Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
Let me introduce my crockpot pork tenderloin, slow cooked in a deliciously sweet and savory BBQ style sauce! I’m always looking for new crockpot ideas that make weeknights so much easier, and this is one right here needs to go on your list! Because pork tenderloin is a naturally lean cut, it’s a lighter option that still delivers plenty of flavor, especially after soaking up the sauce as it cooks. It’s an easy way to get a comforting, satisfying meal on the table without relying on heavier cuts of meat. I think you’ll love it!
While you’re here, make sure you take a look at more of my reader favorite crockpot recipes, including crockpot Mexican pulled pork, crockpot pork chops & stuffing, crockpot creamy ranch pork chops, crockpot lasagna soup, crockpot chicken parmesan, and crockpot cheeseburger soup!
Ingredients
Looking for the printable recipe card? It’s at the bottom of this post!
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Pork tenderloin: Make sure you’re using pork tenderloin (not pork loin). Tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, which keeps it juicy in the slow cooker.
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Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that builds the base flavor without overpowering the sauce.
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Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick. Adjust up or down depending on your heat preference.
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Dried parsley: Light, herby seasoning that complements the pork without competing with the BBQ sauce.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
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Beef broth: Adds savory richness and keeps the pork moist as it cooks.
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BBQ sauce: The main flavor driver. Use your favorite brand since the taste really comes through.
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Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami, helping round out the sweet BBQ flavors.
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Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the sauce and helps it thicken slightly as it cooks.
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Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce. Use less for a thinner sauce or more if you like it extra glossy.
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Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh finish and a little color right before serving.
How To Make Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
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Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the tenderloins.
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Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
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Slice the tenderloins just before serving and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
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Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so treat the cooking time as a guideline. The best way to know it’s ready is to use a meat thermometer and aim for 145°F.
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Use 2 teaspoons cornstarch for a thinner, more pourable sauce, or 4 teaspoons if you prefer it thicker and more spoonable.
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If the sauce thickens more than you’d like, simply whisk in a little extra broth until it reaches the right consistency.
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This recipe works well with potatoes cooked right in the slow cooker. Baby potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon golds are all great options.
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Carrots and onions also cook beautifully alongside the pork and make this an easy one-pot meal!
Why This Recipe Works
A quick overview of the science behind this recipe! Pork tenderloin is lean, so it benefits from a flavorful, moisture-rich cooking environment. The slow cooker gently cooks the pork just until tender without drying it out, while the broth, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce create a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Cornstarch thickens the sauce as it cooks, giving you a glossy finish that clings to the sliced pork. Using a thermometer ensures the pork stays juicy, and letting the sauce do the heavy lifting means big flavor with very little effort.
Serving Ideas
This pork tenderloin is easy to serve a few different ways, depending on the kind of meal you’re going for. Slice it and spoon the sauce over the top, then pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up all that extra flavor. It also works well with roasted or steamed vegetables, or alongside a simple salad for balance. If you cooked potatoes and veggies right in the slow cooker, you’ve got a complete, low-effort dinner ready to go.
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin two pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2-4 teaspoons corn starch
- Chopped parsley for topping
Instructions
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the tenderloins.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Slice the tenderloins just before serving and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
This is one of those slow cooker dinners that earns a regular spot in the rotation! It’s easy, dependable, and the kind of meal that feels comforting without being complicated. Whether you serve it with potatoes, veggies, or straight from the crockpot on a busy night, it’s a recipe that just works. Enjoy, and please do let me know what you think once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps me to create more recipes you’ll love.
