There is something incredibly comforting about the flavors melding together in a Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy pork with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce perfectly enhanced by a subtle hint of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite, sharing it with good company or indulging in a cozy solo dinner. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, mouthwatering feast that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. These essentials come together seamlessly, making your cooking experience easy and your results impressive.
- 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin (two pieces): The star of the dish, tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the pork’s natural flavor, balanced perfectly throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the BBQ sauce without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a subtle kick that livens up each bite.
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a touch of herbaceous freshness right from the start.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant depth, making the BBQ sauce extra flavorful.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the pork moist and infuses savory undertones.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: The heart of the recipe, delivering that signature smoky sweetness.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds an umami punch that balances sweetness and acidity.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramelized note that enhances the barbecue flavor.
- 2-4 teaspoons corn starch: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully for a luscious finish.
- Chopped parsley (for topping): The fresh garnish that brightens and lifts the entire dish before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Pork
Start by patting your pork tenderloins dry with paper towels — this step is key for getting a great crust and preventing the meat from steaming. Next, evenly season both pieces with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. These spices warm up the flavor base and build anticipation for the richness to come. Place the seasoned tenderloins right into your slow cooker for an easy setup.
Step 2: Preparing the Flavorful Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture is the secret weapon that infuses your pork with incredible taste and also thickens into a silky glaze. Pour this vibrant sauce evenly over the tenderloins, making sure every nook and cranny will soak up those bold flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours or high for about 2 hours. The pork will become fall-apart tender while absorbing all that saucy goodness. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked yet succulent — this is your cue to grab a meat thermometer and watch the magic happen.
Step 4: Slicing and Finishing Touches
Just before serving, slice the pork tenderloins into beautiful medallions. A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous bite that balances the smoky, sweet sauce. This final step sets the dish apart, making it as visually inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, offering a bright contrast to the rich BBQ sauce. A light sprinkle right before plating refreshes the palate and adds a touch of elegance. You can also consider a few thinly sliced green onions for a mild crunch and extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp coleslaw offer a wonderful textural counterpoint and a pop of color, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliced pork on a rustic wooden board for a family-style feast, surrounded by bowls of sauces and sides to share. Or pile the tender pork into soft slider buns with pickles and extra BBQ sauce for a fun twist that’s great for casual gatherings. Either way, the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more over time. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label it with the date so you can enjoy a convenient homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Slow and gentle reheating keeps the pork tender and prevents drying out, so you can savor this Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe just as much the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can use pork loin or even pork shoulder. Just remember that thicker or tougher cuts will require longer cooking times to become tender in your slow cooker.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too watery?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough after cooking, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce. Then cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Is this recipe spicy because of the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a mild kick that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit it completely if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply whisk it again and pour over the seasoned pork in the crockpot. This saves time and helps flavors meld before cooking.
What sides would you recommend for a lighter option?
For a lighter side, try a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon. These options add brightness and balance out the richness of the pork and sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe is pure comfort in every bite, blending simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly special. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hearty meal, or for impressing friends with minimal effort. I really hope you give this one a try — your slow cooker will thank you, and your taste buds even more!
Print
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with BBQ and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Pork Tenderloin recipe features tender, flavorful pork slow-cooked to perfection with a robust blend of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that yields juicy pork with a deliciously thickened sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin (two pieces)
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Sauce and Liquid
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2–4 teaspoons corn starch
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (for topping)
Instructions
- Season the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure seasoning sticks well. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley evenly over both pieces. Place the seasoned tenderloins into the slow cooker.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together minced garlic, beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until fully combined. Pour this flavorful sauce mixture evenly over the pork in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork tenderloin on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or use the high setting and cook for 2 hours. Continue cooking until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- Slice and Serve: Just before serving, remove the pork from the crockpot and slice it into medallions. Spoon some of the sauce from the crockpot over the slices and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- Adjust cornstarch quantity depending on desired sauce thickness; start with 2 teaspoons and add more if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness for best results.
- If preferred, you can sear the pork tenderloins in a hot pan before placing them in the crockpot for extra flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
