Some nights call for the kind of dinner you can set up in a few minutes and then forget about until everyone is hungry. This easy crockpot meal is exactly that kind of recipe: simple, budget-friendly, and made with just a handful of grocery-store staples. It’s the sort of practical dinner that feels made for a busy weekday, but it’s also nice enough to put on the table when family is coming over.
This meal is great with warm dinner rolls, a simple side salad, or a spoonful of applesauce if you like a sweet-savory pairing with pork. Since the potatoes and green beans cook right alongside the meat, you really have a full supper in one pot, but a little crusty bread or even extra melted butter at the table makes it feel especially cozy.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Ranch Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 whole pork tenderloin (about 1.5 pounds)
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker if needed for easy cleanup. Place the whole pork tenderloin in the center, then arrange the halved baby potatoes around it.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the pork and potatoes. Cut the butter into a few pieces and place it over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the pork is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen green beans around the pork and potatoes. Cover again and continue cooking until the beans are hot and tender.
5. Remove the pork tenderloin and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice it into medallions, then serve with the potatoes and green beans spooned alongside. Drizzle any buttery ranch juices from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use fresh green beans: If you have fresh green beans on hand, they work well here too. Add them during the last 45 to 60 minutes so they stay tender without turning too soft.
Check the pork early: Pork tenderloin is lean, so I like to start checking it on the early side, especially if my slow cooker runs hot. You want it cooked through and still juicy, not dry.
Make cleanup easier: Slow cooker liners can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. This is one of those meals I love because there’s very little prep and even less mess.
Add a little color: For a fresher finish, sprinkle chopped parsley over the plated dish just before serving. It’s optional, but it makes the dinner look a little more special if you’re serving guests.
Cut potatoes evenly: Try to halve larger baby potatoes and leave very small ones whole so everything finishes cooking at about the same time. Even sizing makes a big difference in one-pot slow cooker meals like this.
