Ultimate Comfort: Tender Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

When the craving for soulful, comforting food strikes but your schedule demands convenience, these Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are your culinary hero! This recipe takes simple pork chops and transforms them into an unbelievably tender, fall-apart sensation, all while swimming in a deeply flavorful, creamy gravy. It's a hands-off masterpiece, ideal for those bustling weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner when you want maximum taste with minimal fuss.

Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite

This dish isn't just easy; it's a testament to how the slow cooker can turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

  • Effortless Cooking: Set it and forget it! Your slow cooker handles the hard work, leaving you free to tackle other tasks.
  • Unmatched Tenderness: The long, slow cooking process guarantees pork chops that are incredibly juicy and literally melt in your mouth.
  • Rich, Irresistible Gravy: Every spoonful of the seasoned gravy is pure bliss, perfect for pairing with your favorite starchy sides.
  • Hearty and Wholesome: A satisfying meal that provides warmth and comfort, leaving everyone at the table feeling content.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

You'll be surprised at how a few common pantry staples can create such a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
  • Basic seasonings like salt and pepper
  • Olive oil for searing
  • Aromatic vegetables: onion and garlic
  • Cream of mushroom soup (the secret to that classic smothered taste)
  • Chicken broth
  • Dried herbs and spices: thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley for a bright finish (optional)

Find precise measurements in the full recipe card below.

Choosing and Preparing Your Pork Chops

For the best results, select pork chops that are roughly 1 inch thick. This thickness helps them maintain their moisture and tenderness throughout the slow cooking process. Thinner chops might cook too quickly and become dry, while much thicker ones may need a bit more time.

How to Make These Dreamy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Let's get cooking! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a comforting meal that tastes like it took hours of effort.

Crock pot smothered pork chops
  1. Step 1: Season your pork chops generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building deep flavor.
  2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step adds incredible depth and can be skipped if time is extremely short, but it's highly recommended.
  3. Step 3: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in an even layer at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This creates a fragrant base for the chops and infuses the gravy with flavor.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the seared pork chops directly on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until the mixture is completely smooth.
  6. Step 6: Pour this creamy gravy mixture evenly over the pork chops in the Crock Pot, ensuring each chop is well coated.
  7. 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).
  8. 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, for a touch of freshness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Chops

  • Don't Overcrowd: For even cooking, ensure your pork chops fit in a single layer in your slow cooker. If you have too many, cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker.
  • The Power of Searing: While optional, searing the pork chops before slow cooking creates a beautiful crust and locks in rich, savory flavors you don't want to miss. It's similar to the browning step for dishes like Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole.
  • Maintain Heat: Avoid lifting the lid of your slow cooker too often, as this releases heat and can extend cooking times significantly.
  • Customize Your Gravy: If you desire a thicker gravy, remove the cooked pork chops, then create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it into the hot gravy in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring until thickened.

What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops

These comforting pork chops are incredibly versatile. They shine alongside classic sides that can soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy. Consider:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Fluffy white rice or egg noodles
  • Garlic bread for dipping
  • Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a touch of green

For more inspiration on pairing your main courses with delightful accompaniments, explore Food Network's best side dish recipes. Another fantastic slow cooker option that brings comfort to the table is Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover smothered pork chops are a treat! Allow the pork and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They'll keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to a smooth, creamy consistency.

A Weeknight Win for Ultimate Comfort

These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops truly embody the best of slow cooking: minimal effort, incredible tenderness, and a rich, satisfying gravy that feels like a warm embrace. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your rotation, delivering a delicious, fuss-free dinner that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

FAQs

What are the best pork chops to use for slow cooking?

For Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops, bone-in or boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick work best. Thicker chops help prevent drying out and become wonderfully tender.

Is searing the pork chops before slow cooking really necessary?

While you can skip searing if you're truly pressed for time, browning the pork chops beforehand adds a significant depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust that truly enhances the final dish. It's highly recommended for the best results!

Can I make the gravy thicker if I prefer?

Yes, once the pork chops are cooked and removed, you can thicken the gravy. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of 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 occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

What are good side dishes for Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops?

Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or egg noodles are classic choices that perfectly soak up the delicious gravy. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh side salad also make excellent complements for a complete meal.

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Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops


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  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Meat-based

Description

Tender pork chops slow-cooked in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy, perfect for an easy and comforting weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

4-6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)


Instructions

Step 1: Generously season both sides of your pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 3: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 4: Arrange the seared pork chops directly on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 6: Pour this creamy gravy mixture evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
Step 7: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
Step 8: Carefully remove the pork chops and serve hot, spooning plenty of the rich gravy over each one. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For an even richer gravy, consider using cream of chicken soup or a combination of both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chop with gravy
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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