This Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is a winner! Tender pork chops are slow cooked with creamy gravy and onions for a comfort food dish that melts in your mouth.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while this cooks. I love serving these chops over mashed potatoes—talk about a filling meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer bone-in for added flavor, that works too! For a leaner option, try using chicken breasts instead.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds great flavor, but you can easily make your own by combining onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs. For a lower sodium option, check for low-sodium varieties.
Cream Soups: While cream of mushroom is traditional, cream of celery or cream of chicken can also be used. If you want a lighter version, use a homemade white sauce with milk and flour as a base.
Beef Broth: Beef broth gives a rich flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth would work well if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Slow Cooking?
Slow cooking is all about building layers of flavor. One optional step is browning the pork chops first. This can create a deeper flavor that enhances the final dish. Just make sure to not skip the onions and garlic—they really infuse the broth.
- Season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and brown them for 2-3 minutes per side for best results.
- Don’t fret if you’re short on time—go straight to layering in the crock pot!
After long, slow cooking, the pork will be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 6 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken soup as an alternative)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for browning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you let it cook in the crock pot. You will need to plan for either 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. In total, you’re looking at a cozy and delicious meal that cooks itself while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Pork Chops (Optional):
If you have a few extra minutes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Brown them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but helps deepen the flavor.
2. Prepare the Bottom Layer:
In your crock pot, place the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. This will create a delicious base for your pork chops!
3. Lay in the Pork Chops:
Gently arrange the browned (or raw) pork chops on top of the onions in the crock pot. Let’s get cooking!
4. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
5. Pour the Mixture Over the Pork Chops:
Slowly pour the soup mixture evenly over the pork chops in the crock pot. Make sure they are well covered; it will help keep them moist.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork chops are tender and easy to shred.
7. Finishing Touches:
Before serving, if there’s any excess fat floating in the gravy, feel free to skim it off for a cleaner flavor.
8. Serve it Up:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve these mouthwatering smothered pork chops over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. Don’t forget to spoon that creamy gravy all over!
Enjoy your comforting, effortless slow cooker meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may need an extra hour of cooking time. Ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. You don’t need to thaw them first; just add a bit more time to the cooking process.
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups with a homemade white sauce made from milk and flour. Alternatively, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a vegan cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the gravy creamy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. Just slice them into similar sizes and layer them with the onions at the bottom of the crock pot for a complete meal!
