This slow-cooker meal is so easy to throw together. The balsamic sauce is simple but oh so flavorful. Originally published October 27, 2013.
Table of Contents
- You will love this Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
- Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin ingredients
- Crockpot Pork Tenderloin substitutions and additions
- How to cook Pork Tenderloin in a Crock Pot
- How to serve Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
- How to store Crockpot Tenderloin
- Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin in Crock Pot FAQs
- Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (Crockpot Recipe) Recipe
Have you ever dumped dirty dishwater all over your kitchen floor because you forgot to empty out the cup that you were trying to place upside down in the dishwasher? Yeah. Me neither. I never do that at least once a week.
I have carpet in my kitchen. It’s blue. We just moved into this house a couple months ago, and when I would tell people about it I would say, “We love it! It’s awesome! Except there is carpet in the kitchen. Guess you can’t have everything.”
WRONG.
The 70s were onto something, people. Carpet in the kitchen is a lazy person’s dream. You can’t see anything. I’m not claiming that it is cleaner; quite the contrary. The splatter from the bacon you’re frying just seeps right into that carpet. But hey, you don’t have to clean it up, so it’s like it never happened right? I’m sure you are all just dying to come over and eat in my grease-splattered kitchen now.
Let me tell you the best part though: I can walk in my socks and they never get wet. Hugest winter pet peeve. Never again!
Of course, this is me talking before I’ve had an Incident. You know, when Charlotte spills an entire cup of milk someday. Or when I drop an entire casserole. Or when my freezer dies and an entire half gallon of melted chocolate ice cream spills onto the carpet. (That happened to my mom when she was a kid. Needless to say, she’s never had carpet in her kitchen as an adult.)
Lately though, I’m mourning my lack of linoleum because of potty training. (It’s happening. Soon. She is ready. I just don’t know if I’m ready.) There is literally no place in my house where an accident will not have carpet clean-up involved, which totally sucks.
You will love this Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
On that lovely note, let’s talk about today’s recipe. It’s a goodie. It’s been making the internet rounds, so you may have seen it, but there is a reason it’s everywhere. It’s freakishly good, and even freakishlier easy. Rub pork with some spices. Throw it in the crock pot. Make a 5 ingredient glaze, then broil a couple minutes. Make sure you don’t broil the meat for too long, otherwise it will dry out. This is a perfect weeknight meal. We ate this with a simple salad and some oven roasted potatoes, but I bet it would be good on some buns with coleslaw, or even in some tacos.
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin ingredients
Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions!
- Pork tenderloin (2 lbs.)
- Rubbed sage
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin substitutions and additions
If you don’t have rubbed sage on hand, you can just leave it out. The crock pot pork is pretty basic and the balsamic glaze gives it all the flavor it needs. And if you’ve run out of soy sauce, you can use a little worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, or teriyaki sauce instead.
Looking for something a little different? The other version of this recipe is my Asian Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Glaze. It uses the same technique of cooking the pork in the crockpot before finishing it off in the oven. Just a few simple Asian pantry ingredients transform it into the perfect dish to serve with jasmine rice and some stir fried veggies.
How to cook Pork Tenderloin in a Crock Pot
Here’s a quick overview of how to make this recipe. Full instructions can be found in the recipe card below!
- In a small bowl, combine the sage, salt, pepper and garlic. Place the tenderloin in the slow cooker and rub the seasonings over the pork.
- Pour ½ cup water in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours,
- Preheat your broiler. While the roast is finishing up in the slow cooker and your broiler heats up, combine the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan: brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, water, soy sauce.
- Heat over medium and stir until mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with oil, or use a silpat. Remove the pork from the crock pot and place on the lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze on the pork. Put your oven rack as high as it will go, and broil the pork for 1 or 2 minutes, until bubbly and caramelized. Don’t walk away! Repeat 2 to 3 more times until it is as crusty as you want it.
How long to cook Pork Tenderloin in Crock Pot
Pork tenderloin can dry out if you overcook it. It’s a little easier to dry out than other meats because it’s a very lean cut. I recommend temping the meat at 6 hours; if it has reached 145, then you’re good to go. If you’re not ready to eat yet, you can turn your crockpot to warm until you are ready to glaze and broil it.
How to serve Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
This balsamic pork tenderloin is the perfect main dish. I like to serve it with some cauliflower rice and a salad and call it done. Here are some more sides to pair it with!
Sauteed Carrots and Shallots with Thyme << busy day? You can make these ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.
Easy Roasted Broccoli Recipe << this broccoli is my absolute favorite.
Marinated Asian Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar << light, fresh, and super easy.
How to Make Instant Pot Brown Rice << if you have an instant pot this is just too fast!
Slow Cooker Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes << a second slow cooker? You’ll basically feel like a superhero making your entire dinner ahead of time.
How to store Crockpot Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. The crust won’t stay crispy but it’s still got tons of flavor. It is a good one for meal prepping with some rice and frozen veggies (like in the big bag in the freezer section at Costco).
I don’t recommend freezing this pork, though you technically can and it will be safe to eat. It’s just that you won’t get to experience that amazing crispy crust and the pork won’t maintain the ideal texture.
Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin in Crock Pot FAQs
When you’re cooking pork tenderloin in the crockpot, you want to avoid overcooking it. Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat. After you’ve cooked it for 6 hours, you may want to temp it to make sure you’re not going way overboard. Once the pork hits 145 degrees, you’re done! Cooking it for a longer time is not going to benefit it.
No, you don’t need to flip a pork tenderloin when you’re cooking it in the crockpot. The crock pot will cook the pork evenly. The purpose of flipping meat is generally to make sure that all sides are properly browned. In this recipe, we’re simply adding a glaze to the cooked pork and broiling it for a crispy top.
Yes, but just a little. Meat never needs to be covered in liquid in the slow cooker. The heat is low enough that the juices from the meat you’re cooking will keep it from burning. We’re adding a small amount of liquid here (½ cup) because the pork tenderloin is very, very lean and doesn’t release as much fat or liquid as other meats.
More pork recipes to love!
Asian Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Glaze (Slow Cooker) << this is a very similar recipe but with Asian flavors!
Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork (Lechon Asado) << one of the most popular recipes on my blog!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peanut-Lime Sauce << another Asian inspired pork tenderloin!
BBQ Pork Tenderloin Wraps << ready so fast, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Easy Pork Ramen Recipe (Slow Cooker) << a takeout favorite without leaving home.
Pulled Pork Recipe (Slow Cooker or Oven Roasted) << the best pulled pork ever!
Shredded Pork Pan Fried Noodles from The Woks of Life
Filipino Pork Barbecue from Kawaling Pinoy
Air Fryer Pork Chops from Savory Nothings
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Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (Crockpot Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup water
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the sage, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Place the tenderloin in the slow cooker. Rub the seasonings over the pork.
- Pour ½ cup water in the slow cooker, on the edge so that you don’t wash off all the spices you just rubbed on.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, the preheat your broiler.
- While the roast is finishing up in the slow cooker and your broiler heats up, combine the ingredients for the glaze in a small sauce pan: brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, water, soy sauce.
- Heat over medium and stir until mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with oil, or use a silpat. Remove the pork from the crock pot and place on the lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze on the pork. Put your oven rack as high as it will go, and broil the pork for 1 or 2 minutes, until bubbly and caramelized. Don’t walk away! Repeat 2 to 3 more times until it is as crusty as you want it. I wouldn’t go many more times than this though, or your pork will dry out.
- Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
My husband and I loved the flavor on this!! I feel like I went wrong somewhere though. I got 2 one pound pork loins because I couldn’t find a 2 pounder, and I set my crockpot on low for 7 and a half hours, and then it switched to warm. I think next time I would definitely go on the lower end though because it seemed kind of dried up (I am still getting used to my new slow cooker). I also felt like my glaze remained very thin and never thickened into a nice sauce like yours looks in the picture. Does it have to be heated immediately? I did mix it and then realized I had to wait another 45 minutes for my husband to get home so I waited to turn the burner on. Maybe that’s what did it. I will definitely be trying again, though, because the flavor was outstanding! Thank you for sharing!
Hey Beth! If you make the sauce early I would just recommend keeping it warm on the stove so that it doesn’t get too thick. I usually use 2 1 pound tenderloins as well, so I’m not sure why it was dried out! Maybe cook it for less time next time. Thanks so much for the review, and I’m glad you liked the flavor!
How many degrees do I cook it in the broiler for?
Hi Chris! Do you mean how long in the broiler? 1-2 minutes, up to 3 times, brushing with glaze each time. There should be a broil button on your oven, or it should be above the 500 degree mark. Hope this helps!
. Thank you so much for your recipes. Making this right now the sage smells wonder .Cannot wait to add the glaze serving with scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus
I hope you enjoyed it Deb! I love getting comments like this, makes blogging worth it :) Thanks!
If I am short on time, can I cook for 3-4hrs on high?
Yeah that should work Ashlee! Let me know how it goes!
This sounds awesome! I’m gonna have to try making this immediately! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Janette, enjoy! This is one of my family’s favorites.
I have made this recipe twice now. Except i have used pork shoulder instead of tenderloin. It is simply amazing!!!
Ooh nice tip with the pork shoulder Haley! Thanks for the tip, I’m going to try that! And thanks for coming back to comment. :) Happy New Year!
I don’t know – Char told me she didn’t need the sticker chart anymore because she never had any accidents. Haha.
I LOVE this easy dinner recipe – I am so terrible at make-ahead and large-portion dinners that will give us some leftovers, and I’m adding this (with salad and potatoes) to the list.
Haha yeah well she’s had some practice since then… And you totally need to make this Sarah. SO GOOD. I just did another version of it last night (Asian-ified) that I’m sharing soon.
how long should I put it in the slow cooker if the roast is .87lb. Thank you
Hi Shayna! It should take about 6 hours. Enjoy!
I must say this is really good. This is our second time making this and it has my mouth already watering. Good food. Yummy yummy.
I’m so glad your family liked it Mike! Now you’ve got me craving this! Thanks for the review.
I just ran across this recipe and it sounds great. For those that don’t care for the pungency of vinegar, get some 20 or, even better, 40 year old aged balsamic vinegar. The longer it is aged in the cask the sweeter it gets while maintaining the balsamic taste. I drizzle a little on strawberries or ice cream.it costs more but a little goes a long way. This is a wonderful site and thanks for the recipes and background commentary.
Making this tonight for my picky eaters! So glad to have found your blog! Love your sense of humor! I think we are kindred spirits as my kitchen spends more time dirty and covered with powdered sugar and dishes than it does clean. Can’t wait to see what you serve us next.
J
Haha! I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one who’s covered in some sort of edible powder most of the time :) Hope you enjoy the pork! It’s one of my favorites. Thanks Jennifer!
My family doesn’t love vinegar flavor – any suggestions for substitutes?
Hey Elizabeth! Subbing out the vinegar would be tough in this recipe. The balsamic vinegar is where most of the flavor comes from. The first thing I would try is reducing the amount of vinegar you use for a lighter flavor. You could try omitting it entirely, which would give you a simple brown sugar glaze. It would still be good but probably not show-stopping. You could also try experimenting with other flavors of vinegar, if the balsamic kind is too strong for your family. Let us know what you try out Elizabeth! I would love to know how it goes. Good luck!
Tried this and everyone loved it. Definitely making again!
Thanks for the review Tammy! I’m so glad you guys liked it.
Be sure to use gluten soy sauce to keep it gluten free.
Thanks for the tip BonBon!
Wow! I didnt even know that carpet in the kitchen was possible. This recipe looks great :)
Yeah. It was scary at first. But now I’m all about it! Haha. Kind of. Let me know if you try this one Laura!
Wait. Charlotte’s never spilled an entire cup of milk? Are you serious? You lucky duck.
Oh, she has, for sure. Just not on the kitchen carpet yet. She was kind enough to do it on the living room carpet. She’s thoughtful like that.
Not all balsamic vinegar is created equal…So, please, be more specific. I run a very frugal kinda-life…I also, have a spouse that is a bit of a critic when I make things different than what he’s accustomed to… Merci beaucoup!
Hi Marie! It doesn’t have to be a fancy balsamic. Whatever you have on hand is fine! I use a Costco brand.