Slow Cooker Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe With Apples | Wicked Spatula (2024)

If you are looking for the perfect comfort food meal, Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples should be at the top of your list. I love that feeling at 5 o’clock when I start to think about dinner, then remember that I already have a juicy slow cooker pork roast simmering away on the counter. The best pork tenderloin recipe without much work? Success.

Plus, slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples is like most Crock Pot recipes in that you just dump the ingredients in and forget about it. Double success.

(Okay, technically it’s recommended to sear first when cooking port tenderloin in the Crock Pot, but that’s super quick!)

Sometimes we just crave a hot home cooked meal, and that’s where this amazing, easy pork tenderloin recipe fits right in. The apples and cinnamon compliment the pork tenderloin so well, not to mention the creamy sweet potatoes. Served with a glass of red wine, you’ll have a complete dinner that’s comforting and perfect for cool fall or spring days!

What Is Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of meat from the backbone of the pig. It’s the most tender cut of meat, because these muscles are used for posture.

Pork Loin vs Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is not the same as pork loin, which is larger, wider, flatter, and has more marbling. Please don’t substitute pork loin in pork tenderloin recipes!

Trust me, this will be the most tender, best pork tenderloin recipe you’ve ever tried if you just use the right cut of meat. But it has to be pork tenderloin.

How Do You Cook a Pork Tenderloin?

There are multiple ways to cook a pork tenderloin, including the oven, stove top, or slow cooker.

Right now, my favorite way is this amazing pork tenderloin slow cooker recipe! It’s sweet, savory, juicy and oh-so-comforting, all in one.

How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Crock Pot

I’m excited to show you how to make pork tenderloin with apples in the slow cooker, because it’s so easy, flavorful, and an entire meal in one dish. I promise you are going to want to add this to your recipe rotation.

• Season the pork tenderloin generously with sea salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp, you want plenty of salt and pepper here!
• Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side in a skillet on medium-high heat.

PRO TIP: The purpose of searing pork tenderloin is to enhance the flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this part because it will still taste great. Just go with your best judgment and schedule.

• Dice some onion, sweet potatoes, and an apple. Add to the bottom of the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
• Slice another apple, cut slits in the top of the pork tenderloin, and stuff them with apple slices. We’re basically making a hasselback apple stuffed pork tenderloin!

• Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle honey on top. You can skip the honey if you want to reduce sugar and carbs, but I’m pretty sure it’s one of the things that make this the best pork tenderloin recipe.

Now, all that’s left is letting your slow cooker do the work!

How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In A Crock Pot

You have 2 options for cooking pork tenderloin in the Crock Pot:

• Cook Crock Pot pork tenderloin on Low for 7 to 8 hours, OR
• Cook slow cooker pork tenderloin on High for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

Time to put it on your plates, grab a fork and serve this slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples! So yummy!

What Temperature Should Pork Tenderloin Be?

PRO TIP: Slow cooker pork roast should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F before serving.

This might be lower than you expected, so keep that in mind. If you overcook it, it can become dried out and won’t taste as good.

Also, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting further or serving, to keep it extra juicy.

Is Pork Tenderloin Healthy?

Yes, this paleo pork tenderloin recipe is healthy. Here are some of the nutrients you’ll find in its main ingredients:

• Pork tenderloin has potassium, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin, and it’s full of protein.
• Apples have thiamin, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, to name a few.
• Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and phosphorus.

As you can see, this slow cooker pork tenderloin is overflowing with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants. So, you can eat the juiciest, best pork tenderloin Crock Pot recipe without any guilt. 😉

Can I Double This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe?

Of course, you can double slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples. The most important part is making sure you use a slow cooker that is large enough to accommodate all that food!

TIP: The cook time will be fairly similar for multiple tenderloins, but could be a bit longer. Try not to place them on top of each other too much, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145 degrees F).

Variations Of Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin With Apples

If you like to change things up in your recipes, you’ll love the versatility of this healthy Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples! Feel free to leave out anything you don’t like, or make some additions. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon Juice – Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to add a little bit of zestiness to the dish.
• Carrots – Putting diced carrots in the slow cooker will add even more sweetness.
• Radishes – These are a low carb alternative to sweet potatoes.
• Pears – Add slices of pairs with the apples. It’s amazing!

How To Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin

If you end up with leftover slow cooker pork roast or made a double batch to have some later, you can save it easily. Put the leftover pork tenderloin with apples in an airtight glass container with a lid in the fridge. It will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

To warm up leftover pork tenderloin, you can use the microwave, the oven, or a skillet. I recommend the oven to be most similar to the original version, or if you go the skillet route, you’ll get an amazing hash consistency!

Can You Freeze This Pork Tenderloin Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this easy pork tenderloin slow cooker recipe. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will last 6-12 months in the freezer.

Thaw in the fridge the day before you want to use it if you have time to plan ahead. If not, you can defrost it in the microwave. Then, reheat your healthy pork tenderloin as described above.

What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin

This easy pork tenderloin recipe doesn’t need anything to be served with it, because it has sweet potatoes and apples as the built-in side dish! However, if you happen to make it without the sweet potatoes and want a lower carb side dish, here are some easy healthy side dishes to try:

• Crispy Roasted Radishes – these are roasted, but you could also toss them in the slow cooker instead!
• Cinnamon Glazed Carrots
• Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

More Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples, you should see these other slow cooker paleo recipes:

• Easy Crock Pot Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Paleo Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken