Tender Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin (Slow Cooker) (Print Version)
Slow cooker Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin - tender lamb infused with sweet apple and warming spices. Easy, comforting, and perfect for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Lamb Tenderloin (about 1 ½ lbs)
02 -
Apple Butter (1 cup)
03 -
Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped)
04 -
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
Chicken or Beef Broth (1 cup)
06 -
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)
07 -
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
→ Glaze Goodies
08 -
Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp, packed)
09 -
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp)
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
Fresh Thyme (4-5 sprigs, plus more for garnish)
11 -
Cornstarch (1 tbsp) + Cold Water (1 tbsp)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that lamb tenderloin beautifully browned. Pat it super dry with paper towels—this is key for a good sear, trust me. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the lamb tenderloin in the hot pan and sear it for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it's got a lovely, golden-brown crust all over. I just love the smell of searing meat; it promises something delicious is coming! This step really locks in those juices, don't skip it like I once did.
02 -
Once your lamb is beautifully seared, transfer it to your slow cooker. Now, in the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that garlic smell is just divine! This is where the base of our amazing <span data-keyphrase="Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin">Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin</span> sauce starts to come alive. Make sure not to burn the garlic; it can go from fragrant to bitter in a flash, and I've learned that the hard way.
03 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Make sure everything is well combined; you want that smooth, glossy glaze. I usually taste it at this point, just to make sure the sweet and tangy notes are balanced—a little extra vinegar sometimes, or another spoonful of apple butter, depending on my mood! This mix is what gives our <span data-keyphrase="Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin">Apple Butter Glazed Lamb Tenderloin</span> its signature flavor, so give it a good whisk.
04 -
Pour the whisked apple butter mixture over the lamb tenderloin and sautéed aromatics in the slow cooker. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, just nestled in there. Put the lid on, set it to low, and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the lamb is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Honestly, the waiting is the hardest part! My house starts to smell absolutely heavenly after an hour or two, and I just want to peek, but resist the urge for the best results, okay?
05 -
Once the lamb is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board, tented with foil. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker, if you like. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker, whisking constantly, and cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. I always worry about lumps, so I whisk like crazy here!
06 -
Slice or shred the tender lamb tenderloin against the grain. You'll see how juicy and perfect it is. Drizzle that rich, thickened Apple Butter Glaze generously over the lamb. Garnish with some fresh thyme sprigs if you're feeling fancy, or just because it looks pretty! The flavors are just incredible—sweet, savory, and a little tangy. This dish always feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a Tuesday night. It's truly a labor of love, but the slow cooker does most of the work for you, which is a win in my book!
# Notes:
01 -
Searing the lamb before slow cooking is a game-changer for flavor and color; don't skip this step!
02 -
Overcooking lamb tenderloin can make it tough, so stick to the recommended slow cooker time for tenderness.
03 -
Always make a smooth cornstarch slurry with cold water to avoid lumpy sauce—I learned that the hard way!
04 -
For a special touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish for added crunch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
whisk
04 -
cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 35 g