This Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apples is the ultimate fall dinner recipe. It's full of tender apples, tangy seasonings, and juicy pork, and since the slow cooker does most of the work it's great for busy weeknights.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe irresistible
- What you'll need: ingredients
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step guide: instructions
- Watch and learn: recipe video
- Essential equipment for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- More recipes you'll love
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Crockpot Pork Loin with Apples
What makes this recipe irresistible
In my opinion, this is the perfect recipe for chilly days, because the tender pork and sweet apples combine to make a hearty and delicious meal.
Plus, you only need a few simple ingredients so you don't have to worry bout spending a lot of money on your next trip to the grocery store. I call that a win-win! And, even the picky eaters will love this slow cooker meal.
What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- apple cider mix
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- salt and pepper
- pork loin roast
- apples
- onion
- garlic
- olive oil
- cornstarch
Creative variations to try
- If you want to add some additional sweetness to this recipe, you can add a good squeeze of honey to the pork to add some additional sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- A squirt or two a mustard would add a nice little zing to this recipe. I like to use whole-grain mustard, but even yellow mustard would work.
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the apple cider mix, brown sugar, cinnamon in a small bowl. Rub the pork loin with olive oil and then rub the spice mix on the roast. Season with salt and pepper. Place in the slow cooker.
- Add the onion,garlic and apples around the pork. Pour the water over the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove the roast, cover with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high. Cook until thickened. Serve over sliced pork
Watch and learn: recipe video
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Essential equipment for this recipe
- 6 quart Crock Pot
- small bowls
- plate and aluminum foil
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
No, they are different cuts of meat. A pork loin is larger and thicker than a pork tenderloin, which is smaller and thinner. They also have different textures and cooking times.
Yes, cooking a pork loin for a longer period of time can help make it more tender, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough when overcooked.
For this recipe, there is no need to brown the pork before adding it to the slow cooker.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
You can use any type of apple slices in this recipe. I like to use either Granny Smith Apples for a little tartness, or sweet apples such as Pink Lady for a great balance of sweet and tart.
- If you are looking for the cider mix in your local grocery store, check on the same aisle with the hot chocolate, or on any holiday displays that they may have in the center aisles.
- Slow cookers can cook differently depending on brands and models. So, make sure that your pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer - You can also freeze leftover pork loin in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cover it with gravy prior to freezing. That will help keep it juicy.Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat - To reheat, place the pork loin in a baking dish with some chicken or vegetable broth. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
More recipes you'll love
Do you love making slow cooker recipes on busy days as much as I do? If so, you will want to add Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup, and this Crockpot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin to your meal plan soon. They are all super easy to make and mouthwateringly delicious.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
I love to turn this crockpot pork recipe into a tasty meal by pairing it with simple side dishes like Candied Sweet Potatoes, 3-Ingredient Steamed Green Beans, and you can't forget the Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough.
And, if you are like me and need a little sweet treat after dinner, then these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are for you. You don't even have to turn on the oven to make them.
Does your family love crockpot recipes? I'd love for you to leave a comment and let me know what your favorite fall slow cooker recipe is. And, don't forget if you have any questions about this recipe leave them below, I'd love to help you answer them and troubleshoot your recipe. Thank you for spending part of your day with me!
Crockpot Pork Loin with Apples
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 packet apple cider mix*
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 pound pork loin
- 3 apples cored and quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cup water
- optional gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the apple cider mix, brown sugar, cinnamon in a small bowl. Rub the pork loin with olive oil and then rub the spice mixture over the loin. Season with salt and pepper (about a half teaspoon of each). Place in the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic and quartered apples around the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the water over the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Remove from the crockpot. Cover with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
- If you're making the optional gravy (which I really recommend!) Remove the pork is from the crockpot and cover with foil. Leave the apples, onion and sauce in the cooking vessel.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the gravy drizzled over the sliced pork, garnish with minced parsley. Serve and enjoy!
Wendy says
How can you use liquid apple cider in place of dry apple cider mix for the dry rub of the pork chops. The recipe sounds interesting but I have cider but no mix.
Debra Clark says
Great question Wendy, eliminate the water and pour the apple juice over the vegetables. The flavor won't infuse the meat quite as much, but it will still be wonderful. Enjoy the recipe!