My husband tried it and immediately ran over to get the recipe from me.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the cozy, inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal waiting for you. That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin. It’s a recipe steeped in tradition, bringing together the sweet and savory flavors that have been cherished across Midwestern kitchens for generations. This dish marries the tenderness of slow-cooked pork, the smoky allure of bacon, and the delightful sweetness of brown sugar. It’s a reminder of simpler times, where meals were crafted with love and care, meant to be savored with family gathered around the dinner table.

This delightful pork tenderloin is best served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn to embrace the full Midwestern comfort food experience. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the main dish. Don’t forget warm, freshly baked dinner rolls—perfect for mopping up the mouthwatering juices. A slice of apple pie for dessert would complete this nostalgic meal, making it a truly heartwarming feast.

Servings: 4-6 servings

1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5-2 pounds)
6-8 slices of bacon
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Begin by patting the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the pork tenderloin.

4. Lay the bacon slices out on a clean surface, slightly overlapping. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on top and wrap the bacon slices around it.

5. Carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin to your slow cooker, seam side down.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is fully cooked and tender.

7. Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

8. Serve hot, drizzling some of the cooking juices over the top for added flavor.

For a little extra zing, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the brown sugar mixture. If you prefer a hint of fruitiness, consider adding some thinly sliced apples or pears around the pork in the slow cooker. Another lovely variation is to add a touch of heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the spice mix. For those watching their sugar intake, you could swap out the brown sugar for a sugar substitute that’s suitable for cooking.