Slow Cooker Apple Barbecue Pork Loin lets you enjoy classic barbecue flavors without firing up the grill.
It gets hot here in Oregon during the summer, and without central air the kitchen can climb into the 90s if the dishwasher runs. I didn’t want to stand outside by a hot grill, so I tested this slow-cooker version. I worried about how it might turn out and whether it would photograph well, but it exceeded my expectations.
This recipe is a keeper. The combination of apple pie filling, barbecue sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates a rich, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with pork loin. I served it with corn on the cob and slices of watermelon for a light, summery meal.
How to make Slow Cooker Apple Barbecue Pork Loin:
You will need these ingredients:
- Pork loin (about 4 lb., choose a larger loin rather than a tenderloin)
- Cooking oil (2 Tbsp.)
- White onion, diced
- Barbecue sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Apple pie filling (21 oz. can)
- Apple cider vinegar (2 Tbsp.)
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp.)
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil. When the pan is hot, brown the pork loin on all sides. You do not need to cook it through—just sear for color and flavor. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
- Top the pork with the diced onion, barbecue sauce, apple pie filling, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking time to keep the temperature steady.
- When finished, slice the loin and spoon the apples and sauce over the meat. Serve warm and enjoy.
I cook the pork on low for 7 hours, which yields slices that are tender but still hold together. The apples break down into a saucy topping that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.
This dish works well any time of year—summer for an easy, no-grill barbecue; fall when apples are in season; or even winter as a comforting family meal. Leftovers reheat well and make great sandwiches or a hearty salad topping.
I have more recipes coming soon—stay tuned and enjoy your week!
Slow Cooker Apple Barbecue Pork Loin
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Equipment
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Slow Cooker – 6 quart or larger
Ingredients
- 4 lb. pork loin (choose a larger loin, not a small tenderloin)
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
- 21 oz. can apple pie filling
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
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In a very large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the cooking oil. When hot, add the pork loin and brown it on all sides—searing adds flavor but you don’t need to cook it through.
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Transfer the browned pork loin to the slow cooker.
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Top the pork with the diced onion, barbecue sauce, apple pie filling, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
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Cover and cook on low for 7 hours without opening the lid. After cooking, slice the pork, spoon the apple-barbecue sauce over the slices, and serve.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More pork loin recipes
Cranberry Pork Loin and Green Chile Pork Loin each bring bold, unique flavors to the table.
Honey Apple Pork Loin is a tender, sweet-and-savory favorite.
Brown Sugar Sesame Pork Loin adds a touch of sweetness with an irresistible savory glaze.