If you’re craving a comforting dish that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, this Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced charm of apple pie filling and caramelized onions, slow-cooked to perfection so every bite sings with flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make but delivers a taste that feels both homey and special, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this magical meal. Each component plays a key role—from the succulent pork tenderloin to the sweet apple pie filling and tangy mustard, every element shapes the tenderloin’s incredible balance of savory and sweet.
- 3 lb pork tenderloin: The star of the dish, a lean and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a savory base that perfectly complements the fruitiness.
- 15 oz can of apple pie filling: Brings that signature sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor that makes this pork dish unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Offers a mild tanginess that cuts through the sweetness for a balanced taste.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami richness, enriching the pork’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps create a luscious glaze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Start by slicing your yellow onion into even rings, then spread them out evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This bed of onions will not only keep the pork tenderloin from sticking but also infuse every bite with gentle sweetness as it cooks down.
Step 2: Position the Pork Tenderloin
Place the whole pork tenderloin directly on top of the onion layer. This method allows the heat and flavors to surround the pork evenly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Toppings
Pour the apple pie filling over the pork, making sure to cover it well. Follow with spoonfuls of yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar spread evenly on top. This combo forms a delicious, sticky glaze that caramelizes slowly, tying together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your Crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for about 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method breaks down the pork fibers, making it incredibly tender and easy to slice with just a fork when it’s ready.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Once cooked, carefully slice the tender pork and serve it topped with the warm apple and onion sauce that’s accumulated at the bottom of the slow cooker. The sauce is where all the magic happens, adding moisture and flavor that elevates each mouthful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a vibrant pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce. You could also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This pork tenderloin pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, make for a nutritious, flavorful complement that balances out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, simply plate slices of the pork tenderloin alongside your favorite sides and drizzle with sauce. For a casual gathering, serve the tenderloin sliced thin in warm sandwiches or sliders using soft rolls – the sweet apple pie flavors make for an unforgettable handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pork tenderloin and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy reheated lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve that juicy texture and vibrant flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, covered, to keep the pork tender and the sauce luscious. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh apples will give you a less sweet but more natural apple flavor. Just be sure to peel, core, and slice them thinly; adding a bit of cinnamon and sugar will help mimic that cozy apple pie taste.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand?
You can substitute with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain the umami profile. They won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll still add great depth to the dish.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity without overcrowding. If needed, cook in batches or use multiple slow cookers to keep the delicious flavors intact.
Is pork tenderloin the best cut for this recipe?
Pork tenderloin works best because it’s lean and cooks evenly in the slow cooker. You could try pork loin as a substitute, but it might require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
Can I add other spices or herbs to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the apple pie flavors, while herbs like rosemary or sage complement pork beautifully. Feel free to experiment to make the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe is truly a game changer for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, not just for its fantastic flavor and tender texture but for how effortlessly it brings warmth and comfort to your table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorite recipes to share with friends and family.
Print
Slow Cooker Apple Pie Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on 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 where tender pork is slow-cooked with sweet apple pie filling, onions, and a blend of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. The slow cooking method infuses the pork with rich, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Produce
- 3 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
Condiments and Sauces
- 15 oz can of apple pie filling
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Slice the onion thinly and spread it evenly across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This layer will infuse the pork with a sweet and savory aroma as it cooks.
- Add the pork: Place the entire 3-pound pork tenderloin directly on top of the bed of sliced onions in the slow cooker, ensuring good contact for flavor absorption.
- Combine the sauce and cook: In a bowl, mix the apple pie filling, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin, covering it thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily slices with a fork.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the tenderloin and slice it into serving portions. Spoon the delicious apple and onion sauce from the crockpot over the slices. Serve warm and enjoy the harmonious sweet and savory flavor combination.
Notes
- This recipe can be doubled if your slow cooker has the capacity.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reduces to desired consistency.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
