There is something mighty comforting about a supper that asks almost nothing of you and still comes out tasting like you fussed half the day. This 4-ingredient slow cooker pork tenderloin is the kind of practical country cooking I’ve leaned on for years, especially on busy days when chores run long and everybody still expects a hot meal at the table. Starting with a raw whole pork tenderloin keeps things simple, and the slow cooker turns those few pantry ingredients into tender slices with a rich, savory gravy-like sauce.
This pork tenderloin is wonderful with buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or plain white rice to catch every bit of the sauce. For vegetables, I like green beans, glazed carrots, or sweet corn on the side, and a pan of warm biscuits or thick slices of bread never goes amiss. If you want to round it out for Sunday supper, a crisp salad or applesauce makes a fine companion too.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 whole pork tenderloin, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10 1/2 ounces
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of cooking spray or oil if desired, then place the raw whole pork tenderloin in the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Pour the soup mixture over the pork tenderloin, making sure the top is well covered.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Carefully remove the pork tenderloin to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and spoon some of the sauce over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use cream of chicken instead: If cream of mushroom isn’t a favorite in your house, cream of chicken works beautifully and gives you the same creamy, comforting finish.
Add mushrooms: A handful of sliced fresh mushrooms tucked around the pork at the start adds extra flavor and makes the sauce feel a little heartier.
Watch the cook time: Pork tenderloin is leaner than a pork loin, so it’s important not to overcook it. Check it on the early side so it stays tender and easy to slice.
Thicken the sauce if needed: If you like a thicker gravy, remove the cooked pork and whisk a little cornstarch slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, then let it cook a few more minutes until it thickens.