Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Dijon

Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Dijon Sauce invites you to savor a comforting meal that melts in your mouth with every bite. This dish combines tender, juicy pork infused with fragrant herbs and a luscious sauce that perfectly balances savory and tangy flavors, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings.

Set it and forget it approach with the slow cooker ensures minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum deliciousness. From the searing process that builds a rich crust to the creamy Dijon sauce finishing touch, every element plays its part in this mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients

• Pork Tenderloin (2 pounds): The star of the dish known for its lean, tender texture that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing the pork, adding a rich flavor and helping to develop a golden crust.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a savory depth to the herb seasoning blend; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger aroma.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors; adjust based on your taste preference.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and peppery notes; white pepper is a great alternative for a subtler taste.
• Dried Rosemary (1 tablespoon): Offers fragrant herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with pork; fresh rosemary can be substituted.
• Dried Sage (1 teaspoon): A classic herb for pork dishes, lending an earthy and slightly peppery profile.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup): Keeps the pork moist during cooking and adds savory complexity to the sauce; vegetable broth works as a lighter option.
• Dijon Mustard (1/4 cup): Forms the tangy base of the creamy sauce, delivering a subtle sharpness that complements the pork.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce; margarine can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
• White Wine (1/2 cup): Enhances the sauce’s flavor layers with a gentle acidity; apple juice or broth can replace it.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, velvety sauce texture; half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives are suitable substitutes.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency; cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative.
• Fresh Thyme (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a bright, fresh herbal note right before serving to elevate the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Garnishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Instructions

Combine Herb Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, and dried sage. This blend infuses the pork with beautiful, aromatic flavors that complement its natural taste.

Rub the Pork Tenderloin

Generously rub the seasoning mix evenly over the entire surface of the pork tenderloin. Coating the meat thoroughly ensures every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.

Sear the Pork

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust, enhancing both texture and taste.

Place Pork in Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker and carefully pour chicken broth around it, avoiding washing away the seasoning. The broth helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.

Prepare and Add Sauce Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, softened butter, and white wine until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork in the slow cooker to infuse it with rich, tangy flavors as it cooks.

Slow Cook the Pork

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and juicy. The slow, gentle heat breaks down connective tissue, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and set aside to rest. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk in flour and heavy cream over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Stir in chopped fresh thyme and parsley to brighten the sauce with fresh herbal notes.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the tender pork and drizzle generously with the creamy Dijon sauce. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal full of balanced flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pork and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This herb-crusted pork pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. A crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of pork?

Yes, pork loin can be used but may cook differently; adjust slow cooking times accordingly for tenderness.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can roast this recipe in the oven at 300°F for about 1.5-2 hours; however, slow cooker gives the best tenderness.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, use margarine instead of butter and a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream for the sauce.

Is it necessary to sear the pork?

Searing isn’t mandatory but highly recommended for flavor depth and texture enhancement.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely, the pork can be slow-cooked earlier and reheated gently; save sauce separately to refresh when serving.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and whisk into the simmering sauce until desired thickness is reached.

Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

This tender and juicy slow cooker pork tenderloin is coated with aromatic herbs and topped with a rich, creamy Dijon sauce, making it an ideal comforting dinner for family gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course dinner, slow cooker

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker
• 1 skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Combine garlic powder, salt, black pepper, rosemary, and sage in a small bowl and rub evenly over the pork tenderloin.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Place the seared pork in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth around it, taking care not to wash off the seasoning.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, butter, and white wine until smooth, then pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker and set aside. In a saucepan, whisk cooking liquid with heavy cream and flour over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
• Stir in chopped thyme and parsley, then slice the pork and drizzle the creamy Dijon sauce over each portion before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor if possible.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.