Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish perfect for busy days. The pork becomes fall-apart tender after hours of slow cooking, soaking up the rich, smoky barbecue sauce. It’s ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or serving over rice or mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is comfort food at its best.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pork tenderloin
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
onion
garlic
apple cider vinegar
brown sugar
paprika
salt
black pepper
olive oil
optional: chili powder or cayenne pepper for added heat

directions

Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of brown sugar.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned. This adds depth of flavor.

Place sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Lay the seared pork tenderloin on top of the onion and garlic.

In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a bit more brown sugar. Pour over the pork.

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.

Shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.

Let it cook uncovered on low for an additional 20–30 minutes to thicken the sauce, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Searing time: 5 minutes
Slow cooking time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total time: 6–8.5 hours

Variations

Use pork shoulder or pork butt for a richer texture.
Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce for a bold twist.
Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat lovers.
Serve with coleslaw and pickles on brioche buns for a Southern-style sandwich.
Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki for an Asian-inspired version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts, or warm in a saucepan over medium heat.
For freezing, portion into freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
Yes, but thaw it completely before searing and slow cooking for best results.

Is pork tenderloin good for pulled pork?
Yes, it’s leaner than other cuts but still becomes very tender when slow cooked.

Can I skip the searing step?
Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and texture to the final dish.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well depending on your taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.

How do I keep the pork from drying out?
Cook on low and avoid overcooking. Adding BBQ sauce and cooking juices back in helps keep it moist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check your BBQ sauce label—some may contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free sauce if needed.

What sides go well with pulled pork?
Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, or potato salad are all great options.

Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, set it on low before bed and wake up to perfectly cooked pork.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and increase the cook time slightly.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate easy comfort meal that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether piled onto a bun, stuffed into tacos, or served over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish brings tender meat and bold BBQ flavor to every bite. Great for meal prep, gatherings, or weeknight dinners—once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation

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