Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Fall Dinner
There’s something uniquely comforting about a slow cooker meal, especially on a lazy Sunday or a busy weeknight. The magic of “set it and forget it” allows you to wake up (or come home) to a house filled with an intoxicating aroma, knowing a delicious dinner is just waiting to be served. This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin recipe perfectly embodies that ethos, delivering an incredibly tender and flavorful pork dish with minimal effort. It’s a true game-changer for anyone seeking a hearty, sweet, and savory meal that practically cooks itself.
This particular pork tenderloin recipe was an instant favorite from the very first bite. The combination of sweet apples, rich brown sugar, and warm cinnamon creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. It’s not overly sweet, striking a beautiful balance that complements the natural savory notes of the pork. The result is a wonderfully succulent and tender piece of pork, infused with these delightful autumnal flavors. Beyond the taste, the added bonus of your home smelling absolutely divine, reminiscent of a crisp fall day, makes this dish an experience for all the senses.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?
The slow cooker is your secret weapon for achieving perfectly moist and tender pork tenderloin every time. Unlike other cooking methods that can easily dry out this lean cut of meat, the slow cooker provides a gentle, consistent heat that breaks down the fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This method also allows the flavors from the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to deeply penetrate the pork, creating a richer, more complex taste. It’s ideal for busy individuals or families who want a homemade meal without being tied to the kitchen for hours.
The Perfect Flavor Combination: Apples, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar
The star of this recipe, beyond the pork itself, is the incredible trio of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This combination isn’t just for desserts; it brings a fantastic depth to savory dishes, particularly with pork. The apples, especially a slightly tart variety like a Macintosh (as suggested in the recipe), provide a subtle sweetness and a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork. As they slowly cook, they soften and release their juices, mingling with the other ingredients to create a fragrant, slightly caramelized sauce.
Brown sugar adds a molasses-rich sweetness and helps to create that beautiful, slight glaze on the pork, while cinnamon infuses a warm, inviting spice that evokes feelings of comfort and autumn. Together, these ingredients transform a simple pork tenderloin into a gourmet-tasting dish that feels both comforting and special. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Pork Tenderloin with Apples, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 2.5-3 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1.5 T brown sugar
- 1 apple cut into thin slices, any apple is fine, choose your favorite. I used a Macintosh
- 1 t cinnamon
Instructions
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Carefully slice the pork tenderloin all the way down, making cuts about 3/4 inch apart. These slits will hold the apple slices and allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
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Evenly rub the brown sugar over the entire surface of the tenderloin, ensuring it gets into the cuts. Then, fill each cut with 1-2 thin slices of apple. If your apple is particularly large, one slice per cut might be sufficient. Finish by sprinkling the cinnamon generously over the pork and apples.
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Pour the vegetable broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. Carefully place the prepared pork tenderloin into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3.5-4 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork. Each 4oz serving is approximately 4sp or 4pp.
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Nutritional info (not including apple) per 4oz serving: Calories 184; Fat 6.9g; Saturated fat 2.4g; Carbs 2.8g; Fiber 0.2g; Sugars 2.5g; Protein 26.2g.
Additional Info
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
- Choose Your Apple Wisely: While the recipe suggests Macintosh, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Firmer, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide a good balance to the sweetness. Softer apples will break down more, creating a thicker sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your pork tenderloin fits comfortably in your slow cooker without being overly crammed. This allows for even cooking and better flavor distribution.
- Check for Doneness: Pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out if overcooked. While the suggested cooking time is 3.5-4 hours on low, actual times can vary by slow cooker. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the tenderloin. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Searing (Optional, but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust, consider searing the pork tenderloin in a hot pan for a few minutes on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker. This step locks in juices and adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with slow cooking alone.
- Making it a Complete Meal: This versatile pork pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices, roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy rice, a simple green salad, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This slow cooker pork tenderloin is fantastic for meal prepping. You can easily prepare a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. Store any remaining pork and its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Beyond being a delightful main course, leftover apple cinnamon pork tenderloin can be repurposed creatively. Shred the pork and serve it in sliders with a dollop of coleslaw, or incorporate it into a hearty salad for a quick and flavorful lunch. You could even use it as a filling for wraps or quesadillas, adding a unique sweet and savory twist.
A Must-Try for Fall and Beyond
While the warm spices and fruity notes make this dish particularly appealing during the autumn months, it’s truly a recipe to enjoy year-round. Its simplicity and comforting nature make it perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a small gathering with friends. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish cooks is a reward in itself, promising a meal that is both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.
So, if you’re looking for a new favorite slow cooker recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss, look no further. This Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin is not only a fantastic way to enjoy tender pork but also a culinary experience that will leave you and your loved ones feeling nourished and content. Give it a try, and let the magic of your slow cooker transform your dinner plans!