Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin
Try this Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin recipe or contribute your own.
Try this Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin recipe or contribute your own.
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tsp dill
- black pepper i didn't measure this, but i used about 6 cranks of my peppermill ðÿ™‚
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 lbs) trimmed
- 1/2 low-sodium, fat free chicken broth
- 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid
- 6 tbs cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
- 3 tbs greek yogurt (1% 2% or non-fat)
- 4 tsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp dried dill
- chopped chives however much you like!
- Carbohydrate 2.01639260221957 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.127385520832267 g
- Fiber 0.232698961506956 g
- Protein 0.21430604166112 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00701682291647467 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (3g)
- Sodium 0.799979166474667 mg
- Sugar 1.78369364071262 g
- Trans Fat 0.0357189791666667 g
- Calories 9 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, mix together all of the ranch seasoning ingredients.
- Place your trimmed tenderloin in your slow-cooker and coat it with the seasoning on all sides, patting it on so it sticks. Do this in the slow-cooker so that all of the seasoning gets in there and doesn't get left behind on a cutting board or something, because, hey, you just spent the last 30 seconds whipping it together and you will not have your work wasted!
- Pour the chicken broth over all. Cook on low for 4 hours (do not cook any longer than this!).
- After the 4 hours are up, place your pork on a cutting board and tent it with a piece of foil to rest while you make the crazy-quick gravy.
- Remove 3/4 cup of the liquid from the slow-cooker and put it in a blender (I used the blender cup that came with my ninja and it worked great!). To the blender, add the remaining gravy ingredients and blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the contents of the blender into a small pot and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally until thickened into a gravy. This takes just a few minutes.
- Slice the pork, serve with the gravy (and if you're really smart, some mashed potatoes) and enjoy!
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and homework help, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow-cooker recipes. They are my secret weapon for effortless weeknight dinners. This Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin is a prime example. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and requires minimal hands-on time. Honestly, the hardest part is remembering to put it in the slow cooker in the morning!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The tenderloin is incredibly lean and healthy, and the ranch seasoning adds a burst of savory flavor that everyone in my family loves. My kids, especially, gobble this up – I usually end up hiding a piece or two to save for my lunch the next day! The tender, juicy pork is perfectly complemented by the creamy, homemade gravy. I love making this dish on busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic option for busy families or anyone who appreciates a stress-free, delicious meal.
Why this recipe works: The slow-cooker does all the work, resulting in perfectly cooked, tender pork. The ranch seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust, and the homemade gravy adds a touch of richness and elegance that elevates the dish beyond a simple weeknight meal.
Tips for Success:
- Trim the fat: Trimming excess fat from the pork tenderloin before cooking helps to keep the dish lean and healthy.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked pork tenderloin can become dry and tough. Follow the cooking time specified in the recipe carefully.
- Let it rest: Allowing the pork to rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Make extra gravy: The gravy is delicious! Consider making extra to serve over mashed potatoes or other sides.
- Get creative with sides: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning for a little kick.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
- Citrus zest: A touch of lemon or orange zest adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Different cooking liquids: Use apple cider instead of chicken broth for a sweeter, more nuanced flavor.
This Slow-Cooker Ranch Pork Tenderloin is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's a delicious, healthy, and incredibly convenient meal that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
