Name: slow cooker pork tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork tenderloin (about two 1-pound tenderloins); 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons chili powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

If you’re looking for an effortless and delicious dinner idea, this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is exactly what you need.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering, juicy pork dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend family meals, this recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.

The tenderloin soaks up all the rich flavors from the barbecue sauce, mustard, and spices, creating a dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

2 pounds pork tenderloin (about two 1-pound tenderloins)
2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Required Kitchen Tools

To make your slow cooker pork tenderloin a breeze, here’s a list of the tools you’ll need:

6-Quart Slow Cooker: The key to this recipe is a slow cooker, which allows the pork to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors while staying tender and juicy.
Measuring Spoons: For accuracy in seasoning the pork with the right amount of chili powder, mustard, and salt.
Measuring Cup: You’ll need this to measure out your barbecue sauce.
Meat Thermometer: This is essential for checking the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it’s fully cooked to perfection.

With these tools, you’ll be all set to make a simple yet delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Preparing the Pork Tenderloin

The prep for this slow cooker pork tenderloin is as simple as it gets. You don’t need any complex techniques or fancy tools—just a bit of mixing and some patience while the slow cooker does its magic.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin

Start by placing the pork tenderloin into your 6-quart slow cooker. You can trim off any excess fat, but don’t worry about being too precise; the fat will break down during the cooking process and add flavor to the meat.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. The mustard adds a nice tang, while the chili powder gives it a little kick. If you want more heat, feel free to throw in a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder to suit your taste.

Step 3: Coat the Pork Tenderloin

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker, making sure the meat is well coated. There’s no need to stir or move the pork around at this stage; just cover it with the lid, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Cooking the Pork Tenderloin

Now comes the best part—slow cooking the pork until it’s perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Set the Slow Cooker

Once the pork is covered in the sauce, place the lid securely on the slow cooker. You have two cooking options depending on your time availability:

High Heat: Set the slow cooker to high for 2 to 2 ½ hours. This will cook the pork quickly while still yielding tender results.
Low Heat: If you have more time, cook the pork on low for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together more deeply, and the pork will be incredibly juicy.

Either way, the key is cooking the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked just right.

Step 2: Rest the Pork

Once the pork reaches the perfect temperature, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork tender and moist when you cut into it.

Serving the Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

Now that your pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked, it’s time to slice and serve it. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Step 1: Slice and Serve

Once the pork has rested, slice it against the grain into tender pieces. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart. Spoon some of the rich barbecue sauce from the slow cooker over the slices for an extra burst of flavor. You can even serve the sauce on the side for those who like a little more or less.

Step 2: Suggested Sides

To round out your meal, pair the slow cooker pork tenderloin with a variety of sides. Some classic options include:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the tender pork.
Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve with a side of grilled vegetables like asparagus or corn on the cob.

Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy

If you like, garnish the pork with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Then, dig in and enjoy every bite of this easy, flavorful dish!

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store the sliced pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or a skillet. If you’re saving the sauce, store it separately for the best flavor.