There’s just something about pork and apples together—it’s the perfect mix of savory and sweet. This slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples is one of those cozy, no-fuss meals that makes your house smell amazing while it cooks. The pork turns out juicy and tender, and the apples melt into a delicious sauce. Best part? You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy nights!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 (1.5–2 lb) pork tenderloin
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce, optional)
Tools
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
Pro Tips
✔️ Use the right apples. Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their shape and add the perfect sweetness. Avoid Red Delicious—they turn mushy!
✔️ Brown the pork first. It’s optional, but searing the tenderloin in a hot pan before slow cooking gives it extra flavor.
✔️ Don’t overcook! Pork tenderloin is best at 145°F. Check with a meat thermometer for juicy results.
✔️ Make extra sauce. Double the apple cider mix if you love a rich, spoonable sauce!
✔️ Let it rest. Rest the pork for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Substitutions & Variations
🔹 Swap the cider. No apple cider? Use chicken broth with a splash of apple juice.
🔹 Try pears instead. Swap apples for sliced pears for a slightly different flavor.
🔹 Make it creamy. Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
🔹 Spice it up. Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice the apples and onions the night before and store them in the fridge.
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a small jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Make It
1️⃣ Sear the Pork (Optional)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
Place the sliced apples and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seared pork tenderloin on top.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the pork reaches 145°F.
5️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Remove the pork and let it rest. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 5 minutes until thickened.
6️⃣ Slice & Serve
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, spoon the apple-onion sauce over the top, and serve warm.
Leftovers & Storage
🥡 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze sliced pork with sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Time to Dig In!
This slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples is the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually super easy. The pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the apple sauce is pure magic. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Got questions or a fun twist you tried? I’d love to hear it! 🍏🥩✨
