This slow cooker pork loin with apples is a warm and satisfying meal that requires very little active time. You prepare the ingredients in the morning, and the slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with a welcoming aroma.
The pork becomes very tender as it cooks alongside sweet potatoes and apples. A touch of honey and cinnamon ties all the flavors together. It’s a straightforward recipe for a comforting dinner any night of the week.
Why is Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples a Must-Try?
Searing the pork loin before it goes into the slow cooker creates a flavorful crust that adds depth to the dish.
Cooking on a bed of apples, onions, and sweet potatoes creates a built-in side dish and infuses the pork with flavor from below.
Slow cooking allows the pork loin to cook gently, resulting in a tender texture that is easy to slice.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
• Pork Loin: This recipe uses a boneless pork loin roast, not a pork tenderloin. A loin is thicker and benefits from the long, slow cook time.
• Apples: Choose a firm variety that won’t turn to mush during cooking. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn are good options.
• Sweet Potato: One large sweet potato is enough. You can substitute it with butternut squash if you prefer.
• Red Onion: A red onion adds a bit of sweetness. A yellow or sweet onion can be used instead.
• Honey: Maple syrup is a fine substitute for honey if you have it on hand.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
Step 1: Sear the Pork
First, season the pork loin with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides. This step is key for developing rich flavor in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
While the pork is searing, chop your vegetables and one of the apples. Spread them evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker and season them lightly. This layer will become a tender, flavorful side dish.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook
Cut slits in the seared pork and stuff them with slices from the second apple. Place the pork on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon, cover, and let it cook on low for several hours until the pork is tender.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
This is a complete meal in one pot. If you’d like to add a green vegetable, simple steamed green beans or a light side salad would be a good accompaniment.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
Food Safety: For a safe and juicy pork loin, cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then let it rest for a minimum of 3 minutes before carving.
Searing the pork before slow cooking adds a deep, savory flavor to the finished dish and is highly recommended.
Firm apples that hold their shape, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith, work well in this recipe.
The vegetables and apples will release liquid as they cook, so there is no need to add extra broth or water.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well, as the texture of the apples can become mushy upon thawing.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples Recipe FAQs
Can I use a pork tenderloin for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the cooking time significantly. A pork tenderloin is much smaller and leaner and will cook in about 2-3 hours on LOW. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to sear the pork before slow cooking?
While you can skip this step if you’re short on time, searing the pork creates a browned, caramelized crust that adds a lot of flavor. We recommend it for the best results.
Can I cook this recipe on the HIGH setting?
Yes, you can cook this on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking on LOW is generally preferred for a more tender result, but the HIGH setting works well when you need dinner ready faster.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Apples
Ingredients
- 1 boneless pork loin 2.5 to 3 lbs / 1.1 to 1.4 kg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 2 medium apples cored
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season it all over with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the pork in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned all over. Transfer the seared pork to a plate.
- While the pork sears, dice one of the apples. Leave the other apple for slicing.
- Spread the cubed sweet potato, diced onion, and diced apple in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to combine.
- Slice the second apple into thin wedges. Cut several slits into the top of the seared pork loin, about 1/2 inch deep. Gently push the apple slices into the slits.
- Place the pork loin on top of the vegetable and apple mixture in the slow cooker.
- Drizzle the honey over the pork and apples, then sprinkle everything with the cinnamon.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The pork is done when it is tender and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 3 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cooked apples and vegetables.
Notes
