Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and tender pork recipe, this Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin is perfect. With just three main ingredients—pork tenderloin, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard—you’ll have a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s both elegant and effortless. This slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners when you want great taste without the hassle.
Ingredients
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2 pounds pork tenderloin
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Trim any excess fat if needed. The slow cooking process will make the pork tender and juicy, so there’s no need to sear it beforehand (though you can if you want a bit of a crust).
Step 2: Make the Maple Dijon Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness from the maple syrup and tanginess from the mustard.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
Pour the maple-Dijon sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or brush to make sure the sauce covers all sides of the pork for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
The long, slow cooking time allows the pork to become tender and juicy while soaking up the sweet and savory sauce.
Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and increases cooking time.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked and tender, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This step helps retain the juices and ensures every bite is moist.
Drizzle the remaining maple-Dijon sauce from the slow cooker over the sliced pork before serving. The glaze gives it a beautiful shine and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve the pork slices with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans.
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Pair it with rice or quinoa for a lighter meal option.
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The sweet-savory sauce also goes great with buttered noodles or a fresh salad.
Recipe Variations & Tips
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Add a kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
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Smoky flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for depth and smokiness.
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Chicken alternative: Substitute the pork tenderloin with chicken breasts or thighs—the cooking time will be slightly shorter (around 4–6 hours on low).
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Marinate ahead: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the pork in the maple-Dijon mixture for 2–4 hours before placing it in the slow cooker.
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Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the pork once cooked and reduce the sauce on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: You can freeze the cooked pork and sauce for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 3 ingredients! Simple and budget-friendly.
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Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
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Restaurant-quality flavor: The combination of sweet maple and tangy Dijon gives the pork a gourmet touch.
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Perfect for meal prep: Stays juicy and flavorful even when reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a quick yet impressive meal, this dish delivers flavor and comfort every time. Let your slow cooker handle the work, and enjoy a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork dinner that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: ~400mg -