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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Red Pepper Jelly Glaze

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is an absolute game-changer for your weeknight dinners. It’s incredibly melt-in-your-mouth tender and remarkably juicy, bathed in an unforgettable tangy, slightly spicy sauce crafted with red pepper jelly that will have your family asking for seconds. Serve this exquisite dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans for a complete, comforting meal that promises to delight everyone at the table.

Welcome, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a slow cooker recipe that is destined to become a staple on your weekly meal plan. If you’re seeking a dish that combines maximum flavor with minimal effort, look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin. It’s so effortlessly prepared that once you experience the juicy, tender results from your slow cooker, you might never prepare pork tenderloin any other way.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe

In our busy lives, the slow cooker stands out as a true culinary hero. It offers a convenient, hands-off approach to cooking that consistently delivers delicious, comforting meals. This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe perfectly embodies all the reasons why we cherish our slow cookers, making it an indispensable addition to your collection.

Unmatched Convenience: Life gets hectic, and sometimes, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you simply gather your ingredients, pop them into the slow cooker, and let the appliance do all the heavy lifting. It truly is a “set it and forget it” meal, freeing up your precious time for other activities or simply relaxing.
Irresistible Flavor Profile: The star of this dish is undoubtedly its sensational sauce. It strikes a perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and just a hint of spice, creating a complex flavor that complements the pork beautifully. The red pepper jelly brings a unique sweetness and subtle heat, while the chili and BBQ sauces add depth and smokiness. Dijon mustard provides a savory tang that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Incredibly Tender and Juicy Results: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, which can sometimes dry out if not cooked properly. However, the slow cooking method ensures that the pork cooks gently in its flavorful sauce, resulting in unbelievably tender, moist, and juicy meat every single time. It literally melts in your mouth!
A Wholesome Family Meal: Pork tenderloin is often referred to as “the other white meat” because it’s a lean and healthy protein option. This recipe transforms it into a hearty, satisfying, and flavorful meal that everyone in the family, even the pickiest eaters, will enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to serve a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
Versatile Serving Options: While it pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes and green beans, this pork tenderloin is also wonderfully versatile. It can be served with rice, roasted root vegetables, a fresh salad, or even turned into delicious sandwiches the next day.

This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about simplifying your life while still delivering an extraordinary culinary experience. Get ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again!

Key Ingredients You’ll Need for This Flavorful Dish

The beauty of this slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish so special.

Pork Tenderloins: The star of the show. We recommend using two tenderloins, typically around 1-1.5 pounds each. Look for lean, firm cuts. Trimming any silver skin or excess fat before cooking will ensure the most tender results.
Red Pepper Jelly: This is the secret ingredient that truly elevates the sauce. It provides a unique sweet and tangy base with a gentle, subtle heat. I personally love Stonewall Kitchen’s Red Pepper Jelly for its consistent quality and flavor. If you’re new to red pepper jelly, be prepared to be amazed by its versatility!
Heinz Chili Sauce: Don’t confuse this with hot sauce! Heinz Chili Sauce is a mild, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce that adds a wonderful depth and savory note without overwhelming heat. It’s a classic ingredient in many slow cooker glazes.
BBQ Sauce (Your Favorite): The choice of BBQ sauce allows you to personalize this dish. I highly recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s Original for its balanced sweet and smoky profile, which harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients. Feel free to use your preferred brand – whether it’s a spicier variety, a Carolina gold, or a Kansas City-style sauce, it will add a lovely layer of flavor.
Dijon Mustard: A spoonful of Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness of the jellies and sauces, adding complexity and a gourmet touch to the glaze.
Cayenne Powder: For just a touch of warmth and gentle heat. Adjust the amount to your personal preference – a quarter teaspoon offers a subtle kick, but you can increase it for more spice or omit it if you prefer no heat at all.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork itself, enhancing its natural flavors before it bathes in the delicious sauce.
Dried Parsley (for garnish): While optional, a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.

I’ve been quite fond of red pepper jelly lately, and for good reason! Its vibrant flavor is simply addictive. If you missed my Slow Cooker Red Pepper Jelly Cocktail Meatballs recipe from a few weeks back, I highly recommend checking out that super simple appetizer—it’s perfect for game days or holiday gatherings. It was actually my inspiration for this pork tenderloin recipe; I’m always looking for creative ways to infuse our pork with an extra “zing,” and this incredible sauce delivers without a doubt.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Your Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Achieving a succulent, flavor-packed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is simpler than you might imagine. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a truly memorable meal.

Prepare and Season the Pork: Begin by patting your pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Season both tenderloins generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Place the seasoned pork tenderloins directly into your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. If your tenderloins are particularly long, you may cut them in half to fit comfortably in the slow cooker.
Whisk the Tangy Glaze: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the red pepper jelly, Heinz chili sauce, your favorite BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is where all the magic happens!
Pour and Cook: Carefully pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. The precise cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, but generally, 4 hours on low yields perfect results. To confirm doneness, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork should register at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Slice and Return to Sauce: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, carefully remove the tenderloins from the slow cooker and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into medallions, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the pork remains incredibly moist. After slicing, return the pork medallions back into the slow cooker with the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): For an even more luxurious dining experience, I highly recommend thickening the sauce. To do this, carefully ladle some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan (you’ll need about 1-2 cups). In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of the sauce until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the reserved sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness. Once thickened, pour this rich, glossy sauce back over the pork slices in the slow cooker and gently toss until all the pork is beautifully coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the coated pork slices to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh or dried parsley. Serve immediately with any remaining thickened sauce on the side. It’s absolutely delicious with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, a personal favorite of my husband, Tom. I’m confident you and your family will enjoy it just as much!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

To ensure your Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Choosing Your Red Pepper Jelly: The quality of your red pepper jelly significantly impacts the final flavor. I personally used a 13-ounce jar of Red Pepper Jelly from Stonewall Kitchen for this recipe, and it delivered a fantastic balance of sweetness and a gentle kick. Feel free to experiment with other brands, but aim for one that you enjoy on its own.
Monitor Internal Temperature for Doneness: The most reliable way to know your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork; it should register at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). This temperature ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining wonderfully tender and juicy. After reaching this temperature, it’s recommended to let the pork rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Slow Cooker Variation in Cook Time: Every slow cooker is a little different, so the exact cooking time can vary. Generally, this recipe calls for approximately 4 hours on the LOW setting. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it on HIGH for about 2 to 2.5 hours, but be mindful that low and slow cooking often yields more tender results. I found 4 hours on low to be ideal for this recipe.
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Once the pork is cooked, transferring it to a cutting board and letting it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice, thus ensuring every piece is incredibly juicy.
Thickening the Sauce: While optional, thickening the sauce creates a richer, more luxurious glaze that clings beautifully to the pork. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step. For a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder. Whisk it with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the hot sauce until thickened.
Adjusting Spice Levels: The cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth. If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount to ½ teaspoon or even more. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the cayenne.
Trimming the Pork: Before seasoning, take a moment to trim any visible silver skin or excess fat from the pork tenderloins. Silver skin won’t render down during cooking and can make the meat tough.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved the ease and flavor of this pork tenderloin, you’ll be thrilled to explore more fantastic slow cooker creations. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and promise mouth-watering results with minimal fuss:

Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga: A smoky, spicy, and incredibly flavorful Mexican chicken dish perfect for tacos, tostadas, or bowls.
Easy Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken: A sweet and savory chicken recipe with a kick, ideal for meal prep or a comforting dinner.
Beef Barbacoa in the Slow Cooker: Tender, rich, and deeply flavored beef, perfect for building incredible burritos, salads, or hearty main courses.

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 4 servings

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy. It’s cooked in a tangy sauce made with red pepper jelly that’s to die for! Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans and you’ve got a meal the whole family will enjoy!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs. pork tenderloin
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 13-oz. jar Red Pepper Jelly, I use Stonewall Kitchen
1/4 cup bottled chili sauce, I use Heinz
1/4 cup bottled BBQ sauce, I use Sweet Baby Ray’s
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. dried parsley, for garnish if desired

Instructions

Season your pork tenderloins with the salt and pepper and then add them to your 6-quart slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together your red pepper jelly, chili sauce, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and cayenne until well combined. Pour the mixture over your pork tenderloins. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Remove the pork tenderloins to a cutting board and slice, then return the slices to your slow cooker.
To thicken the sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to a small bowl, ladle in some of the sauce and whisk until smooth before adding back to the remaining sauce in a saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn the heat to low and cook for a few more minutes until it gets to the thickness you prefer. Then you’ll pour the sauce over the pork slices in your slow cooker and toss until well coated.Place the pork on a platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve with the extra sauce.

Notes

I used a 13 ounce jar of Red Pepper Jelly from Stonewall Kitchen for this recipe.
Your pork tenderloin is done cooking when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). The amount of time to reach doneness will vary with everyone’s slow cooker, but it is roughly 4 hours on low or 2 to 2 1/2 hours on high. I cooked mine on low and at 4 hours it was perfect.

Nutrition

Keyword: pork tenderloin, red pepper jelly, Slow Cooker

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Dish

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