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A lean and healthy pork tenderloin recipe with apples, honey and rosemary. Easy prep simple ingredients for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner!
Baked pork tenderloin is an awesome, family friendly cut of meat. I love pork tenderloin because it's lean, it cooks quickly, and is extremely versatile.
Today, we're making this applesauce pork tenderloin that turns out a juicy tenderloin choked full of flavor!
And, since it's a one-skillet dinner, that means you'll save time in the dishwashing department later.
Pair it with some easy mashed potatoes from scratch in the Instant Pot and slow cooker.
This recipe can also be made as a healthy crockpot freezer meal which is music to my meal planning ears!
What's the difference between a pork tenderloin and a pork loin?
According to the Pork Checkoff, "loin roast is typically sold in pieces weighing between two to fourpounds. The term roast simply refers to a large cut of pork.
The tenderloin comes from the full pork loin. As the name indicates, the tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of pork. Typically, pork tenderloin weighs between ¾and 1 ½pounds."
Now, what does that mean to us cooking at home in our kitchens?
To me, this means leave the pork loin for a bigger gathering or a Sunday dinner when there's more time to cook.
And use the pork tenderloin for weeknight meals.
Fast is our friend around here!
Ingredients for a pork tenderloin recipe with apples
Simple ingredients don't have to mean boring recipes!
One of my favorite books to reference when trying new recipes is The Flavor Bible. This book shows all sorts of combinations of herbs, spices, vegetables and meats.
The combination we're using for this pork tenderloin is a combination of honey, rosemary and Dijon mustard - all good pairings with pork!
How to make one skillet pork tenderloin recipe with apples
Step 1: Make the applesauce mixture
Mix the applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the pork
This is going to add a nice color to the tenderloin and texture, too.
Step 3: Spread with half of the applesauce mixture
And then cook in the oven with the apples. Flip the pork and baste with the remaining applesauce. Cook until a temperature of 145-160 degrees F. Let it rest for several minutes to keep it moist and juicy!
Can I make this pork tenderloin recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can totally make this in the crockpot, I would nestle the pork on top of the apples for cooking. Then, put the applesauce mixture over it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness as it will depend on the size of your slow cooker and tenderloin.
At what temperature is my pork tenderloin cooked?
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 - 160 degrees F. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature, then let the pork tenderloin sit for five minutes.
Other pork tenderloin recipes:
- Stove Top Pork Tenderloin Medallions
- One Pan Pork Tenderloin Sheet Pan Dinner
- Keto Pork Tenderloin Stir Fry with Cashews
Deanne Frieders
A lean and healthy pork tenderloin recipe with apples, honey and rosemary. Easy prep simple ingredients for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner!
4.77 from 13 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 473 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1.5 teaspoon dried rosemary chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 lbs. pork tenderloin
- 3 medium firm apples cored and chopped
Instructions
TO MAKE FRESH
Place oven rack in center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
Combine applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary in a small bowl and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Generously season the pork roast with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook until browned and evenly seared on all sides, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and spread half of the applesauce mixture all over the top and sides of the pork. Arrange the chopped apples around the sides of the pork and place in the pre-heated oven.
Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and flip the pork. Brush with remaining applesauce mixture and return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
Remove from oven and cover loosely to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
TO MAKE AS A FREEZER MEAL
Label a quart sized freezer bag. Combine applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary in the bag. Store pork tenderloin separately.
TO COOK FROM A FREEZER MEAL
Thaw overnight. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Generously season the pork roast with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook until browned and evenly seared on all sides, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and spread half of the applesauce mixture all over the top and sides of the pork. Arrange the chopped apples around the sides of the pork and place in the pre-heated oven.
Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and flip the pork. Brush with remaining applesauce mixture and return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
Remove from oven and cover loosely to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
If you have fresh rosemary, substitute the dried rosemary for 2 tablespoons fresh. Use any extra for garnish.
Make sure to check the weight of your pork tenderloin. A single 1.5 pound tenderloin will take longer to cook than 2 smaller tenderloins of the same weight.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gramsCalories: 473kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThisFarmGirlCooks or tag #thisfarmgirlcooks!
Other recipes using pork:
- Easy Pork Stir Fry
- 13 Amazing Pork Shoulder Recipes
- Simple Spice Rubbed Pork Loin
- Chile Verde Pork Burritos - Instant Pot
- Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs with Pineapple
Shared on Meal Plan Monday
