Even though I do love to cook some days I just want to come home to dinner already being ready. No standing over the stove or thinking about anything else for the day. This is why my crockpot is one of the most useful things I own. It makes cooking this crockpot pork loin with rosemary applesauce a breeze with very little effort after work to get it on the table. Which means I don’t just give up and get fast food instead.
I don’t know what it is but the sweet lightness of apples just mixes perfectly with the mild pork flavor. Then throw in some rosemary. The most magical and versatile herb of them all and you have a delicious combination that will make you come back for seconds, maybe even thirds.
The pork loin is slow-cooked all day long in the crock-pot making your house smell delicious. Then when you are ready for dinner time you whip up the sauce and a couple of sides and you have a meal on the table in no time.
The apple sauce is a savory blend of saute onion, apple, and fresh rosemary that is then puree in the blender with a little olive oil and water to thin it out. I love using my Breville
blender. I don’t even need to peel the apples and it still turns out so smooth.
I make this rosemary applesauce probably once a month because it’s so easy and you can put it on anything pork or chicken.It tastes so good you are seriously going to want to just eat it off the scraper. It’s like the applesauce from when you were a kid grew up and became this super suave and interesting adult.
Gluten free, dairy free, and Whole30, friendly!
- 3 lbs Pork Loin Roast
- 1/2 Tsp Salt and Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 Cups Water Use stock instead for extra flavor
- 2 Medium Gala Apples Diced
- 1 Yellow Onion Diced
- 2 Tsp Fresh Rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried Minced
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Water
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Pat roast dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub all over to evenly distribute.
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Heat oil in a medium-high skillet. When oil is simmering add roast and sear on all sides. The best way to do this is to cook it on all sides for 4 minutes each to let it develop a good sear.
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Place roast in crockpot and sprinkle with cumin and cinnamon. Add water to cover bottom of crockpot.
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Turn on crock-pot on low and let cook for at least 8 hours. Can cook 4 hours on high. Pork is done when it cuts easily.
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Dice apple and onion into similarly sized pieces. You can peel the apple if you would like but I never bother. Mince rosemary if using fresh.
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Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) to the skillet. Once the oil is hot add the onions, apples and rosemary and let cook for about 10 minutes or until apples have softened. If your apples are not softening quick enough you can cover the skillet with a lid and allow them to steam for a few minutes.
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Once the apple and onion mixture is cooked transfer it to a blender or food processor. Be sure to leave the hole in the lid open so the heat doesn't make it explode! Add 2 Tbsp of water and blend until smooth. Add more water if you would like a thinner consistency.
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Serve pork with apple sauce drizzled over the top and enjoy!
Be sure that you are using pork loin and not pork tenderloin. They are two different cuts of meat that are not cooked the same!
Disclaimer: Please note that there may be affiliate links in this post. That means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. I have personally used all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Hello! I'm Hayley the author, recipe developer, and taste tester for this blog. I love creating simple, healthy recipes that everyday people can enjoy. I share recipes and the tips and tricks I have learned on my journey. I'm excited to share my meals with you!
I really enjoy your website and blogs and this recipe was fantastic I look forward to reading additional recipes and articles from you thank you so much for sharing
Thank you so much Roger! There will be plenty more coming soon!
I so LOVE this flavor combination! Apples and pork have always been one of my favorite dishes 😉
It’s like they were just meant to be together!
We’ve been in such a dinner rut – this pork loin will be the perfect way to switch things up! That applesauce sounds fantastic! Trying this soon!
It’s so crazy easy! I love it when I just don’t know what to make.
The slow cooker is my best friend. Love how you made applesauce to go along with your main dish too. Great pairing.
Thanks Ginny! I love pork and apples together so making apple sauce seemed like a natural extension of that!
Pork and apple is such a great combination!
I just love that this goes in my slow cooker!!! And comes out juicy, tender and delish.
I highly recommend the fresh rosemary, soooo good!
I’m learning so much about cooking healthy simple meals from your blog!!!I pin every recipe!! I also love your pictures and helpful hints.
Thanks Mom! I’m glad you like it!