🥓 Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 3–4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)
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Servings: 4–6
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Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
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2 lbs Pork tenderloin (cut into 1.5-inch thick medallions)
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1 lb Thin-cut bacon (thick-cut won’t crisp as well)
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1/4 cup Brown sugar
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1 tsp Smoked paprika
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1 tsp Garlic powder
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1/2 tsp Onion powder
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1/2 tsp Black pepper
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Optional: 1 tbsp Avocado oil (for searing)
Instructions
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Prep the Pork: Cut the tenderloin into medallions. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Season: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over each pork piece.
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Wrap: Wrap a slice of bacon around the edge of each medallion. Secure it with a toothpick.
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Sear (Highly Recommended): For the best flavor, sear the wrapped medallions in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until the bacon starts to color.
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Slow Cook: Place the medallions in the crockpot. If you have extra rub, sprinkle it on top. Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 2 hours.
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The Finish: Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it. For crispy bacon, pop the medallions under a broiler for 3–5 minutes before serving.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is very lean. Even in a slow cooker, it can turn “chalky” if left too long. Start checking the temp at the 3-hour mark.
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Toothpick Safety: Remember to count how many toothpicks you put in so you can take the same amount out!
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The Sauce: The liquid left in the crockpot is liquid gold. Whisk in a little cornstarch slurry and simmer it in a pan to create a thick glaze to pour over the meat.
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Estimate based on 1/6th of the recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 9g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
✨ Benefits of This Dish
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High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.
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Low Effort: Most of the “work” happens while you’re doing something else.
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Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the brown sugar and the saltiness of the bacon make it a hit with pickier eaters.
❓ Common Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use frozen pork?
A: It’s safer to thaw it first. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker keeps it in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Q: Do I need to add water or broth to the crockpot?
A: No. The bacon and the pork will release enough fat and moisture to keep everything succulent without diluting the flavor.
Q: What should I serve with this?
A: It pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp apple slaw to cut through the richness of the bacon.