CrockPot Smothered Pork Chops 🥩🍄
These CrockPot Smothered Pork Chops are a comforting, hands-off dish that combines tender, juicy pork chops with a rich and savory mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld and the pork becomes fork-tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with steamed veggies for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying dish step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It : The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to focus on other things.
- Tender & Flavorful : Slow cooking ensures the pork chops are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Customizable : Add mushrooms, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic : Creamy mushroom sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Meal Prep Friendly : Great for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion , thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh parsley , for garnish (optional )
- Optional : Sliced mushrooms (add to the skillet with the onions for extra flavor )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Brown the Pork Chops
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork chops on both sides for about 3–4 minutes per side , until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer the browned pork chops to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes , stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Optional : Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet at this stage for extra flavor. Cook until they release their moisture and soften.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and heated through.
Step 4: Combine in the Slow Cooker
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring the chops are evenly coated.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours , or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as the pork may dry out if left too long.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the smothered pork chops hot, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops : Bone-in chops stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking compared to boneless chops.
- Add Mushrooms : For a deeper flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
- Thicken the Sauce : If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the cooked pork chops and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Perfect Pairings
These CrockPot Smothered Pork Chops pair beautifully with:
- Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich mushroom sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa : Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious base.
- Steamed Vegetables : Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
- Crusty Bread : Warm, buttery bread is great for mopping up any extra sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~320 kcal
- Protein : ~28g
- Carbohydrates : ~12g
- Fat : ~18g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These CrockPot Smothered Pork Chops are a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender pork chops and creamy mushroom sauce creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of veggies, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your pork chops, slice those onions, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.