There is something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with rich aromas and promises a hearty, satisfying dining experience. For me, this recipe for slow-cooked pork chops brings back fond memories of Sunday dinners with family, where the warmth of the slow cooker seemed to symbolize the warmth of our gathering. This dish, with its tender pork chops nestled in a creamy, savory gravy, is not just a meal but an embodiment of love and tradition. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together over time, creating a dish that is both simple and sublime.
This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The pork chops, cooked slowly to perfection, become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. The gravy, made from a mix of onion soup, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix, is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect accompaniment for mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops
1 oz packet onion soup mix
1 14 oz can chicken broth, low sodium
1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup, low sodium
1 oz packet dry pork gravy mix
1 tsp garlic powder
To thicken the gravy:
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Begin by preparing your slow cooker. In a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix. This combination forms the base of your gravy, infusing the pork chops with rich and savory flavors as they cook. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Next, take your bone-in pork chops and season both sides with a little bit of garlic powder. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. The garlic powder complements the savory gravy, providing a subtle yet delightful hint of garlic that permeates the pork chops as they cook.
Step 3: Arrange the Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker. Do your best to spread them out evenly and ensure they are covered with the gravy mixture. The key here is to make sure each pork chop is well-coated with the gravy, as this will help them absorb all the delicious flavors during the cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours. The slow and steady cooking allows the pork chops to become incredibly tender, soaking up all the flavors of the gravy. As they cook, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible, making it hard to wait until mealtime.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Just before the pork chops are done, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This cornstarch slurry will act as a thickening agent for your gravy.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker with the pork chops and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to break up the tender pork chops while stirring. Cover the slow cooker again and switch it to high heat. Let it cook for another 30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Meat Variations: While bone-in pork chops are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use boneless pork chops or even chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Soup Mix Substitutions: If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can use a combination of dried onion flakes and beef bouillon granules as a substitute. For the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup works well too.
Gravy Mix Alternatives: If you can’t find a pork gravy mix, a chicken or turkey gravy mix will work in a pinch.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium versions of the broth and soups, and be mindful of the seasoning packets, as they can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, which perfectly complement the rich gravy. The mashed potatoes can be prepared while the pork chops are cooking, making it a convenient and time-efficient meal. Alternatively, you can serve the pork chops and gravy over rice or egg noodles, which will also soak up the delicious sauce.
To add some greens to your plate, consider serving a simple side salad or steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. The freshness of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the rich and hearty pork chops and gravy.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked pork chops recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity and the magic of slow cooking. With minimal preparation and a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that is deeply flavorful and incredibly satisfying. The tender pork chops, bathed in a savory gravy, are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re reminiscing about family dinners or creating new memories around the dinner table, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible for even the busiest of schedules, while its rich taste ensures it will be loved by all who try it. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a meal that brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
CROCK POT SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS
Ingredients
- 1 oz packet onion soup mix
- 14 oz can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can 10.5 oz low-sodium cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet 1 oz dry pork gravy mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix. Whisk until smooth.
- Season the Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder.
- Arrange the Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker, ensuring they are covered with the gravy mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Ladle the pork chops and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice, and enjoy!
