Did you know you could make something this elegant in the slow cooker? Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, stuffed with crispy bacon and tangy goat cheese, looks impressive and comes together in simple steps. Drizzle browned butter sauce over it when ready to serve and enjoy every tender bite!

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin cooked in baking sheet

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This is one of those recipes that resulted after a lot of time thinking about it on a long run. Yes, I actually think about things like pork tenderloin and bacon and cheese and how they might work out all rolled up together (spoiler: it works well!).

Some people try to solve world problems… I try to solve dinner problems!

Are pork tenderloin and pork loin the same?

Pork tenderloin and pork loin are different cuts of meat that produce different results. Pork tenderloin is long, thin, and very lean. It cooks quickly, and stays tender when it is cooked properly.

On the other hand, pork loin is a wider cut that has more fat, and it requires a longer cooking time to achieve tenderness. It has more connective tissue, which requires more time to break it down.

Pork loin isn’t a direct substitute in this recipe but it can be used with modifications.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

This pork roast recipe is anything but ordinary! The tenderloin is paired with elevated flavors and the rich goat cheese and smoky bacon make it unique. At the end, the butter sauce really takes it up a notch!
Pork tenderloin is easy but impressive. The recipe only takes a few steps of simple prep but the end result looks gourmet.
The slow cooker is the best convenience for a meal like this. No need to constantly check the oven or worry about overcooking and toughness. The final dish is so tender and juicy.
Pork tenderloin is a standout entrée with versatile serving options. It pairs well with many sides so you can customize the type of meal you’d like to serve!

Ingredients Needed

For the pork tenderloin:

Pork tenderloin – Pork tenderloin is lean and juicy, making it a great choice for the slow cooker when cooked on low. It’s also a great size and shape to easily slice into individual servings. For this recipe, use the butterfly technique to stuff the tenderloin.
Bacon – Use precooked bacon that is nice and crispy. This adds a bit of smoky crunch and texture change to the stuffed pork tenderloin.
Goat cheese – Goat cheese has a slightly tangy taste and provides the best contrast to the crispy bacon and juicy pork. You can use either sliced or crumbled goat cheese for the filling.
Honey – Honey adds just a touch of sweetness to tie the flavors together.
Dried thyme – Dried thyme adds a hint of earthiness and goes well with the sweet browned butter sauce added at the end.
Salt & pepper – A bit of salt and pepper seasons the meat.

For the browned butter sauce:

Butter – If you’ve never tried browning butter for sauces, you’re about to be amazed by what a simple technique can do for flavor! Browning the butter brings out a richness that elevates the sauce.
Apricot preserves – Apricot preserves are sweet but not overpowering. This easy ingredient is the perfect highlight to the flavors of bacon and goat cheese.
Dried sage – Sage adds a light herbal infusion to the sauce.
Salt – Balance it all out with a bit of salt!

Counter with ingredients like 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin 3 strips bacon cooked crispy 4 ounces goat cheese sliced or crumbled 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Browned Butter sauce: 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup apricot preserves 1/2 teaspoon dried sage 1/2 teaspoon salt

How To Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

To make the roast:

Cook bacon strips in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice until crispy (or cook per your preferred method).
Drain the bacon and let it cool.
Place the pork tenderloin on a cutting board to “butterfly” it. Use a sharp knife to slice lengthwise down one side, starting at one-third of the pork’s thickness and not slicing all the way through the other side.

Pork Tenderloin being butterfly cut on wooden cutting board

Pork Tenderloin cut butterfly on wooden cutting board

Then, open the pork to lay flat like a pamphlet, and starting in the center, cut the remaining third in half but not all the way through.

Place bacon strips, cheese, and honey down the center of the pork and roll tightly, keeping the filling inside the pork as you go.

Butterflied pork tenderloin with bacon, cheese, and honey down center of pork and ready to roll

Secure with cooking twine or toothpicks.

Place the tenderloin in the slow cooker and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is fully cooked.

Browned Butter Sauce (complete when ready to serve):

Cut cold butter into 6 slices.
Place the butter in the skillet over medium-high heat.

Whisk as the butter melts and starts to develop little brown specks and a nutty smell.
Quickly whisk in sage and salt and remove the pan from the heat before it begins to burn.

Whisk as butter melts and starts to develop little brown specs and a nutty smell

Whisk in the apricot preserves.

Drizzle the sauce over cooked and sliced pork and serve.

Pro Tips

Pork tenderloin can dry out easily because it is very lean. To prevent drying out, cook on low for the best texture. Also avoid overcooking by using a thermometer to check doneness.
Pork should reach 145 ℉.
Browning the meat first is optional, and I prefer not to for this recipe since the goat cheese could melt.
Let the pork tenderloin rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.
If you use toothpicks, count them before placing them into the pork to prevent any surprise when ready to serve and eat!

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you prefer, you can use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin, but it requires a longer cooking time (about 6-8 hours on low) and may need additional liquid to prevent drying out.

Try out other stuffing options for a twist on this recipe! Here are some other delicious combinations:

Cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes
Spinach and feta
Mushrooms and Swiss cheese

You can also change the recipe with different seasonings, such as a classic BBQ rub, an Italian herb blend, or a bold and spicy Cajun rub.

How To Serve Pork Tenderloin

You could serve just about any side with pork tenderloin and have an amazing meal – it’s the centerpiece!

Serve up a classic plate with roasted veggies or Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or opt for low-carb Easy Slow Cooker Whipped Cauliflower and sautéed greens.

If you’re really feeling fancy, risotto and a fresh salad would be a delicious choice alongside the stuffed tenderloin!

Bacon and Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Storing and Reheating

To store leftovers, place the pork tenderloin in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to textural changes in the stuffing when thawed.

Reheat in the oven by wrapping it in foil with a little broth and reheat at 325 ℉ for 10-15 minutes. Or, on the stovetop, warm the tenderloin in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth until heated through.