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Cozy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Apple Cider Gravy

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A comforting slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe featuring a tender, juicy pork with a sweet-savory apple cider gravy, perfect for cozy dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5-pound (450-680g) pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup (240ml) fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1 cup (240ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the chopped sage and thyme. Let it rest while preparing other ingredients (approx. 5 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side (approx. 10 minutes).
  3. Layer the sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add apple slices if using.
  4. Pour the apple cider and chicken broth over the onions. Sprinkle remaining sage and thyme on top.
  5. Nestle the seared pork tenderloin on top of the liquids and aromatics.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  7. When pork is done, transfer it to a plate and tent with foil to rest. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan or keep in the slow cooker insert if removable.
  8. Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Slowly add the cooking liquid, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain, plate it, and generously spoon the apple cider gravy over the top.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (145°F). Rest the meat before slicing to retain juices. For gluten-free gravy, substitute flour with cornstarch. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and texture. If gravy is too thick, whisk in more broth or water; if too thin, simmer longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pork tenderloin, apple cider gravy, easy pork recipe, cozy dinner, fall recipe, slow cooker dinner, pork tenderloin slow cooker

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cozy-slow-cooker-pork-tenderloin-recipe-with-easy-apple-cider-gravy/