This Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is a winner! Juicy pork chops cook low and slow, soaking up the delicious flavors of creamy gravy and onions.
It’s so simple! Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that tasty gravy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too; just adjust the cooking time slightly. You can also use thick cuts of pork loin or shoulder if needed.
Soup Mix: Dry onion soup mix is a key flavor booster. If you don’t have it, you can blend equal parts of onion powder and dried onion flakes, or simply use a chopped onion instead—with a bit of extra seasoning.
Cream Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a smooth sauce, but you can swap cream of celery or a homemade white sauce if you prefer a lighter version.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness, but chicken broth or vegetable broth works just as well. If you’re in a pinch, water can be a substitute, but it won’t have as much flavor.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Pork Chops?
Browning your pork chops is an optional but valuable step. It enhances flavor by creating a nice crust. If you choose to skip it, ensure you season the pork chops well with salt, pepper, and any favorite herbs before placing them in the crock pot.
- Preheat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear each side of the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes until brown.
- Transfer to the crock pot to continue cooking with the flavorful gravy.
Remember, cooking them on LOW allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 to 6 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for browning)
For the Gravy:
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Once everything is in the crock pot, you’ll need to let it cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Optional Browning Step:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. While it’s heating, season each pork chop with salt and pepper. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor and color, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Prepare the Base:
In the bottom of your crock pot, place the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. This creates a flavorful base for the pork chops to sit on.
3. Layering the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to add the pork chops! Place them on top of the sliced onions and garlic in the crock pot.
4. Mixing the Gravy:
In a medium bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything together until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the pork chops in the crock pot, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook the pork chops on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and fully cooked through.
6. Final Touch:
Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork chops from the crock pot. Give the gravy a stir! If it seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir that into the gravy. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
7. Serving:
Serve the pork chops hot, drizzling the rich gravy and onions over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like!
8. Enjoy!
These smothered pork chops are fantastic over mashed potatoes, rice, or served alongside your favorite vegetables. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe makes tender, flavorful pork chops with creamy, oniony gravy cooked conveniently in your crock pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they may cook a bit quicker than bone-in chops, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on HIGH or 5-hour mark on LOW.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of celery soup or even a homemade white sauce. A mix of sour cream and mayonnaise can also work as a lighter alternative!
Can I Cook This Recipe on the Stovetop Instead?
Certainly! If you’re short on time, browning the pork chops in a skillet and then adding all ingredients to a pot can yield tasty results. Cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
