These easy crock pot smothered pork chops are a real treat! With tender pork, creamy sauce, and herb seasoning, it’s comfort food at its best.
Pop everything in the crock pot, and let it work its magic! I love serving it with mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce—it’s a family favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal as the bones add flavor and keep the meat tender. If you prefer boneless cuts, you can use them, but adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re avoiding cream soups, try using a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of celery soup as a substitute.
Broth: Beef broth is richer, but chicken broth works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. Low-sodium versions are great if you’re watching your salt intake.
Onions: Yellow onions create a sweet base for this dish. You could swap in white onions or even shallots if you want a milder taste.
Flour: This is optional for thickening. If you want a gluten-free option, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can work instead; just mix it with cold water first to avoid clumps.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Pork Chops?
Browning the pork chops is an essential step! This adds a nice color and deeper flavor to the dish. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Once hot, add your seasoned pork chops. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- This creates a crust that locks in moisture, making the pork chops juicy.
Don’t worry if you prefer to skip this step; they will still taste great, but browning enhances the overall dish!
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for seasoning and browning the pork chops, plus 6-7 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crock pot. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season Your Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme on both sides to enhance the flavor. Get in there and rub it in nicely!
2. Brown the Chops (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This is optional but definitely adds great flavor!
3. Prepare the Crock Pot:
In the bottom of your crock pot, place the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. This will create a delicious base for your pork chops.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Carefully lay the browned pork chops on top of the onions and garlic in the crock pot. It’s all coming together!
5. Mix and Pour the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and beef (or chicken) broth. Mix them until smooth. Once mixed, pour this sauce over the pork chops, covering them well.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork chops are tender and easily pull apart with a fork!
7. Thicken the Sauce (If Needed):
If the sauce is thinner than you like once the pork is done, take 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken up.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve your delicious smothered pork chops hot, ideally over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the mouthwatering sauce!
Enjoy your comforting and easy crock pot smothered pork chops!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but keep in mind they may cook faster. Check for doneness a bit earlier than the suggested cooking times to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or use cream of celery soup. Another option is to mix a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with some seasonings for a creamy alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
