Here’s a delightful recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples—a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3-4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pork tenderloins:
- Season the pork tenderloins with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Sear the pork (optional):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloins for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Add to slow cooker:
- Place the seared (or raw) pork tenderloins in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chicken broth, apple cider (or apple juice), and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker.
- Add apples and onions:
- Arrange the sliced apples, onion, and minced garlic around the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork tenderloins and apples from the slow cooker. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
- Serve:
- Slice or shred the pork tenderloins and serve with the apples and onions. Spoon some of the sauce over the top.
Tip:
Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The apples and pork pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples—a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress!