Slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples and brown sugar

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples

This recipe just gets everything right. Tenderloin is the perfect cut of pork for a long simmer in the crockpot, and the fruity combination of apples and balsamic adds a stellar sweet note.

7 reviews
1 comment

ingredients

2 pounds pork tenderloins
1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
1/4 cup applesauce
1 bunch green onions, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

directions

Slice the pork into 1 1/2-inch medallions. Place the pork slices in the bottom of the crock pot. Top with the chopped apple.

In a bowl, combine the applesauce, onions, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well to dissolve the sugar. Pour over the pork.

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours or until the pork is cooked and tender. Serve the pork with the apples and sauce.

crock pot notes

Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.

nutrition data for pork tenderloin with apples

310 calories, 8 grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.

Fall is the perfect time for pork tenderloin with apples! It is such an easy, delicious meal with only 10 minutes of prep required. Prep it in the morning and by evening a hearty and healthy dinner is ready to serve. The pork is so tender and flavorful! This is a great way to use apples in the fall!

Original post: October 2014 | Updated: August 2022

Why This Recipe Works

We make this pork tenderloin with apples recipe frequently in the late summer and fall. The meat comes out so perfectly moist and tender and infused with a delicious apple-onion flavor. The moisture from the apples helps to tenderize the meat.

If you are looking for a super easy meal to fill all the bellies around your table, this is your recipe. It requires a mere ten minutes of prep time and brings unique yet delicious flavor to the table. Grab your slow cooker along with just a few ingredients and let’s make dinner!

Recipe Ingredients

Pork loin – Your local grocer will pre-package the pork loin for you, but look for that pinkish-red color with some marbling on the meat. The fat adds flavor!

Many pre-packaged pork tenderloins come in packages of two, so be aware of this. You can easily double the recipe following the same cook time and everything will cook perfectly.

Apples – Select a few different varieties of apples to achieve really great flavor. Choose from the sweet and tart list below! Then peel, core and chop them and add the sliced apples to a large bowl half filled with cool water. Squeeze the juice of half of a lemon into it.

The lemon juice will keep the apples from getting brown while prepping for the recipe.

Apple cider – If you do not have apple cider on hand, apple juice is an acceptable substitute.

Onions – Yellow or white onions both work great for this recipe.

How To Make A Tender Pork Tenderloin Meal In Your Crock Pot

Step 1

Place a 1.5-pound pork tenderloin (use up to a 3-lb loin) in a crock pot along with apple slices, onion slices and apple cider. Sea salt or kosher salt and ground black pepper never hurt.

Step 2

Cover and cook on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. Cut the pork and place on a serving platter. Pour the apple-onion mixture over the top of each serving.

Recipe Notes

If you prefer to let this cook slower and longer, you can adjust your cook time to 7-8 hours on low heat.
This main dish does not need any further condiments to give it great flavor but I know many people love a good BBQ sauce to dip their meat into. If this is you, try this wonderful homemade sauce!
With any remaining apples you have, try some of my other favorite apple recipes!
It is super easy to cook this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot! Create a delicious roasted pork tenderloin recipe by combining all ingredients in a baking dish or roasting pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook for 20 minutes per pound of meat, or until the internal temp has reached 145 degrees F.
Give the meat a bit of spice by adding red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

What To Serve With Pork

Pork is such a great main course or party food option, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal effort. But what do you serve alongside this savory dish? Read on for 20 perfect side dish options to serve with pork!

Roasted Broccoli
Sweet Potato Fries
Cornbread
Chopped Salad

Types of Apples To Use With Pork Tenderloin

I recommend using a variety of apples and at the very least, use two kinds: one sweet and one tart. My favorite combo is Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples.

Sweet/Softer Apple Brands

Fuji
Honeycrisp
Red Delicious
Golden Delicious
Cortland
Gala

Tart (or a little Sour) Apple Brands

Granny Smith
McIntosh
Ida Red
Braeburn
Empire
Jonathan

FAQ About Pork Tenderloin

Where is pork tenderloin from?

Not to be confused with the similar pork loin, these two cuts of meat come from the same animal but appear different and have several important differences, as well. Pork tenderloin is thin and small. It is known for being tender, as its name suggests. It also has a fine-grain texture to it.

Can pork tenderloin be pink?

A good visual cue to select your pork tenderloin would be to pick pork that is pinkish-red in color. It should also have some marbling, or fat through the meat because that will give the meat flavor as it cooks.

Is pork tenderloin healthy?

Pork tenderloin is a healthy cut of meat, similar to boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are also a great source of protein, Vitamin B6 and more.

What is the best temperature for pork tenderloin?

The internal temperature of a pork tenderloin should reach 145° F.

Can pork tenderloin be a little pink on the inside?

The USDA shares that you can cook pork tenderloin and as long as it reaches 145° F while cooking and then allowing it to rest a few minutes, it is safe to eat even when you visually notice the meat is pinkish in hue.

Delicious Apple Recipes

Homemade Apple Cider is so good when made in your slow cooker! It’ll warm you from the inside out with amazing flavors. It’s a must-have fall drink and tastes so much better when you make it yourself.
This is officially the most delicious loaf of bread you’ll ever eat. Apple pie bread is infused with all the flavors of an apple pie! Juicy apples along with a streusel make up a perfect bite of moist bread.
Enjoy Apple Coffee Cake as an indulgent breakfast treat or an any-time snack or dessert!
Apple Carrot Muffins are moist and yummy and will not last long in your kitchen. Great as a snack, breakfast or dessert!

Yummy Pork Recipes

This easy roasted pork is delicious, affordable and easy, done in 30 minutes! The ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Enjoy it as a Whole30 compliant and low carb meal, too!
This is the best pulled pork meal and it requires only 4 ingredients and minimal effort. Dinner could not get any easier than this! Spoon into hamburger buns and serve at your next gathering or for family dinner this week.
This is my mom’s pan fried pork chops recipe. Make the chops while steaming some veggies and dinner will be done in less than 20 minutes!

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Crock Pot

▢ 1.5 lb pork loin
▢ 3 large apples peeled, cored and chopped
▢ 1 onion sliced
▢ 1 cup apple cider
▢ salt/pepper to taste

Place the pork loin into a crockpot. Pour the apples, onion slices and apple cider over top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours.
Cut the pork into quarters and serve, pouring the apples, onion and remaining sauce over the top.

If you prefer to let this cook slower and longer, you can adjust your cook time to 7-8 hours on low heat.
This main dish does not need any further condiments to give it great flavor but I know many people love a good BBQ sauce to dip their meat into. If this is you, try this wonderful homemade sauce!
With any remaining apples you have, try some of my other favorite apple recipes!
It is super easy to cook this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot! Create a delicious roasted pork tenderloin recipe by combining all ingredients in a baking dish or roasting pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook for 20 minutes per pound of meat, or until the internal temp has reached 145 degrees F.
Give the meat a bit of spice by adding red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Reader Interactions

How do you cook pork tenderloin without drying it out?

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

Does pork tenderloin shred in crockpot?

Directions. Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker; pour root beer over top. Cover and cook on Low until pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook pork loin filet?

For the pork tenderloin.

Wrap the pork tenderloin in sage leaves and speck. Place the pork in the fridge and chill for 10 minutes..

Heat a non-stick frying pan with a splash of extra virgin olive oil..

Sear the pork for 5 minutes. Take off the heat and add a knob of butter..

Transfer to the oven and cook for 10 minutes..

Can Tenderloin be used for pulled pork?

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork? Pork shoulder or pork butt are often used for pulled pork. You can also use pork tenderloin (like this recipe) for a leaner cut of meat!