This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is covered in an easy garlic herb rub and drizzled with a honey balsamic glaze!
This crock pot pork tenderloin is made with minimal effort and maximum flavour. It is moist, tender and perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes!
If you like this recipe, you’ll also enjoy this Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin, this Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe or this Pork Tenderloin Marinade.
Table of Contents
So when I busted out my crock pot this morning to make this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, I almost felt a little guilty.
It’s been a while.
But crockpot season is back and I couldn’t be more excited.
That means our fall comfort food favorites like this Crockpot Whole Chicken, Slow Cooker Pot Roast, and Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup are back on the menu. Time to get cozy!
We also love using it on busy days for prepping a big batch of Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or Crockpot Shredded Chicken.
But about this slow cooker pork tenderloin!
I wanted to keep the recipe simple, but I also like to add a ton of flavor. I’ve done this with a garlic herb rub and a honey balsamic glaze — it’s sweet and savory and a little tangy!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin:
- One of the most important things is not to overcook your tenderloin! It is so moist and tender when cooked perfectly, and we don’t want it to turn dry and unappetizing. The best way to know is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — it should be about 160 degrees F and you need to let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Be sure to trim the silver skin! It can be tough and isn’t something you’ll want to eat (if you forget, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s good practice!). For a visual on how to do this, check out this video.
- If you’re not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can omit it or swap in a bit of apple cider vinegar. You can also just cook it in a combination of broth and barbecue sauce and it will still be delicious!
Should I sear my pork before adding it to the slow cooker?
It’s up to you.
I usually don’t, as I’m not a big fan of extra dishes and prep time 😉
But you absolutely can, and it does add a nice crust and great flavor. It just depends how much time you have!
To sear it before slow cooking, rub the pork tenderloin down with a bit of oil and season with the seasoning blend.
Sear at a high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then add to the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook crock pot pork tenderloin?
Most pork tenderloins are roughly the same diameter, so the cook time for this recipe will mostly vary depending on your slow cooker or crockpot.
I recommend starting with 2 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high, checking the temperature and adjusting from there.
It’s important to know your slow cooker and how well it heats — do you usually end up having overcooked meat or undercooked? Do you usually need longer or shorter cook times? How well done do you like your tenderloin? These are all important things to consider and will vary from person to person.
Can you overcook pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?
Yes!
You can overcook anything in the slow cooker, although it takes a little longer.
Unfortunately, pork tenderloin is not one of those slow cooker meals you can just let cook all day. Ideally, you will turn off the slow cooker after 2-3 hours of cook time to avoid drying it out.
If your slow cooker has a keep warm option and will automatically switch when it is done, this is a great way to avoid overcooking your pork in the crockpot.
What is the difference between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
While you can absolutely use this recipe for a pork loin, you will need to adjust the cook time because they are not the same thing.
A pork loin is much thicker (likely twice as thick in diameter) as a pork tenderloin, so it’s important to know the difference because a pork loin will need at least twice as much time.
Check out my Easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin Recipe for more tips for that specific cut of meat.
Can I cook vegetables with my pork?
Definitely!
The trick is to add vegetables that can cook at a low heat and be ready in 2-3 hours.
Vegetables that are firmer and take longer to cook like potatoes and carrots are not the best option here unless you parcook them before you add them.
Green beans, peppers, broccoli and vegetables that cook quickly are better options for a short cook time.
More pork tenderloin recipes:
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes — if you don’t have a few hours to cook dinner!
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin — for when the weather is warmer!
- Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin — with a simple but so flavorful rub
- Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce — such vibrant winter flavors!
- 25+ Pork Tenderloin Recipes — if you just can’t get enough 😉
Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 lb
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
Instructions
- If your pork tenderloin is longer than your slow cooker, cut it in half crosswise (so you have two shorter pieces that will fit inside). If it fits, you can leave it whole.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika. Rub over all sides of the pork tenderloin and place in the slow cooker (I use a 2.5 quart oval slow cooker).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, ketchup and corn starch and pour into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 1.5-2 hours, or low for 2-3 hours, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150-160 degrees F.
- Move tenderloin from the slow cooker to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- *If desired, you can thicken the sauce further on the stove. Simply strain it into a small pot and add a corn starch slurry — combine 1 teaspoon corn starch and 1 teaspoon water and stir into the sauce. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened.
Notes
- Pork Tenderloin: you can swap for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and use the same cook time. If you have a pork loin and not a pork tenderloin, see my Easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin.
- Seasonings: to save time, feel free to swap the seasoning rub with your favorite all purpose blend.
- Honey: if you don’t have honey, you can use a sweetener of your choice: brown sugar or maple syrup will work great as well.
- Balsamic Vinegar: gives a punch of flavor! It is not going to taste very vinegary, but you can reduce it or swap with cider vinegar if you don’t like balsamic.
Nutrition Information
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Elaina says
Can you use this recipe for boneless pork chops in the crock pot
Ashley Fehr says
I think you definitely could but I’ve never tried!
Katie V. says
I don’t have any cornstarch. Can I leave it out or sub with flour?
Ashley Fehr says
You could use flour but you’ll want to stir it into cold liquid, just like the corn starch
Lauren says
This recipe looks great! Ingredients are ready to start. I’m going to be making potatoes with it- probably best not to cook those in the crock pot, right? I also thought about putting in a zucchini and bell pepper – do you think this would clash?
Ashley Fehr says
I think those would be fine, you just have to be careful with the cook times. You don’t want the veggies too mushy! The potatoes I think would need a longer cook time in the crockpot, but if you cut them into fairly small pieces it might work!
Sommer says
Loved the way this turned out! Delicious flavors and so easy to do.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sommer!
Beth Pierce says
That pork loin is spot on! Looks like a great meal to gather the family around the table!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Beth!
Steph says
Such an easy recipe and the tenderloin came out perfectly! Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Jen says
This was a huge hit in our house. So easy to make using the slow cooker.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jen!
Ashley Rose says
totally trying this! I love crock pot anything
Jessica Cherobee says
Hi Ashley I’m about to put my tenderloin in the crock pot but I keep reading to cook it 4 hours on low…My crockpot says 4 hrs and 6 hrs are high and 8 hrs and 10 hrs is low. Do I put it on the 8 hr setting because it is low but turn it off in 4 hours? First time cooking a pork tenderloin n don’t want to mess it up
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Jessica! I just put it on for 8 hours, and then turn it off after 4 hours so it doesn’t overcook.
Jessica Cherobee says
Thank u so much that’s exactly what I did started it at 2 can’t wait to try my kids say it smells amazing
Kiki W says
This is one of those recipes that I think is perfect without any tweaks as long as you like the taste of balsamic. I double the recipe and use the leftovers for shredded pork soft tacos the following night.
Ashley Fehr says
I love the idea of using the leftovers for tacos!
Marcy says
I made this last night and it was fantastic! I used the exact measurements of all ingredients and I thought that the mix of flavors was perfect. The only thing I did differently was after putting the spice rub on the meat, I seared the meat in olive oil until all sides were brown and then put it in the crock-pot. I think this give the meat a better flavor. My husband loved this too – will definitely make again – thanks for sharing!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Marcy! Definitely a good idea, but something I usually skip due to time 🙂
Debbie says
I did this also, if you have an Instant Pot or other multi cooker, it’s all in the same “pan” and you can sear the meat while you prep the sauce. No additional time!
Jenn says
I have a 2.11lb pork tenderloin. What do you recommend for cooking length? Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
It really depends on what you prefer for doneness. The cook time might be sufficient, but I would probably cook it for 2.5-3 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low.
AR says
I made this recipe with 2 lbs of pork tenderloin and therefore doubled the recipe ingredients and it didn’t taste right… the balsamic especially was overbearing.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry you found that! The recipe is loved by a lot of people (us included!) so it could be that you just don’t enjoy that slight tang as much as we do 🙂
Laura Hildebrandt says
This was honestly one of the best, easiest recipes I’ve made in a long time.i don’t use the slow cooker often, but I hand a pork tenderloin from Trader Joe’s on hand and was curious about doing it this way, so I found your recipe on line. I used herbes de Provence instead of parsley, and minced garlic instead of garlic powder. Otherwise followed the recipe, with the addition of to the crock pot of: baby carrots, 1 medium chopped onion, and fresh mushrooms. I served with ready made mash potatoes. Super yum!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Laura! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it (and thanks for sharing your tips!)
Jessica says
Did you add the onion, carrots and mushrooms to the crockpot? If yes did you have to increase the liquids?
Stacy Saman says
I wonder this also, but veggies have lots of water in them, especially mushrooms and onion. I would maybe check partly through cooking. I’m doing this, and doubling the recipe so kinda nervous about cooking times!
Momofour says
Came out great!!! My 11 year old was able to put this together for me when I was totally exhausted (8 months pregnant)! It was a little more work than just rubbing the pork and sticking it in the oven, but it was nice to make ahead (and my oven was broken so it was really helpful for us). It came out really tender. I served it with a healthy lentil/rice pouch from Whole Foods (90 seconds in the microwave) and garlic green beans. Healthy dinner made easy. Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad you all liked it!
Julia says
Will I dry the meat out if I keep it on warm after cooking on low for 4 hours? I cooked it a bit ahead of schedule and won’t be serving for a few more hours. Any recommendations would be great.
Maritza says
How did it do on warm?
Ashley Fehr says
I have never kept it on low quite that long but I think it would be fine. If you try it I’d love to hear how it goes!
Valerie says
I made this, but I replaced the ketchup with blackberry and blueberry preserves. I find the fruit brings in a whole new wonderful layer to the glaze, and highly recommend using some sort of berry or cherry preserves in place of ketchup when making the glaze.
Ashley Fehr says
Oh I love that idea! I’ll try that next time!
Lori says
Silly question – do you drizzle the sauce over the pork tenderloin while it’s cooking in the crockpot?
Ashley Fehr says
I cook it with the sauce in the crockpot, and then serve with it as well!
Jennifer says
This sounds delicious except for one thing – the ketchup. Can you tell me what purpose it serves in the flavor of the sauce?
Also, how much time should I add if I’m doing two tenderloins on low? And four tenderloins?
And one more thing, will any leftovers stand up to being frozen and reheated?
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jennifer! The ketchup adds a ton of flavor — it’s sweet, tangy, savory. You shouldn’t need to add any time if you’re doing more tenderloins unless the slow cooker gets to be quite full or you have to stack them on top of each other. At that point, you may need to add an hour or two to the cook time.
Jennifer says
Thank you, Ashley. I’m gonna trust you on the ketchup. And we just got a brand new 8quart oval slow cooker so I think we could do four tenderloins without stacking them.
With that said, what about freezing? Do you think they will maintain their tenderness and juicyness if frozen?
Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
I have never tried freezing pork tenderloin after cooking, so I can’t say for sure! I would love to hear how it turns out for you!
renee says
did you double the ingredients for two tenderloins? my two pieces are 2.8lb
thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
The two pieces are 2.8lb together? You may want to double the seasoning ingredients but you won’t necessarily have to double the sauce, unless you want a good amount!
Donna says
Question: I have what the package says to be ” pork loin tenderloins,” but they are 2.5lbs each in a double pack from costco. I want to use this recipe but based on your comment that pork loin vs pork tenderloins and the size of 1 lb..I’m wondering exactly what cut of meat I bought?!? Do you think they Are the tenderloins or pork loins? Way to confuse me, Costco! I checked out the pork loin recipe but I want to use the basaltic honey one regardless. Ahh..wish me luck!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Donna! I would say those are likely pork loins if they are 2.5lbs each. You can definitely still use this recipe but you will want to increase the cook time considerably! I hope that helps!
Monica says
I buy these from Costco and what looks to be a pork loin is actually two tenderloin. They separate once you open the package.