Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dinner featuring juicy pork slowly cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. The pork tenderloin becomes incredibly tender as it cooks, while garlic, butter, broth, herbs, and seasonings create a savory sauce that keeps every bite moist and flavorful. A quick sear before slow cooking gives the tenderloin a beautifully browned exterior and adds extra depth to the sauce. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or family gatherings because the slow cooker handles most of the work. Serve the sliced pork with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious buttery cooking juices.

Ingredients For the Pork

• 2 pork tenderloins, about 1–1½ pounds each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Pork
   Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides of the pork.
2. Sear the Tenderloin
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for approximately 2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and color.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
   Place the browned pork tenderloins into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the pork, turning the tenderloins once so they are coated with the sauce.
5. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 2–3 hours, checking early depending on the thickness of the tenderloins and your slow cooker. Pork tenderloin is lean and can become dry if cooked for too long. Cook until the thickest part reaches at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
6. Rest the Pork
   Carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board. Loosely cover with foil and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps retain the flavorful juices.
7. Finish and Serve
   Slice the pork into thick medallions and spoon plenty of warm garlic butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

Tips:

• Pork tenderloin and pork loin are different cuts, so make sure you are using tenderloin for these cooking times.
• Avoid overcooking because tenderloin is naturally lean.
• Searing is optional but gives the pork a more appetizing browned exterior.
• Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
• For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer briefly with a cornstarch slurry.
• Spoon some sauce over the pork just before serving for an extra juicy finish.
  Notes:
  Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Store the pork with some of its cooking liquid to help prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently rather than at very high heat.
  Q&A:
  Can I put raw pork directly into the slow cooker?
  Yes. Searing isn’t required for safety, but browning the tenderloin first adds more flavor and color.
  Can I cook it on HIGH?
  Yes, but pork tenderloin cooks quickly and can dry out. If using HIGH, begin checking for doneness around 1–1½ hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of the meat.
  What should I serve with it?
  Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad all pair beautifully with garlic butter pork.
  Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
  Yes. Onions and mushrooms work especially well. Dense vegetables such as potatoes and carrots may require more cooking time than the tenderloin.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 2–3 hours on LOW
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 330 | Protein: 39g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 17g | Sugar: 3g
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin is an easy family dinner with juicy pork, rich buttery garlic flavor, and a savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over your favorite sides.