This easy Pork Tenderloin is easy, can be made ahead of time, and it's virtually hands-off, thanks to the magic process of cooking the pork in a crock pot. This recipe will give you tender and juicy pork that looks and tastes like it was made at your favorite Italian restaurant.
Using a slow cooker for lean meats, like this ultra-lean pork tenderloin, keeps it moist without adding extra fat! Additionally, this is a fantastic meal prep recipe because it stores very well in the delicious sauce that it is cooked in. Obviously, you'll want to make this week after week after you try this flavorful recipe!
If you're looking for the perfect side dish that will pair particularly well with flavorful pork, then try my Crispy Air Fried Parmesan Potatoes or citrus arugula salad.
Ingredients
- pork tenderloin
- olive oil
- fresh thyme
- salt
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- brown sugar
- pepper
- Rosemary
- cinnamon
- chicken broth
- soy sauce
- molasses
- red wine vinegar
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the pork:
- First, pat dry pork tenderloins with paper towels, and let pork sit at room temp for 30 minutes (if you have time) prior to cooking. This will ensure that you get a nice sear on the tenderloin and will keep the cooking time as stated in the recipe.
- Second, combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl, then stir to combine.
- Third, sprinkle the rub over the pork and use your hands to massage the rub this into all sides of the pork.
- Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat until very hot. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before you add the oil and pork to get the best sear on the pork. After the pan is hot, add olive oil and swirl in pan to distribute evenly, then add pork and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown
Make the sauce:
- Next, Combine the sauce ingredients in a measuring cup and stir well.
Cook the pork:
- First, add the sauce mixture to the crock pot.
- Next, place the pork into a crock pot.
- Then, add the fresh thyme to the crock pot. *You can add whole sprigs of thyme, instead of chopping it if you'd like, just remember to pull the stems out of the sauce once you're done cooking the pork.
- After, cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 -3 hours.
- Then, cook pork to an internal temp or 145°F if you are slicing.
- Next, allow pork to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board once it's pulled from the crock prior to slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep your pork moist.
- Lastly, if you would like to shred the pork instead of slicing, cook to 165°F about 1-2 hours longer. Pork will be a drier texture but will stay wonderfully moist in the sauce.
Substitutions
You can certainly substitute any of your favorite seasoning blends, such as barbecue seasoning, and change the vinegar to apple cider vinegar for a delicious barbeque pulled pork. Additionally, you can also swap out the pork for chicken or beef.
Equipment
A slow cooker or instant pot is recommended for this recipe. However, you can oven-braise the pork by using a cast iron Dutch oven with a lid. After, preheat the oven to 350°F and follow all recipe instructions up to adding the pork to the slow cooker. Next, put the tenderloin and sauce in the Dutch oven, lid on, and then cook for 2-2.5 hours. Additionally, check the liquid level in the pork after 1 hour and add chicken stock if the level is particularly low.
Storage
Store the cooked tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Additionally, you can freeze the tenderloin in sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Rub for tenderloin:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the pork:
- First, pat dry pork tenderloins with paper towels, and let pork sit at room temp for 30 minutes (if you have time) prior to cooking. This will ensure that you get a nice sear on the tenderloin and will keep the cooking time as stated in the recipe.
- Second, combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl, then stir to combine.
- Third, sprinkle the rub over the pork and use your hands to massage the rub this into all sides of the pork.
- Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat until very hot. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before you add the oil and pork to get the best sear on the pork. After the pan is hot, add olive oil and swirl in pan to distribute evenly, then add pork and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Make the sauce:
- Combine the sauce ingredients into a measuring cup and stir well.
Cook the pork:
- First, add the sauce mixture to the crock pot.
- Next, place pork into crock pot.
- Then, add the fresh thyme to the crock pot. *You can add whole sprigs of thyme, instead of chopping it if you'd like, just remember to pull the stems out of the sauce once you're done cooking the pork.
- Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 -3 hours.
- Cook pork to an internal temp or 145°F if you are slicing.
- Allow pork to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board once it's pulled from the crock prior to slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep your pork moist.
- If you would like to shred the pork instead of slicing, cook to 165°F about 1-2 hours longer. Pork will be a drier texture but will stay wonderfully moist in the sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Genevieve says
Pork tenderloin is so good and I love that you use balsamic vinegar! I want to make this for our Christmas dinner! Yummy!
Nicole Kendrick says
Such a perfect option for getting to celebrate around the table! Merry Christmas! -NK
Sophia says
This pork tenderloin is so good and juicy. Thanks for sharing my, family loved it.
Nicole Kendrick says
I hope you and your family have a lovely holidays! Thanks for stopping by Golden Grace Kitchen! -NK
Jacqui says
Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts to feed a large number and ths recipe is so easy and hands off. Perfect for entertaining.
Nicole Kendrick says
I also love making this for guests! Thanks for stopping by! -NK
Victoria says
My family loved this! The pork turned out suuuuper tender and oh so delicious!
Nicole Kendrick says
Nothing makes me happier than helping feed your family! Sending you all my very best! - NK
Liz says
SO delicious! I'm always looking for new pork tenderloin recipes to try and this was definitely a winner!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thanks, Liz! You are so sweet for all the kind words!
Anna says
This recipe is sooo easy!
Nicole Kendrick says
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks, Anna!
Mindy says
This crock pot pork tenderloin is tender, juicy, and effortless. It tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Nicole Kendrick says
As an Italian myself, you don't know how much this means to me! Thank you so much! -NK
Lia says
The balsamic sauce with thyme totally stole the show, and I even swapped my usual side of rice for some roasted veggies to soak up every bit of it.
Nicole Kendrick says
What a fun and healthy way to enjoy! From my family to yours, thank you!
Paula says
This pork tenderloin was so juicy! Loved the seasoning combination of the rub too.
Jaleah says
This pork tenderloin is so easy to make! It’s the perfect family dinner.
Swathi says
Easy Pork Tenderlion is so good, so juicy and tender perfect meal idea.
Krystle says
So tender and flavorful. I'll always use the crock pot when cooking pork tenderloin from now on!
Brenda Frauenhoff says
I tried this recipe and wasn't sure what to expect, Balsamic chicken without balsamic vinegar as an ingredient. This was delicious! The entire family loved this and it was simple to make. I would highly recommend this recipe. You won't be disappointed!
NKendrick says
Brenda, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I am so happy to hear that the family enjoyed the pork tenderloin.