Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

This easy-to-put-together Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is braised in a sweet and savory garlic sauce.

One of the things I appreciate about the slow cooker, is the fact that I can start a recipe in morning and have a tasty meal on the table at supper time with very little attention on my part. This is NOT that kind of a recipe. Rather, this recipe relies on the slow cooker’s ability to braise at a constant temperature aiding in cooking the tenderloin evenly.

Because pork tenderloin is a very lean cut, it does require some attention so that it doesn’t overcook. Not helicopter attention, just a bit more attention than you would typically pay to a slow cooker recipe.

How To Prepare Pork Tenderloin

Because of the shape and the connective tissue on pork tenderloin, there are two things that I do when I am using them in a recipe. The first is to remove the silver skin, the thin connective tissue on the exterior of the meat.

Most pork tenderloins taper from the top of the cut to the bottom. This can cause uneven cooking, so the second step is to fold the tapered end under and use kitchen twine or small metal skewers secure it in place.

Once this is done, pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels and season on all sides with salt and pepper.

How To Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

After the tenderloin has been seasoned, mix the sauce. I use a barbecue sauce base to start. If you have a favorite prepared sauce, use that otherwise I have a Sweet, Spicy BBQ Sauce or a Basic Barbecue Sauce that you can make and use.

I like the flavor the red wine adds to the sauce, however if you prefer to use chicken broth, it will be just as delicious. Speaking of chicken broth, one of my favorite kitchen staples is a concentrated chicken bouillon. Not to be confused with those cubes of salt with a little chicken flavoring ;)

The concentrate allows me to make the quantity of broth that I want. Which in the case of this recipe, means I don’t have to open a carton of broth and then try to figure out what do to with the rest. There are several brands that offer a similar product, here is a link to my favorite.

Once you’ve mixed the sauce together, pour it over the tenderloins that have been placed in the bottom of the the slow cooker.

How Long Do I Cook Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?

Set your slow cooker to high and cook the tenderloin for 1  1/2 to 2 hours or until an instant read thermometer registers between 145˚ – 160˚F depending up on your desired doneness. The National Pork Board recommends cooking pork tenderloin between 145˚ – 150˚F for medium-rare which is my preferred doneness for this cut. It has reached a safe temperature and stays tender and juicy. If you prefer medium, cook the tenderloin between 150 – 155˚F: medium-well between 155˚ – 160˚F: well to 160˚F.

My tenderloins took the full 2 hours in my Rival 6-Quart Crockpot. Different models and your desired doneness will most likely result in different cooking times. I like to start checking for doneness at about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Remove the tenderloins from the sauce, allow them to rest and then cut into 1/2-inch slices. Return the slices to the crockpot, warm them through and then serve with your favorite side. Mine is pureed carrots. A little bit – or a lot in my case – of the sauce over the carrots is amazing!

If you’re looking for more tenderloin recipes, some of my favorites are air fryer pork tenderloin, instant pot pork tenderloin, and bacon wrapped pork tenderloin.

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This post originally appeared in April 2020 and was revised and republished in September 2021.