Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Apples

This Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with Apples is one of those meals that couldn't be easier to make with just five ingredients but that delivers so much flavor. It's a great spin on pork and applesauce and goes great with Garlic Green Beans and Easy Roasted Potatoes.

I'm always leafing (or scrolling) through magazines, cookbooks, newspapers, other blogs (basically any and every form of media) wherever I am. Dentist's office, gym, waiting in line...you get the picture. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Pork Tenderloin and Apples, I couldn't wait to make it.

Now, since I happened to stumble upon the recipe in an actual magazine that wasn't mine, I couldn't really rip it out and take it home. And...I realize I probably could have taken a photo of it, but that didn't really occur to me at the time either. However, it seemed easy enough, as the ingredients were basically pork, apples, and mustard, all cooked together in the slow cooker.

Plus, at this point in my career, I am fairly confident I can remake recipes at home after reading about them elsewhere, so long as they aren't super complicated and require lots of ingredients to memorize. (Although, I can still recite all the U.S. presidents in order, so maybe I could memorize a long list of ingredients…)

Anyway, it just sounded super easy and delicious, and I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint. The apples become so soft, they basically melt into a sauce. Add to that just a hint of mustard, and of course the delicious pork and you have yourself one heck of a meal. You can make this with pork chops or a pork loin and any kind of apples you like. I adapted the recipe to fit what I had on hand.

Ideas for Customizing Pork Tenderloin and Apples

• If you want to make this dish more savory, consider adding in some sprigs of rosemary or thyme while it's cooking.
• Make this dish sweeter by using sweet apples such as Fuji, honeycrisp, or ambrosia.
• Make the pork taste more tart by adding apples like granny smith, braeburn, or melrose. You could also add in a cup or so of dried cranberries to the ingredients for a wonderful crock full of fall flavors.
• Add in an acidic element, such as a tablespoon or two of balsamic or red wine vinegar or even orange juice to the crock before cooking.
• Add in washed, diced potatoes to the dish for a full meal. Any potato will work here, even sweet potatoes.

How Do You Keep Pork Loin From Drying Out?

The key to a moist pork loin is, well, adding moisture to it while it cooks. In this case, the juices released from the apples and onions as they cook down keeps this pork plenty tender. If you are worried about it drying out, you can always add a cup of chicken or vegetable stock to the slow cooker to keep it properly hydrated. If you do add broth, though, you will have more liquid in the dish and you might want to either serve it over a grain to soak up the juices or use a slotted spoon when removing the meat.

Ways to Serve Pork Tenderloin and Apples

I like to serve this over white or brown rice. Other ways to serve it include:

• With a side of roasted potatoes.
• Spooned on top of quinoa, millet, barley, or another whole grain.
• I also like to shred the pork and put it into a bowl, topping with the apple sauce. I dip crusty pieces of bread right into the entire mixture and eat it from the bowl. No utensils required!
• This would go great over polenta.
• Serve this taco or burrito style. Be sure to drain off the extra moisture first, then add to a corn tortilla or low-carb or low-fat wrap. Top with ingredients such as shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, a honey-flavored barbecue sauce, or fruit salsa.
• This would be delicious over some cooked greens such as kale or spinach. Use fresh or frozen spinach, just make sure you squeeze out all the excess moisture from the spinach after thawing and before cooking or it will be way too watery.

What Makes This Pork Tenderloin and Apples Healthy?

Lean meat and fruit and not much else makes for a tasty, healthy, low-calorie meal.

• Lean pork tenderloin is a great source of protein and vitamins your body needs for everyday functions and it's just as lean as boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It contains protein, vitamin B6, thiamine, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, and potassium.
• Onions contain a high amount of phytochemicals, which help your body to trigger healthy reactions to unwelcome free radicals. They also contain flavonoids, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and possibly even Parkinson's disease.
• Apples don't just keep the doctor away. They are full of antioxidants, fiber, and flavonoids. Their nutrients can also help to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cholesterol, and even cancer. They are consistently ranked as one of the world's most healthy foods.
• Whole grain mustard is a great source of selenium, which can help reduce the effects of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and can ward off cancer. Mustard seeds are also a good source of magnesium, which is necessary for nerve and muscle function, regulating your blood sugar and blood pressure, and for the synthesis of bones, DNA, and protein.
• Honey is good for your heart. It also contains protein, amino fatty acids, and flavonoids. Some studies suggest it can be good for allergy sufferers as well.