This Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a real winner! The pork chops cook slowly, soaking up all the flavors from the creamy sauce. Yum!
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without much fuss. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic! I love serving it with rice to soak up that tasty sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work best for flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, boneless chops can be used, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base for a creamy sauce. If you want a healthier option, you can use a homemade mushroom cream sauce or even a dairy-free version made from coconut milk and mushrooms.
Cream of Chicken Soup: You can swap this for cream of celery or an extra can of cream of mushroom if you’re avoiding chicken or want to keep it consistent.
Broth: Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even homemade broth for extra richness.
Onions: Yellow onions are great for sweetness, but red onions can add a nice color and flavor. If onions aren’t your favorite, shallots work well too!
How Do I Get the Most Flavor Out of Cooking Techniques?
One key to a tasty dish is the initial browning of the pork chops. This extra step locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the dish:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates a nice crust.
- Don’t skip this step! It really enhances the final flavor of your pork chops.
Also, layering the onions and garlic first in the crock pot allows them to infuse their flavors into the meat as it cooks. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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 the Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your crock pot do the work. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great way to have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Pork Chops:
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Take your pork chops and lightly brown them on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but really boosts the flavor of the dish!
2. Layering the Vegetables:
In your crock pot, place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. This will create a flavorful base that complements the pork chops as they cook.
3. Arranging the Pork Chops:
Now, place the browned pork chops right on top of the onions and garlic in the crock pot.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Pouring the Sauce:
Evenly pour the soup mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot. Make sure they are well covered for that extra flavor!
6. Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the pork chops are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
7. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
8. Serving:
Before serving, garnish your delicious smothered pork chops with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy them hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or any of your favorite side dishes!
This Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe is incredibly tender, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark if cooking on high or 5 hours on low.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or make a homemade version using a blend of sautéed mushrooms, cream, and stock for a healthier option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the crock pot along with the onions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you’re adding larger pieces, as they may need extra cooking time to become tender.
