Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Just 4 Ingredients
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Just 4 Ingredients
Some of the best meals come from the simplest ideas. This slow cooker pork tenderloin is living proof that you do not need a long list of ingredients or an afternoon chained to the stove to put something truly special on the dinner table. Just four humble ingredients, one trusty slow cooker, and a few hours of hands-off cooking are all it takes to create a meal so tender and juicy that everyone at the table will think you worked on it all day long.
Whether you are juggling a busy weeknight or just want a no-fuss Sunday supper, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with almost zero effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen will smell amazing and your family will already be asking what is for dessert.
Why Pork Tenderloin Works So Well in a Slow Cooker
Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, which means it can dry out quickly if cooked too fast at high heat. The slow cooker solves that problem beautifully. The low, steady heat gently breaks down the muscle fibers over time, and the moisture stays locked right inside the pot. The result is melt-in-your-mouth pork that slices like butter and practically falls apart on the fork.
Ingredients
- 1 whole pork tenderloin (approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Method
- Place the whole pork tenderloin directly into the bottom of your slow cooker insert, just as you see it in the image above. There is no need to sear or brown it first, though you certainly can if you prefer a little extra color on the outside.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix, the cream of mushroom soup, and the chicken broth until combined into a smooth sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the pork tenderloin, making sure it coats all sides and pools around the bottom of the meat.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is cooked through and tender enough to shred or slice easily.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the tenderloin carefully and allow it to rest for about five minutes before slicing. Spoon the rich, savory gravy that has formed in the bottom of the pot generously over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pork tenderloin is wonderful served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy white rice so that every drop of that incredible gravy gets soaked up. A side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal perfectly and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Tips for the Best Results
For even more flavor, you can rub the tenderloin lightly with a little garlic powder and black pepper before placing it in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker gravy at the end, simply transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan, whisk in a cornstarch slurry, and heat it over medium until it thickens to your liking. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day and make fantastic sandwiches.
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