Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe Easy Fall-Apart Apples Dinner
A cozy and easy slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe with apples, perfect for a comforting fall dinner. The pork becomes tender and juicy, paired with soft, caramelized apples for a deliciously balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
- 2–3 medium apples, cored and sliced into thick wedges (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Core and slice the apples into thick wedges. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the apple wedges on top, then nestle the seared pork tenderloin in the middle.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and ½ cup apple cider or juice. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over everything. Add fresh thyme or rosemary if using.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and falls apart easily. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
- Remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Stir the apples and onions gently; some will have softened into a natural sauce.
- Serve by spooning the apples and onions over the pork. Spoon juices from the slow cooker on top for extra flavor.
- If the sauce is too thin, thicken by simmering some liquid with a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) in a pan.
Notes
Searing the pork before slow cooking locks in juices and adds flavor. Use low heat for tender results and avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or brown sugar with maple syrup. For a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry. Apples can be swapped with pears or cranberries for variation. If no slow cooker is available, cook in a Dutch oven at 275°F for 2-3 hours or use an Instant Pot on meat/stew setting for 25 minutes with natural pressure release.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker pork tenderloin, pork and apples, fall dinner, easy pork recipe, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, fall recipes