The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (2024)

Bless This Mess Recipes Easy Dinners Pork

By Melissa

on Sep 20, 2018, Updated Oct 28, 2022

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Slow cooker pork tenderloin and potatoes make the perfect simple dinner with moist and flavorful pork and crispy potatoes.

Table of Contents

  • Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
  • Why I Love This Pork Tenderloin Recipe
  • Tips and Tricks for Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes:
  • Do you put water in a slow cooker with pork?
  • When should I put potatoes in a slow cooker?
  • What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
  • Can you cook pork in a slow cooker without liquid?
  • Love Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes? You might also like these:
  • Sides that go great with pork and potatoes:
  • Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe

The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (2)
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes

You all know I adore and live for a solid slow cooker recipe, and this one is here to woo and wow you. It’s a simple meal, but don’t let that discourage you from firing up the slow cooker and giving it a try. What it offers in flavor and heartiness makes it seem like a much more complicated recipe than it actually is!

But because it’s SO simple and so satisfying, I’m certain it’ll become one of those meals you make again and again. The cook time is about 4 hours, so it’s perfect to throw into the crockpot right before the kids come clamoring in the door after school. It’s also ideal for Sunday meals — I let it cook away and work its magic while we go to church, OR I put it on after church and take a nap!

What a dream life, right? Slow cookers are just little miracle workers in that way, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this miracle meal.

Why I Love This Pork Tenderloin Recipe

I also loveSlow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes because you cook the potatoes in a foil pouch instead of all together. The slow cooker cooks the potatoes perfectly but they don’t get soggy because they aren’t sitting in juices. You can use whatever potatoes you like and you can even use sweet potatoes or winter squash; they all work well. I love that you can cook your main dish pork tenderloin and the side dish at the same time. I just added some green beans and frozen peaches to the table and we had an easy and well-rounded dinner on the table in no time. Pro Tip: turn the leftover juices into gravy! Directions in the recipe notes.

The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (3)

Tips and Tricks for Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes:

  • The key to having the pork and potatoes finish cooking at the same time is the size of the potatoes. 1 to 1/2 inch cubes are ideal for perfectly cooked potatoes. You can sub the potatoes for sweet potatoes or winter squash, too! (I tried butternut squash mixed with a few chopped apples the other day and it was excellent with the flavorful pork!)
  • Mix up the fresh herbs you add to the potatoes based on what’s growing in your garden and what you like. Fresh dill and chives are also delicious.
  • The juice that is left in the bottom of the slow cooker is delicious. Strain it and serve it “au jus” style, or add it to a sauce pan to make a gravy. Just add 3 tablespoons cold water and 1 tablespoon corn starch to a small bowl and whisk together to make a slurry. Bring the juice to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened, making a simple gravy for the pork and potatoes.
  • An instant-read thermometer will change your meat cooking game. I highly recommend getting one. Lots of slow cookers also come with a cooking probe that will alert you when a predetermined temperature is reached. Either will work well for this recipe.
  • For juicy, perfectly cooked pork, 145°F is the magic number. After meat gets to that temperature, and after a 3-minute rest, your fresh pork is ready and you have a juicy, tender, delicious meal.

The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (4)
Do you put water in a slow cooker with pork?

For this recipe, you don’t need water or broth of any kind for the pork. All you’ll need is a few seasonings, some soy sauce, and some Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes do call for more liquid for extra-moist meat, but this recipe yields very tender and moist meat without all of that!

When should I put potatoes in a slow cooker?

I add the potatoes right after I place the onion and tenderloin in the crockpot. Put the onions and meat on one side, and then put your tightly sealed foil packet filled with chopped potatoes and some butter on the other side before cooking on low for about 4 hours.

What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin and loin are two different parts of the animal. Tenderloin is thinner and smaller, and yields a leaner cut of meat, while loin is wide enough to cut steak-like piece of it. You cook them a lot differently, too, since they’re much different sizes and thickness. Make sure you snag a tenderloin for this recipe!

Can you cook pork in a slow cooker without liquid?

I always think you should add at least a little bit of liquid since the main idea behind slow cookers is to cook the meat for a low and slow period of time. Without any additional liquid, there’s a higher chance of the meat drying out, which nobody wants. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire and soy sauce are what I use in this recipe to add some nice moisture and flavor!

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The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (5)

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes

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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Melissa Griffiths – Bless this Mess
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
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Description

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes make the perfect simple dinner with moist and flavorful pork and crisp potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 Smithfield Prime Pork Tenderloin (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 13 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small to medium onion cut into 4 large slices
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds of potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoon butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • additional salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Open the package of pork and remove one tenderloin. Save the second for another meal. Place the pork on a large plate.
  2. Mix together the salt, rosemary, celery seed, black pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the pork all over with the olive oil and then coat it well with the spice mixture on all sides.
  4. Place the sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker, favoring one side of the slow cooker, and then place the pork on top of the onion.
  5. Gently drizzle the soy sauce andWorcestershire sauce over the pork.
  6. Use a large piece of foil to make a pocket for the potatoes next to the pork. Be careful to make it large enough so that the pork juice won’t get into the foil.
  7. Fill the foil with the cubed potatoes and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  8. The pork should be off to one side but not completely touching the side of the slow cooker.
  9. Add the lid and cook for 3.5 to 4 hours on LOW or until the pork registers 145 degrees using an instant-read thermometer or the probe on your slow cooker.
  10. When the pork is cooked through, remove from the oven and allow to rest for 3 minutes.
  11. While the pork is resting, place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, chopped parsley and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
  12. Slice the pork and place it on a serving platter. Serve right away with buttered potatoes on the side.

Notes

  • The key to having the pork and potatoes finish cooking at the same time is the size of the potatoes. 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes are ideal for perfectly cooked potatoes.
  • Mix up the fresh herbs you add to the potatoes based on what’s growing in your garden and what you like. Fresh dill and chives are also delicious.
  • The juice that is left in the bottom of the slow cooker is delicious. Strain it and serve it “au jus” style or add it to a sauce pan to make a gravy. Add 3 tablespoons cold water and 1 tablespoon corn starch to a small bowl and whisk together to make a slurry. Bring the juice to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened, making a simple gravy for the pork and potatoes.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (6)

Long live the ease of a slow cooker, cooking the side and main at the same time, and delicious high quality pork that is the star of the show!

Love Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes? You might also like these:

  • Brown Sugar and Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  • Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
  • Pork Tenderloin for Tacos in the Crock Pot
  • BBQ Pork Tenderloin in the Crock Pot
  • Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa
  • Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Cajun Beans and Rice Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
  • Easy Crispy Instant Pot Pork Taco Recipe
  • The Ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich

Sides that go great with pork and potatoes:

  • My favorite Easy Cornbread Recipe
  • Deli-Style Broccoli Salad
  • Green Beans with Butter and Bacon

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated and rephotographed in July 2019.

This easy slow cooker pork and potato recipe is one of my favorite slow cooker meals to throw in the crock pot at lunch and forget about it until dinner. And I LOVE that the potatoes cook right along with the meat but the flavors stay separate.

About Melissa

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The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

Is it better to cook pork on high or low in slow cooker? ›

The Slow Cooker as a Tool for Braising

You can even leave your house. Set the cooker to low; the high setting will boil the meat instead of braise it, so it's only a quicker trip to an undesirable outcome.

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out? ›

Tips for baking the best pork tenderloin
  1. Do not overcook it. As with any lean cut of meat, if it is overcooked, it will be dry. ...
  2. Use an instant-read meat thermometer. ...
  3. Sear the pork before you bake it. ...
  4. Add a little liquid. ...
  5. Pour a little apple cider vinegar over the pork.
Jun 1, 2020

Should you sear pork before slow cooking? ›

Preparing the pork

I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don't have enough time.

Why is my pork tough in the slow cooker? ›

Add Just Enough Liquid

If you want the dish to be saucy, or you're making a beef stew, add enough liquid to come about 1/3 of the way up on the meats in the slow cooker. This allows your meat to braise, not boil. Boiling creates tough meat!

Which part of pork is best for slow cooker? ›

The Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork

You can find bone-in pork shoulders, though I prefer a boneless pork shoulder for more meat in my slow cooker. Choose a pork shoulder that's well marbled (for extra flavor), but not too much fat on the edges. You can trim any excess fat off as well.

Do I need to add liquid to slow cooker pork? ›

You don't need much liquid to slow cook pork since it releases juices while cooking when using the low setting. I use just enough to flavor the pork along with the reserved juices of the pork and serve the extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you wish to add liquid, you can add 1 cup of chicken broth.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

How do you keep pork from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

Cooking a lean roast like pork tenderloin in a slow cooker is tricky because it can quickly turn overcooked and dry. We discovered that nestling two tenderloins side by side, alternating the narrow and thicker ends, helped to insulate the meat and prevented it from overcooking.

Should you wash pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

How do you keep pork tenderloin moist? ›

Preparing the pork loin

However, when it comes to making a juicy and flavorful loin roast, there are a few general guidelines you can follow: Brine the pork to maintain moisture by soaking it in a mixture of salt and water, baking soda, vinegar or even milk.

Should I rotate pork in slow cooker? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer.

What happens if you don't brown meat before slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Should you flip meat in slow cooker? ›

For a stronger flavor, add garlic salt and/or onion salt. The amount of broth needed to cover half the roast will depend on size. To ensure even cooking, flip the roast once, preferably halfway through the cooking time. We err on the side of a LOW temp for a longer period of time to create tender, juicy servings.

Does pork get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

Pork shoulder might start out as a fatty, tough cut of meat, but cook it low and slow for a few hours and it will be transformed into tender, juicy shreds that fall apart with the touch of your fork.

Does cooking pork loin longer make it more tender? ›

Overcooking any meat dries it out. A pork loin roast is more tender and juicy when cooked to medium than when it is well done. If you're talking about a pork shoulder or pork butt, it is best braised low and slow to let the collagen soften. As soon as the meat pulls apart with a fork, it is done.

What is the best temperature to cook pork tenderloin? ›

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

Does pork get more tender the longer you simmer it? ›

A lean cut of pork does not get delicious like that, but it does get tender if you cook it long enough once you've gone past the point of cooking it until it's just done (around 140-145 degrees).

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