If you’re looking for a comforting dish that fills your home with wonderful aromas, look no further than my Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed beef Tenderloin! This recipe is a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while the slow cooker does all the work.

The combination of sweet apple butter and savory spices creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me; once you try it, this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
Deliciously tender meat: The slow cooking process ensures that the beef tenderloin becomes irresistibly tender and juicy.
Family-friendly flavors: The sweetness from the apple butter appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile serving options: Pair it with cheesy grits or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Perfect for leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home. Gather these items, and let’s get cooking!

For the Beef

2 lbs beef tenderloin
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp thyme

For the Glaze

3/4 cup apple butter
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp whole grain mustard

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.

Swap the protein: If beef isn’t your thing, try using chicken breasts or turkey tenderloins instead.
Add some heat: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Experiment with fruit: Replace apple butter with pear or peach butter for a different twist on flavors.
Use different herbs: If thyme isn’t your favorite, rosemary or sage would also complement this dish beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed beef Tenderloin

Step 1: Season the Beef

Start by mixing together the light brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme in a bowl. This blend will create a delicious crust on your beef tenderloin. Rub this mixture all over the meat to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Once seasoned, place the tenderloin in your slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In another bowl, whisk together the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard until smooth. This glaze adds an amazing depth of flavor to our beef. Pour it evenly over the seasoned tenderloin in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cooking low and slow allows all those flavors to meld beautifully while making your meat incredibly tender. When it’s ready, shred the beef using two forks right before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish up this delicious Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed beef Tenderloin alongside cheesy grits or any other side that makes your heart happy. Don’t forget to share this meal with loved ones – because good food tastes even better when enjoyed together!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin

Cooking is all about enjoying the process, and these tips will help you make the most out of your delicious apple butter glazed beef tenderloin!

Prep Ahead: Prepare your spice rub and apple butter mixture a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste of your dish.
Sear for Flavor: If you have time, consider searing the beef tenderloin in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This step adds a depth of flavor and a lovely crust to the meat.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of apple butter to match your sweetness preference. A little more can create a richer glaze, while less will yield a more savory dish.
Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or sage alongside thyme for additional layers of flavor.
Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the beef to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding. This helps retain the juices and results in tender, flavorful meat.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin

Serving this delightful dish is just as important as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present your meal beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the beef.
Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions provides a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the apple butter.
Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples not only enhance presentation but also provide a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Grits: Creamy and cheesy grits are an excellent base for soaking up all those flavorful juices from your beef tenderloin.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, providing comfort alongside the sweet-savory notes from the apple butter.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to your hearty main course.

Now that you have all these tips for preparation and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time when it’s time to eat.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef tenderloin in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, slice the tenderloin before storing to make reheating easier.

Freezing

Allow the cooked beef tenderloin to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
The beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

Thaw the frozen beef overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, place it in a slow cooker on LOW until warmed through (about 1-2 hours).
Alternatively, you can reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin.

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While beef tenderloin is tender and flavorful, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or tri-tip. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since tougher cuts may require longer cooking.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cheesy grits, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweet and savory flavor of the apple butter glaze complements many sides beautifully!

Is there a way to make this dish lower in sugar?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of light brown sugar used in the rub or opt for sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener that work well in savory dishes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Beef Tenderloin as much as I do! It’s not only simple and delicious but also brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or a special occasion, I’m sure it will be a hit. Happy cooking!