This Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe features juicy pork chops cooked slowly in a warm, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a tasty meal with minimal effort!
I love how I can just toss everything in the crock pot and forget about it until dinner. Plus, the smell that fills the house is simply amazing—my family can’t wait to dig in! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer bone-in chops, just adjust cooking time slightly. Alternative meats include chicken breast or turkey cutlets for a lighter option.
Cream Soups: The blend of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup gives a nice creamy flavor. You can substitute with any cream-based soup you have on hand like cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
Broth: Use beef broth for a richer flavor, but chicken broth works well too. Vegetable broth is an option for a vegetarian-friendly dish if you use plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh instead of pork.
Spices: Don’t skip the paprika; it adds depth. Feel free to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if that’s what you’ve got. You can also experiment with other spices like rosemary or Italian seasoning!
How Do You Achieve Tender and Flavorful Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is fantastic for achieving tender results, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. Start by seasoning your chops well; this makes a big difference in flavor.
- Layer the onions and garlic at the bottom for an aromatic base.
- Cook on low for the best tenderness – it’s worth the wait!
- If using cornstarch for thickening, remember to add it 30 minutes before serving, giving it time to work its magic.
Remember, the longer you cook on low, the more the flavors meld together, making for a delicious meal!
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauces:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Thickening (optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep work and needs to cook in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With everything done in the crock pot, you can go about your day while the flavors meld beautifully. Just let it cool a bit before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme if you decided to include it. This adds great flavor right from the get-go!
2. Prepare the Base:
In the bottom of your crock pot, layer the sliced onions and add the minced garlic. This will create a nice aromatic base that enhances the flavor of the pork chops as they cook.
3. Add the Pork Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the onions and garlic. They will soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauces and aromatics!
4. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce if using. This creamy mixture will keep the pork chops moist and flavorful.
5. Pour the Sauce:
Evenly pour the soup mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot. Make sure they are well-coated for maximum flavor!
6. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should be tender and easy to cut when they are done.
7. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this into the crock pot and cook on high until the sauce thickens to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, serve the smothered pork chops with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice, making for a comforting and satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours, as they need extra time to thaw and cook through properly. It’s best to allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight for more even cooking.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce by letting it cook uncovered for the last hour, allowing some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can blend a small amount of the sauce with some cooked potatoes or use flour to create a roux!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking, or adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Smothered Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
