow cooker after 2-3 hours of cook time to avoid drying it out.

If your slow cooker has a keep warm option and will automatically switch when it is done, this is a great way to avoid overcooking your pork in the crockpot.

What is the difference between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

While you can absolutely use this recipe for a pork loin, you will need to adjust the cook time because they are not the same thing.

A pork loin is much thicker (likely twice as thick in diameter) as a pork tenderloin, so it's important to know the difference because a pork loin will need at least twice as much time.

Check out my Easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin Recipe for more tips for that specific cut of meat.

sliced pork medallions in slow cooker in sauce

Can I cook vegetables with my pork?

Definitely!

The trick is to add vegetables that can cook at a low heat and be ready in 2-3 hours.

Vegetables that are firmer and take longer to cook like potatoes and carrots are not the best option here unless you parcook them before you add them.

Green beans, peppers, broccoli and vegetables that cook quickly are better options for a short cook time.

More pork tenderloin recipes:

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes — if you don't have a few hours to cook dinner!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin — for when the weather is warmer!
Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin — with a simple but so flavorful rub
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce — such vibrant winter flavors!
25+ Pork Tenderloin Recipes — if you just can't get enough 😉

1 pork tenderloin about 1 lb
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons corn starch

If your pork tenderloin is longer than your slow cooker, cut it in half crosswise (so you have two shorter pieces that will fit inside). If it fits, you can leave it whole.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, ketchup and corn starch and pour into the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, combine garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika. Rub over all sides of the pork tenderloin and place in the slow cooker (I use a 2.5 quart oval slow cooker).
Cover and cook on high for 1.5-2 hours, or low for 2-3 hours, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150-160 degrees F.
Move tenderloin from the slow cooker to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!