Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pork chops slow-cooked in a rich, creamy gravy. This hearty recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal, served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work for perfectly tender pork chops.
- Rich and Creamy: The gravy is loaded with flavor and complements the pork beautifully.
- Customizable: Use your favorite cuts of pork and seasonings for a dish tailored to your taste.
- Family Favorite: This comforting classic is loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Onion soup mix
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Olive oil (for browning, optional)
Directions
- Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle pork chops with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Optional Browning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork chops on both sides. This step adds flavor but is optional.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the pork chops in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
- Serve: Serve the pork chops with the gravy spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sliced mushrooms, onions, or carrots to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herby Flavor: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free condensed soup alternative and broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier.
Do I need to brown the pork chops first?
Browning is optional but recommended for added flavor and a caramelized crust.
Can I use a different soup?
Cream of celery soup or golden mushroom soup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I thicken the gravy?
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best cut of pork for this recipe?
Bone-in pork chops or thick-cut boneless chops are ideal for slow cooking.
Can I add potatoes directly to the crockpot?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added to the crockpot, but make sure they’re fully submerged in the gravy for even cooking.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Chicken broth adds more flavor, but water can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Cooking on low heat and ensuring they’re covered in sauce helps keep the pork chops tender and moist.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops is a classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its tender pork chops and creamy gravy, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying!
PrintCrock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) onion soup mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the crock pot:
- Lightly grease the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Season the pork chops:
- Sprinkle the pork chops with paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using).
- Layer the ingredients:
- Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. Arrange the pork chops on top.
- Mix the sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).
- Optional thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Serve the smothered pork chops hot, with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Spoon the gravy generously over the top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
- Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with cream of celery for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.