Easy Apple Pork Tenderloin Dinner

My apple pork tenderloin recipe is delicious, easy, and made in just one oven safe skillet. This is a pork tenderloin with apples recipe that the whole family will love.

I love having leftovers of this one on hand, they are easy to warm up for lunches and dinners throughout the week. It also gives the kids something simple they can heat up without assistance.

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Apple Pork Tenderloin Ingredients:

Here is what you will need to make this apple pork tenderloin recipe. I’m including a list so you can easily shop and prepare to make this tasty dinner recipe.

• unsweetened applesauce
• honey
• Dijon mustard
• fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 
• sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• olive oil 
• 1½ lbs. pork tenderloin
• 3 medium firm apples

Is there a difference between using a pork butt roast and a pork tenderloin?

There is actually quite a bit of difference between the two. Not the least of which is the fact that they require different cooking methods in order to be tender, juicy, and delicious.

Pork butt roasts are better slow cooked, which is why a lot of people use them for recipes in the smoker. A pork tenderloin however, should be cooked more quickly to be sure it doesn’t dry out. Tenderloin cuts have less fat which means that cooking them for a longer period of time can dry them out.

You’ll see more recipes for pork butt being used in the Instant Pot and Crockpot because they can render the fat and make the meat juicy and tender!

This recipe is designed to work with a pork tenderloin. it’s important for this recipe that you use that specific cut or the recipe might need more / less cooking time.

Safe internal temperature for pork is 145 degrees F. So just be sure to check the temperature of your meat before eating in case your tenderloin is larger or smaller than the one we used!

How to make pork tenderloin with apples?

Here’s how I make this delicious weeknight dinner recipe for my family. It’s a relatively low-maintenance recipe so I don’t mind making this one during the week.

1. Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary leaves in a small bowl and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and set aside. 
3. Heat 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. 
4. 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 them in the pre-heated oven. 
5. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from the 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. 
6. Remove from the oven and cover loosely to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to tell if a skillet is oven safe:

My recipe for apple pork tenderloin uses an oven safe skillet to make this a one pan recipe. You can use these tips to tell if your skillet is oven safe.

• Cast iron is oven safe.
• Look on the side or bottom of the pan for a note about the oven safe temperature.
• Most pans that have metal handles are safe to put into the oven.
• Do not put any pan into the oven that has plastic grips on the handles or the lid without being absolutely sure that they are oven safe to a specific temperature.
• You can put non-stick skillets into the oven if they have metal handles or handles that are specifically created to withstand high heat.

What is the flavor profile on this apple pork tenderloin?

I know some people are not huge fans of sweet flavors with their meats. Not to worry! This tasty recipe is a nice blend of sweet and savory. The honey and apple works well with the Dijon mustard and rosemary to balance everything out.

Looking for side dish ideas for your pork tenderloin with apples?

If you are planning to make this recipe for dinner or lunches you can also make any of these delicious side dish recipes to go with it:

• Cheddar Bacon Ranch Smashed Potatoes
• Street Corn Salad
• Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad
• Quinoa Salad Recipe
• Garlic Green Beans with Tomatoes

Printable Apple Pork Tenderloin Recipe:

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• Instant Pot pulled pork
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