If you’re looking for a dish that brings tender, flavorful pork together with the sweet, nostalgic taste of apple pie, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, slow-cooked to juicy perfection. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth, and each bite delivers a comforting, homestyle vibe that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or wanting an easy yet impressive meal, this recipe truly shines with its simplicity and mouthwatering results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, with ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and creating that heavenly sauce that defines the dish.
- 3 lb pork tenderloin: The star of the dish, chosen for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, creating a flavorful base when slow-cooked.
- 15 oz can of apple pie filling: Brings the iconic apple pie taste, balancing savory pork with fruity sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Gives a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness and enriches the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a touch of earthiness to bring complexity to the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the natural apples and onions with caramel-like sweetness, helping to develop a beautiful glaze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
Start by slicing your yellow onion and spreading it evenly across the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. This layer not only adds flavor but also prevents the pork from sticking, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.
Step 2: Add the Pork Tenderloin
Gently lay the pork tenderloin right on top of the onions. This allows the meat to slowly absorb the sweetness and aroma from the onions as it cooks, infusing every inch with rich, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Layer on the Flavor
Pour the apple pie filling, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar over the pork, making sure it’s well covered. This mix of ingredients forms a luscious sauce that will caramelize and glaze the meat as it cooks low and slow.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic
Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, HIGH for 4 hours. The low and slow cooking process is the secret to getting that ultra-tender tenderloin that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once the cook time is up, slice the tenderloin and serve it with the delicious apple and onion sauce spooned over the top. This final step brings everything together, making each bite juicy, sweet, and savory all at once.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the pork for a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the dish. If you like a little more texture, toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts create a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the rich pork and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pork tenderloin over a bed of wild rice or alongside roasted root vegetables for a rustic, comforting meal. For a casual gathering, slice the pork thin and pile it onto crusty rolls with a spoonful of the apple pie glaze for delectable pork sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pork retains its tenderness, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked pork with its sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist. Avoid overheating to preserve tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, slice and gently cook them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon beforehand to mimic the pie filling. However, the canned filling provides a perfect balance of sweetness and spice without extra prep.
Is pork tenderloin the only cut I can use?
Pork tenderloin works best due to its tenderness, but you could try pork loin as well. Just keep in mind it may need slightly longer cooking times to become tender and juicy.
Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?
You can omit Worcestershire sauce if needed, but it adds a wonderful umami depth. A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be a good substitute to maintain that savory richness.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes with the other ingredients before cooking. The slow cooker will mellow the spice while keeping it noticeable.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overfilling. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly, and it’s best to cook on LOW for even tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a true keeper. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly, filling your home with cozy aromas and your table with grateful smiles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again — perfect for any day that calls for a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love.
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Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (HIGH) or 7-8 hours (LOW)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) or 8 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender pork tenderloin is slow-cooked with sweet apple pie filling, sliced onions, and a tangy blend of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. The slow cooking method ensures the pork is juicy and infused with a sweet and savory apple sauce, making it an effortless yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 lb pork tenderloin
Produce
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
Condiments & Sauces
- 15 oz can apple pie filling
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Others
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Slice the yellow onion thinly and evenly spread the slices across the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the pork tenderloin to rest on.
- Place the pork: Lay the whole 3 lb pork tenderloin directly on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker, ensuring it is centered for even cooking.
- Add remaining ingredients: Spoon the apple pie filling, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar over the pork tenderloin, covering it thoroughly to infuse the flavors during cooking.
- Cook the pork: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for about 4 hours, or until the pork tenderloin is tender and easily slices with a fork.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully slice the pork tenderloin and serve it topped with the sweet and savory apple and onion sauce from the slow cooker. Enjoy this comforting dish warm.
Notes
- For the most tender results, opt for the low and slow cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
