Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Maple Pan Gravy

Slow cooker meals are one of my favorite things to cook during fall and winter when the weather is a bit cooler. They fill the house with the best aroma and dinner prep and clean up is easy!

This Pork Tenderloin with Apples is perfect for fall and apple season. It's simmered low and slow with familiar flavors, perfect for bringing the family together for a cozy dinner.

❤️ Why You'll Love this Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

• Easy - This pork tenderloin recipe is simple to prepare, with minimal steps, and it cooks in the slow cooker, making it perfect for a relaxed Sunday dinner or even a busy weeknight when you need something effortless yet special.
• Versatile - It pairs beautifully with sides like Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Brussels Sprouts, creating a complete family meal everyone will love!
• Straightforward – This recipe uses just a few quality ingredients to let the natural flavors shine.

🍏 Ingredients to Make Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

• Pork - Pork tenderloin is a long, lean, and tender cut of meat, typically weighing around 1 pound and serving about 3 people. For larger gatherings, you might consider a pork loin roast, but it will require more cooking time. If you’re using pork tenderloin, trim off the silverskin if it hasn’t already been removed. (I have written more about these cuts and how to prepare them below).
• Apples - Granny Smith apples have a crisp, tart flavor, making them my favorite to cook with pork. They perfectly balance the pork and their juices blend into the gravy, adding a delicious balance of flavors to every bite. Honey Crisp or Pink Lady apples are other options but are sweeter varieties.
• Onions - Sweet yellow onions add depth to the gravy and pork. If you only have white or red onions, those work too. Chopped carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, or yellow potatoes can be added to the slow cooker for a more hearty meal.
• Gravy - This homemade pan gravy is built with the fond, or flavorful bits, left in the pan from searing the pork tenderloin. Along with the drippings from the slow cooker, it's flavored with a hint of dijon mustard and maple syrup for the perfect finish to this meal.

🍖 Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin

Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin may sound similar but are two distinct cuts. Tenderloin is a thin, boneless cut from the muscle along the backbone, while loin is a wider cut that comes boneless or bone-in.

Pork loin is known for its mild flavor and leanness, with a thick fat cap that keeps it tender if cooked just right. In contrast, pork tenderloin is even leaner and more delicate in flavor, becoming especially tender when quickly cooked.

If you’re cooking pork tenderloin, trim away the silverskin, if it hasn't already been removed. Quick-cooking methods like grilling, searing, roasting, or stir-frying work best, just be mindful not to overcook it. Pork loin is a great choice for moderate grilling or searing followed by a slow roast, but it also benefits from careful cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

🥘 How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Gravy

Season - First, remove excess moisture from the meat by blotting the tenderloins with paper towels. Season them evenly on all sides with a mixture of salt, pepper, thyme, ground mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Sear - Next, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned pork tenderloins. Sear them on all sides until they are beautifully browned. (Remember to save the skillet for gravy later!)

Slow Cook - Place the tenderloins in the slow cooker and top with onions, apples, garlic, and chicken stock or broth. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Rest - Place the pork tenderloin on a cutting board for 10 minutes to rest, then drain the juices from the slow cooker to make gravy.

Roux - In the same skillet used to sear the tenderloins, melt the butter over medium heat on the stovetop. Whisk in the flour, allowing the mixture to cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Finish Gravy - Gradually whisk in the drained juices from the slow cooker, along with the onions and apples if you’d like. Finally, add the dijon mustard and maple syrup, and let the gravy simmer until it thickens.

Slice & Serve - Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it with the maple pan gravy.

🍁 Slow Cooker Recipes for Fall

If you enjoyed this Pork Tenderloin with Gravy in the Slow Cooker, here are some more slow cooker recipes you can enjoy this fall!

• Italian Beef Au Jus (Chicago-Style)
• Hearty Bean Chili in the Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders
• Creamy Chicken Marsala