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Easy Crockpot Apple Butter Pork Tenderloin

crockpot apple butter pork tenderloin - featured image
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A simple, no-sear slow cooker recipe where pork tenderloin is cooked with apple butter, broth, and pantry spices until fork-tender and flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional, for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork (5 minutes): Place pork tenderloin on a cutting board. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim any silver skin or excess fat. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Make the Sauce (3 minutes): In a small bowl, combine apple butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup of the chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
  3. Layer the Onions (2 minutes): Spread sliced onions evenly across the bottom of your crockpot.
  4. Add the Pork (1 minute): Place seasoned pork tenderloin on top of the onions. Pour remaining ¼ cup chicken broth around the meat, not over it.
  5. Slather the Apple Butter Mixture (2 minutes): Spread apple butter mixture generously over the top and sides of the pork. Tuck fresh thyme sprigs around the meat.
  6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  7. Rest the Meat (10 minutes): Carefully transfer pork to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Make the Sauce (5 minutes, optional): While pork rests, strain cooking liquid into a small saucepan. If desired, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into simmering liquid. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Slice and Serve (3 minutes): Slice pork against the grain into ½-inch thick medallions. Drizzle with sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the onion bed—it prevents the pork from getting mushy. Use a meat thermometer to pull the pork at 145°F for best results. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot pork tenderloin, apple butter pork, slow cooker pork, easy pork recipe, fall dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-crockpot-apple-butter-pork-tenderloin-recipe/