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slow cooker pork tenderloin

Emma
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 527 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Slow Cooker
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cup
  • Meat Thermometer

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

Instructions
 

Preparing 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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:
    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.
    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.
  • 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.
Keyword slow cooker pork tenderloin