When you want a hearty homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes is an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Tender pork, creamy potatoes, sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and savory broth come together in the slow cooker for a comforting meal with very little hands-on preparation. The honey mustard sauce adds just enough sweetness and tanginess to make the pork flavorful while creating delicious juices for the potatoes.
This is the kind of simple slow cooker dinner that works beautifully on a busy weeknight, a relaxed Sunday, or any evening when you want a warm homemade meal waiting for you.
With only five main ingredients, this recipe is simple, affordable, and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
There are plenty of reasons to make this easy honey mustard pork recipe.
Only 5 Ingredients
You don’t need a long grocery list. The combination of pork tenderloin, potatoes, honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth creates plenty of flavor without complicated ingredients.
Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
Most of the work happens in the slow cooker. Once everything is assembled, you can let the cooker do the heavy lifting while you take care of the rest of your day.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor
Honey and Dijon mustard create a classic sweet-and-savory combination. The mustard brings brightness, while honey balances its sharpness.
Pork and Potatoes in One Pot
The potatoes cook alongside the pork, soaking up the flavorful honey mustard juices. That means fewer dishes and a complete dinner in one slow cooker.
Great for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is especially useful when you need a simple dinner that doesn’t require constant attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five main ingredients for this easy slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe.
1. Pork Tenderloin — 1½ to 2 pounds
Choose a fresh pork tenderloin that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut, so it cooks much faster than pork shoulder.
2. Baby Potatoes — 2 pounds
Baby Yukon Gold potatoes work especially well because they become tender and creamy while holding their shape. You can also use baby red potatoes.
Cut larger potatoes in half so they cook evenly.
3. Honey — ½ cup
Honey provides natural sweetness and helps balance the tangy Dijon mustard.
4. Dijon Mustard — ¼ cup
Dijon mustard gives the sauce its signature tangy flavor. It also pairs especially well with pork.
5. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth — 1 cup
Chicken broth provides moisture for the slow cooker and helps create a flavorful sauce around the pork and potatoes.
Salt and black pepper can be added to taste if desired.
How to Make Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
This is an easy dump-and-go style dinner with just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly.
If you’re using larger baby potatoes, cut them in half. Leave very small potatoes whole.
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Whisk until the honey and mustard are evenly incorporated into the broth.
Step 3: Add the Pork
Place the pork tenderloin over the potatoes.
Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the pork and potatoes.
If desired, lightly season the pork with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on LOW for about 2½ to 4 hours or on HIGH for about 1½ to 2½ hours, depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin and the characteristics of your slow cooker.
Because pork tenderloin is lean, avoid treating it like pork shoulder. It does not need an all-day cooking time.
Step 5: Check the Pork
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork.
Pork tenderloin should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
The potatoes should be fork-tender.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 3 minutes.
Slice the pork into medallions.
Spoon the tender potatoes onto serving plates and drizzle some of the honey mustard cooking juices over the pork.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork
Don’t Overcook the Pork
This is the most important tip.
Pork tenderloin is a lean cut with very little fat. Cooking it for much longer than necessary can make it dry.
Start checking the internal temperature toward the earlier end of the cooking range.
Use Baby Potatoes
Baby potatoes are convenient because they require little preparation and hold together well during slow cooking.
Yukon Gold potatoes are especially creamy, while red potatoes provide a slightly firmer texture.
Don’t Add Too Much Liquid
The recipe already includes chicken broth, and the pork releases some moisture during cooking.
Adding significantly more liquid can make the sauce thin and dilute the honey mustard flavor.
Use Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard gives this recipe a smoother, more balanced flavor than many very sharp yellow mustards.
However, if Dijon isn’t available, you can experiment with another prepared mustard.
Let the Pork Rest
Even a few minutes of resting helps the juices redistribute before slicing.
This makes the pork more enjoyable and helps keep the slices moist.
Optional Ways to Thicken the Honey Mustard Sauce
The cooking liquid will be relatively thin.
If you want a thicker sauce for spooning over the pork and potatoes, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry.
Mix:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
Stir until smooth.
Remove the pork and potatoes from the slow cooker. Transfer some of the cooking liquid to a saucepan and whisk in the slurry.
Simmer gently until thickened.
You can then spoon the sauce over the sliced pork and potatoes.
Should You Brown the Pork First?
Browning the pork tenderloin before placing it in the slow cooker is optional.
If you have a few extra minutes, searing the pork in a hot skillet can add additional browned flavor to the outside.
However, this recipe is designed to be easy, so you can absolutely skip that step.
The honey mustard sauce provides plenty of flavor on its own.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best?
Several varieties work well.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, and excellent for slow cooking.
Baby Red Potatoes
They hold their shape well and have a slightly firmer texture.
Russet Potatoes
Russets can work, but they tend to become softer and may break apart more easily.
For the best presentation, baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are my first choices.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin
Because this recipe already includes potatoes, you don’t need many additional sides.
A simple green vegetable works beautifully.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Glazed carrots
- Steamed peas
- Simple garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls
For a cozy Sunday dinner, add green beans and warm dinner rolls.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve made the basic recipe, there are several easy ways to change it.
Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the honey mustard mixture for a deeper savory flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh rosemary or thyme pairs beautifully with pork, potatoes, honey, and mustard.
Add Carrots
Add peeled baby carrots or sliced carrots alongside the potatoes for another vegetable.
Add Apples
For a fall-inspired version, add sliced firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
The sweet apples pair especially well with the honey mustard sauce.
Make It Spicy
Add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot mustard for a sweet-and-spicy version.
Use Maple Syrup
For a different flavor, replace some or all of the honey with pure maple syrup.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover pork and potatoes to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.
Store them in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Keep some of the cooking sauce with the pork to help prevent it from drying out when reheated.
How to Reheat Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently.
Place sliced pork and potatoes in a covered skillet or saucepan with a small amount of the leftover sauce.
Warm over low to medium-low heat until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring or turning the potatoes between intervals.
Avoid overheating the pork, since repeated high heat can make lean pork dry.
Can You Freeze Honey Mustard Pork?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork.
For the best texture, slice the pork and store it with some of the cooking sauce in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The potatoes may become somewhat softer after freezing and thawing, but the meal can still make a convenient leftover dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, but pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts.
A pork loin is larger and thicker, while pork tenderloin is smaller and very lean. Cooking time will depend on the size of the pork loin, so use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on the clock.
Can I use pork chops?
You can, but pork chops are also lean and can become dry if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time based on their thickness and check the internal temperature early.
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
For food-safety reasons, it is best to thaw the pork completely in the refrigerator before putting it into the slow cooker.
Can I use yellow mustard?
Yes. Yellow mustard will give the sauce a sharper, more classic mustard flavor. Dijon creates a smoother and slightly more sophisticated honey mustard flavor.
Can I add onions?
Absolutely. Sliced yellow onion is a delicious addition and works especially well with the sweet honey mustard sauce.
Can I add carrots?
Yes. Add baby carrots or thickly sliced carrots with the potatoes.
Why did my pork become dry?
The most common reason is overcooking. Pork tenderloin is much leaner than pork shoulder and doesn’t benefit from many hours in the slow cooker.
Use a thermometer and remove the pork once it reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Insert a fork into the thickest potato. It should slide in easily without significant resistance.
Recipe Card
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2½–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3–4 hours
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1½–2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, optional
Directions
- Wash the potatoes and cut larger baby potatoes in half.
- Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth.
- Place the pork tenderloin over the potatoes.
- Pour the honey mustard mixture over the pork and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 2½–4 hours or HIGH for about 1½–2½ hours.
- Check the pork with an instant-read thermometer. Cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
- Check that the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Slice the pork and serve with the potatoes and honey mustard cooking juices.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes is exactly the kind of simple comfort-food dinner that makes slow cooking so useful.
The pork stays tender when cooked carefully, the potatoes become soft and creamy, and the combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a sweet, tangy sauce that brings everything together.
With only five main ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s an easy recipe for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or a cozy family dinner.
If you’re looking for a simple slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe, an easy honey mustard pork recipe, or a complete pork and potatoes slow cooker dinner, this one deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.