This Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin is an easy yet elegant dish perfect for the holiday season or a cozy weeknight meal. Pork tenderloin is coated in a tangy, sweet cranberry glaze and slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy. With a simple prep time of 10 minutes, this dish requires little effort while delivering maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover cranberry sauce too!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 boneless pork tenderloins (3 to 3.5 pounds total)

• 14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (can substitute with granulated sugar)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons minced dried onion

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon ground thyme

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
   Trim any fat from the pork tenderloins and spray a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the tenderloins in the slow cooker.

2. Make the Cranberry Sauce Glaze:
   In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.

3. Slow Cook the Pork:
   Pour the cranberry glaze mixture over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

4. Rest and Serve:
   Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Optionally, thicken the sauce by whisking 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and adding it to the slow cooker, cooking on HIGH for 20-30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 852

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 126g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 24g

Why This Cranberry Pork Tenderloin is a Must-Try

This dish combines the best of both worlds: a slow-cooked, tender pork tenderloin with a vibrant, flavorful glaze. Pork tenderloin is known for its mild, lean, and juicy meat, which becomes even more succulent when cooked low and slow. The cranberry glaze adds a bright, tangy sweetness, thanks to the combination of cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. The garlic, dried onion, and thyme further elevate the dish with savory, aromatic flavors. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is simple yet full of depth and complexity, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any dinner.

The Role of Cranberry Sauce in the Glaze

Cranberry sauce is the star of the glaze in this recipe, providing both sweetness and acidity that complements the rich flavors of the pork. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or, for a more personalized touch, homemade cranberry sauce. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard adds a savory element, while the brown sugar balances out the tartness of the cranberries. The beauty of this glaze is its simplicity; it’s easy to prepare, and it perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the pork without overpowering it. Additionally, the glaze caramelizes as it cooks, creating a beautiful sheen and rich depth of flavor that coats the tenderloin beautifully.

Why Pork Tenderloin Works So Well for Slow Cooking

Pork tenderloin is one of the best cuts of meat for slow cooking due to its tenderness and relatively low fat content. Unlike other cuts, pork tenderloin doesn’t dry out when cooked in a slow cooker, making it perfect for this recipe. The slow cooking process helps the meat retain its moisture while allowing the flavors of the glaze to penetrate deeply, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and juicy. Another advantage of using pork tenderloin is its ability to absorb the tangy-sweet flavors of the cranberry sauce glaze, making it an ideal pairing for this dish. The result is a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Simplicity of the Recipe: 10-Minute Prep Time

One of the best aspects of this Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin recipe is its simplicity. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to cook. The most time-consuming part is trimming the pork tenderloin, followed by mixing the ingredients for the cranberry glaze. After that, you simply place the pork in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and let the slow cooker work its magic. There’s no need to monitor or stir the meat, allowing you to go about your day or focus on other parts of your meal while the slow cooker does all the work.

How to Make the Cranberry Glaze

The cranberry glaze is where all the magic happens. To make the glaze, simply combine cranberry sauce with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The combination of these ingredients creates a glaze that has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and savory depth. This simple mixture is poured over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker, where it will slowly cook and develop into a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender meat.

The Slow Cooking Process

Once the glaze is made, it’s time to cook the pork. The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. You can cook the pork on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, depending on your time constraints. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for the pork, ensuring it is fully cooked yet still tender and juicy. During the slow cooking, the pork absorbs the flavors of the glaze, becoming more flavorful and succulent. The slow cooking method also allows the glaze to thicken and caramelize, creating a beautiful, rich sauce that coats the meat perfectly.

Finishing Touches: Resting and Garnishing

After the pork is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each slice is juicy and tender. While the pork rests, you can optionally thicken the sauce by whisking cornstarch with water and adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking the sauce on HIGH for 20-30 minutes will help it reach a thicker consistency, making it perfect for serving alongside the pork. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. The cranberry glaze also works wonderfully over a bed of rice, where the sauce can soak into the grains and add flavor. For an added touch, consider serving it with a side of cranberry sauce to enhance the dish’s festive flavors, especially during the holiday season.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin is a perfect dish for any occasion that calls for a savory, festive, and flavorful entree. The tender, juicy pork tenderloin, combined with the tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, creates a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish delivers maximum flavor and is sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply craving a cozy meal, this cranberry pork tenderloin is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, elegance, and incredible taste to your table.