These easy crock pot smothered pork chops are a real treat! The pork chops cook slowly and become super tender, all while soaking up a delicious, creamy sauce.
My favorite part? You can simply toss everything in the pot and let it do its magic! Serve with rice or mashed potatoes; they will love soaking up that tasty sauce! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for this recipe as they stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops, but be careful not to overcook them.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This adds a ton of flavor! If you don’t have it, you can mix your own with onion powder, garlic powder, and dried onions.
Cream of Mushroom & Cream of Chicken Soups: You can use any cream soup you like. A cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce works too! For a lighter option, try mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of broth.
Onions & Garlic: White or yellow onions are perfect. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them or use onion powder!
Milk: Any milk works here—cow, almond, or oat. For a richer sauce, try heavy cream or half-and-half.
How Can I Ensure My Pork Chops are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking pork chops in the crock pot allows them to become super tender with little effort. Follow these tips for the best results.
- **Sear the Pork Chops**: This step is optional, but browning them first adds flavor.
- **Layering**: Always put onions and garlic at the bottom. This keeps them from burning and enhances the sauce.
- **Temp Control**: Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is best. If you use high heat, keep an eye after 3-4 hours.
- **Rest the Meat**: After cooking, let the pork chops sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in 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 chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Just a few minutes to get everything ready and let the slow cooker do the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. If desired, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step adds great flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare the Base:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help create a flavorful base for your dish.
3. Mix the Soups:
In a medium bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until everything is mixed thoroughly.
4. Add the Pork Chops:
Place the seared (or raw) pork chops on top of the onions and garlic in the crock pot.
5. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well covered with the sauce.
6. Slow Cook the Pork Chops:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should be tender and cooked through.
7. Final Seasoning:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust any seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish to soak up the delicious gravy!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful crock pot smothered pork chops!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high heat or 5 hours on low heat to prevent them from drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with any cream soup like cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a homemade white sauce. This will still give you a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and place everything in the slow cooker. Just cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, you can set it to cook while you’re away for the day!
