How Long to Cook Hormel Pork Tenderloin in a Crockpot for Perfectly Tender Meat

Hormel pre-marinated pork tenderloins are a quick and easy protein to throw in the slow cooker or crockpot for a delicious weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have fork-tender pork ready in just a couple hours.

The trick is knowing exactly how long to cook a Hormel pork tenderloin in the crockpot to get it moist and delicious without overcooking the lean meat Follow this complete guide for tips on cook time, temperature, recipes, and more.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Tenderloin in the Crockpot

There are several advantages to using the slow cooker for Hormel pork loin:

• Convenience – simply add ingredients in the morning and dinner cooks while you’re gone

• Tenderizing ability – the moist, gentle heat of the crockpot tenderizes lean cuts like tenderloin.

• Enhanced flavor – spices and marinades have more time to permeate the meat

• Juiciness – the slow cook retains more moisture vs high heat cooking methods.

• Difficult to overcook – the crockpot’s low temperature prevents drying out.

Choosing the Right Cook Time

Pork tenderloin can turn from tender to tough quickly if overcooked. The magic cook time for Hormel pork in the crockpot is 1 1/2 to 3 hours on LOW.

For 1-1.5 lb tenderloins, start checking at 1 1/2 hours. Larger 2-3 lb roasts need closer to 2 1/2-3 hours.

Quick tip: Always opt for LOW vs HIGH heat to prevent overcooking the exterior before the inside cooks through.

How to Tell When Pork Tenderloin is Done

There are two easy ways to test for doneness on Hormel crockpot pork:

• Use a meat thermometer – Pork is safely cooked through at 145°F. The tenderloin should register between 145-160°F when finished.

• Check for fork-tender meat – When done, the pork should shred easily with a fork. If it seems tough, continue cooking another 15-30 minutes.

The pork may appear slightly pink inside when done due to the slow cooking. As long as it reaches the safe 145°F temperature, it is safe to eat.

Tips for Moist, Tender Crockpot Pork

To prevent dry, overcooked pork tenderloin in the slow cooker, follow these tips:

• Use a basic crockpot liner for easy clean-up. No need to grease or add water.

• Trim off excess fat, but leave a thin layer to keep the pork moist.

• Choose smaller 1-2 lb tenderloins which cook quicker and more evenly.

• Sprinkle on a little brown sugar to help counteract lean meat drying out.

• Add liquid like broth, beer, juices, or water to the crockpot.

• Shred with forks rather than slicing pork to preserve moisture.

Simple Hormel Crockpot Pork Recipes

Hormel pork tenderloins only require a few additional ingredients for delicious slow cooker meals:

Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin

• 1.5 lbs Hormel pork tenderloin
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt

BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Mexican Chile Verde Pork

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1⁄2 tsp oregano

Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Roast

• 3 lb pork loin roast
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Sweet Potatoes

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 tsp each cinnamon, salt, pepper

More Delicious Crockpot Pork Recipes

Beyond the basic Hormel pork tenderloin, consider these more elaborate crockpot pork dishes:

• Pulled Pork – pork shoulder roast + bbq sauce
• Pork Carnitas – pork roast, salsa, cumin
• Hawaiian Pork – pork roast + pineapple, soy sauce, ginger
• Pork Green Chili – pork, Hatch chiles, onions
• Sausage and Peppers – Italian sausage, bell peppers, tomato
• Pork Ragù – ground pork, tomato, red wine, parmesan

The simple Hormel pre-marinated pork tenderloin serves as the base for so many easy yet impressive slow cooker meals. Follow the tips above to get perfect results every time.