Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin – A Juicy, Effortless Family Dinner
Recipe for A Tender, Flavor-Packed Meal with Minimal Effort
Picture this: you walk through the door after a long day, and the warm, inviting aroma of garlic, rosemary, and thyme fills your kitchen. Your family gathers around, eager to dig into a perfectly cooked, juicy pork tenderloin that took you mere minutes to prepare. That’s the magic of this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin—an effortless yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a cozy Sunday supper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you tackle your to-do list.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Healthy & Hearty: High in protein, low in carbs, and full of wholesome goodness.
- Versatile Pairing: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a rich tangy touch)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for a rich, silky finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Step 1: Prep Your Tenderloin
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the pork, ensuring every inch is coated with flavor.
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended!)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in juices and enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Pour over the pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender and juicy.
Step 4: Add the Buttery Finish
Once done, remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes. Stir butter into the remaining juices in the slow cooker for a rich, flavorful sauce. Slice the tenderloin and drizzle with the sauce before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate values for 4 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve
This slow cooker pork tenderloin is incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Classic comfort food that soaks up the delicious sauce.
🥦 Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A crispy, caramelized veggie option.
🍚 Herbed Quinoa or Rice Pilaf – A light and nutritious choice.
🥗 Crisp Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich pork.
Pro Tips for Beginners
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
- Searing is Worth It: A quick sear adds depth of flavor and an irresistible crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the meat rest keeps it juicy and tender.
- Make It a Meal Prep Hero: Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, wraps, or salads!
Love Slow Cooker Recipes? Get More Delicious Ideas!
If you love this effortless pork recipe, you’ll adore the “35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes” cookbook by Jean Pardue! Packed with mouthwatering ideas for every occasion, it’s a must-have for home cooks who crave easy, flavorful meals.
👉 Get your copy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009KX8G68
With this Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Try cooking it tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
