When the day calls for a meal that feels like a warm hug but your schedule is tight, these Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are the answer. Imagine succulent, fall-apart tender pork chops bathed in a rich, savory, and incredibly creamy gravy. This isn't just dinner; it's a comforting experience that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday supper.
Why You'll Fall in Love with This Slow Cooker Recipe
This recipe transforms humble pork chops into a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Here's why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Most of the work is hands-off, leaving you free to enjoy your day while dinner simmers to perfection.
- Unbelievably Tender: The low and slow cooking method guarantees pork chops so tender they practically melt in your mouth.
- Flavor-Packed Gravy: The creamy, seasoned gravy is the star, begging to be spooned over your favorite side dishes.
- Hearty & Satisfying: A truly fulfilling meal that satisfies those comfort food cravings without any fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Smothered Perfection
You'll be amazed at the depth of flavor created with these readily available ingredients. Gather your staples:
- Thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- Chicken broth
- Dried thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Exact quantities are detailed in the comprehensive recipe card below.
Choosing Your Pork Chops Wisely
For the best results, opt for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. This thickness helps them retain moisture and tenderness throughout the slow cooking process. Thinner chops can sometimes dry out, while much thicker ones might need a bit more cooking time. Both bone-in and boneless work well, with bone-in often offering a little extra flavor.
Crafting Your Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops: Step-by-Step
Get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Follow these simple steps for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
- Step 1: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. This crucial step locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
- Step 3: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker, forming a flavorful bed for the chops.
- Step 4: Arrange the seared pork chops over the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the creamy gravy mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Step 7: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are incredibly tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Step 8: Carefully remove the tender pork chops from the slow cooker. Serve hot, generously spooning the rich, savory gravy over each chop. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Most Tender & Flavorful Chops
- Searing is Key: While the slow cooker does most of the work, searing the pork chops beforehand adds incredible depth of flavor and a lovely caramelized crust that you'd miss otherwise. It’s a step that elevates the entire dish, much like browning meat for a hearty stew or even a Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole.
- Don't Peek: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid frequently, as this allows heat to escape and extends the cooking time.
- Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, after removing the pork chops, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Whisk it into the hot gravy in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring until desired thickness is reached.
- Even Layer: Ensure pork chops fit in a single layer in your slow cooker for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Comfort Meal
These smothered pork chops are versatile and pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides that can soak up every drop of that incredible gravy.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice
- Egg noodles or a side of crusty bread
- Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad for a touch of freshness
For more inspiration on complementary side dishes, check out these delicious vegetable side dish recipes on Allrecipes.com. Another fantastic slow cooker meal to consider for ultimate comfort is our Ultimate Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover smothered pork chops are just as delicious the next day! Allow them and the gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They'll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, a splash of chicken broth or water can help bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Your New Go-To for Ultimate Comfort
These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops prove that incredible flavor doesn't require endless hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can achieve incredibly tender pork and a gravy that's pure heaven. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers maximum comfort and satisfaction every single time. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen pork chops in the slow cooker for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed pork chops for this recipe. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and can extend the cooking time significantly. For the best texture and safety, ensure your pork chops are fully defrosted before adding them to the slow cooker.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't prefer cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce. Whisk together 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, then use this mixture in place of the soup.
How do I prevent my pork chops from drying out in the slow cooker?
Using thick-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick) helps immensely. The long, slow cooking process in a moist environment, surrounded by the gravy, is designed to keep them tender. Avoid overcooking; once they reach an internal temperature of 145u00b0F (63u00b0C) and are fall-apart tender, they are ready.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the pork chops?
Absolutely! Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery can be added to the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic at the beginning of the cooking process. For softer vegetables like peas or corn, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes - 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Tender, juicy pork chops slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful gravy, making for an effortless weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
4 (1-inch thick) bone-in or boneless pork chops
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step adds significant flavor.
Step 3: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in an even layer at the bottom of your Crock Pot (slow cooker), creating a fragrant base.
Step 4: Arrange the seared pork chops directly on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 6: Pour this creamy gravy mixture evenly over the pork chops in the Crock Pot, ensuring each chop is well coated.
Step 7: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are incredibly tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
Step 8: Once cooked, carefully remove the tender pork chops. Serve hot, spooning plenty of the rich, savory gravy over each one. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
For a thicker gravy, after removing the cooked pork chops, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot gravy in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring until desired thickness is reached.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chop with gravy
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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