How Long to Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker for Maximum Tenderness

Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that’s perfect for busy weeknights It cooks up quickly on the stovetop or in the oven But did you know you can also cook frozen pork tenderloin in a slow cooker? With the right timing, seasonings and cook settings, it turns out incredibly moist and flavorful.

Read on for everything you need to know to cook frozen pork tenderloin to perfection in your Crockpot

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Pork in the Slow Cooker

Cooking frozen meat in the slow cooker offers several advantages

• Convenience – You can prep in the morning without needing to thaw meat overnight. Just throw ingredients in and walk away.

• Flavor infusion – Long cook times let seasonings and juices fully penetrate the pork.

• Fork tender meat – Low, slow cooking breaks down connective tissue for very tender pork.

• Versatility – Use chopped or shredded cooked pork in tacos, pasta, soups and more.

• Food safety – The prolonged heat kills bacteria, making thawed or frozen pork safe.

As long as you follow a few guidelines, frozen pork cooks up just as delicious as thawed.

Selecting the Right Size Pork Tenderloin

For the slow cooker, choose individual frozen pork tenderloins that are:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each
• Shaped long and narrow
• As uniform in thickness as possible

Larger or oddly shaped tenderloins won’t fit or cook evenly. Try to find ones similar in size and shape for predictable cook times.

Aim for 1 tenderloin per person so everyone gets plenty of meat. You can squeeze 2 smaller ones in a 6-quart Crockpot if needed.

How Long to Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin

The cooking time for frozen pork tenderloin depends on:

• Crockpot size – Smaller batches need less time.

• Quantity – More individual tenderloins take longer.

• Doneness – Cook until 145°F for slightly pink or 160°F for well done.

Here are general Crockpot cook times for frozen pork tenderloin:

• Crockpot Size:
  • 3-4 quarts:
    • 1 tenderloin: 4-6 hours on LOW
    • 2 tenderloins: 6-8 hours on LOW
  • 5-6 quarts:
    • 1 tenderloin: 6-8 hours on LOW
    • 2 tenderloins: 8-10 hours on LOW

Check temperature after the minimum time and continue cooking if needed until the pork registers 145-160°F.

For 1 inch thick tenderloins, figure around 1 hour per inch on LOW. Go by temperature for accuracy.

Seasoning Ideas for Flavorful Pork

The beauty of pork tenderloin is that it takes on any flavor profile beautifully. Consider these seasoning ideas:

• Dry rub – Coat with chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic and pepper for tacos.

• Marinade – Soak in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger.

• Braising liquid – Add chicken broth, apple cider, onions and herbs to the cooker.

• Fruit compote – Stud pork with dried fruit like apricots before cooking.

• Herb paste – Blend rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic and olive oil to rub on.

Get creative with spices, herbs, aromatics and more to make your pork irresistible.

How to Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked frozen pork tenderloin:

1. Prep the pork – Choose 1 to 1 1/2 pound tenderloins and remove any packaging. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Season the meat – Coat all sides with your choice of spices, rubs or marinades.

3. Load up the Crockpot – Place tenderloins in a single layer if possible. Add any braising liquids.

4. Cook on LOW – Set temperature to LOW. Cover and cook for estimated time.

5. Check temperature – Stick a meat thermometer in thickest section. Cook until it registers 145-160°F.

6. Rest before serving – Remove pork from Crockpot and let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

And that’s all it takes for deliciously tender and juicy pork tenderloin.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is incredibly versatile. Slice or shred the cooked meat and use it in:

• Tacos or burrito bowls with salsa and guacamole

• Sandwiches topped with barbecue sauce and pickled onions

• Stir fries with bell peppers, broccoli and teriyaki

• Salads with greens, fruit, nuts, cheese and vinaigrette

• Pastas like cacio e pepe, carbonara or pesto primavera

• Soups like ramen, pho, tortilla or green chili

• Casseroles or pot pies with vegetables and gravy

The options are endless for serving delicious Crockpot pork tenderloin!

Cook Once, Eat All Week

The great thing about cooking pork tenderloin in the slow cooker is that you can make a big batch for meals all week long.

Here are tips for repurposing the leftovers:

• Shred or chop pork and store in fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze serving size portions for quick future meals.

• Add to fried rice, omelets, pizza andother recipes later in the week.

• Use in salads, wraps, pitas and more for easy portable lunches.

One afternoon of hands-off cooking gives you tasty pork for an array of dishes.

Tips for Crockpot Pork Success

Follow these tricks to ensure your frozen pork tenderloin turns out perfect:

• Use uniform 1-1 1/2 pound tenderloins – irregular sizes won’t cook evenly.

• Layer tenderloins instead of stacking – this allows heat to circulate better.

• Keep Crockpot lid on for moisture and even cooking.

• Use a thermometer to check doneness – poke in thickest section.

• Let pork rest before carving so juices redistribute.

• Add veggies like potatoes, carrots and onions in the last 1-2 hours since they cook quicker.

Now you can skip the overnight thawing and enjoy incredibly moist, fall-apart tender pork tenderloin straight from the freezer. Just prep and season the pork, set your Crockpot to low and cook according to size. In 6-10 hours, you’ll have versatile pork ready for amazing meals all week long.