Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist and flavorful pork tenderloin infused with cranberry sauce and orange zest, slow-cooked to perfection for a crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 315 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, (whole berry) cranberry sauce, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a 6-quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it's well coated.
  3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 2.5 hours, until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork, let rest for 5 minutes, slice into 1/2-inch medallions, and serve with the sauce from the slow cooker.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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