Introducing this effortless, comforting meal, perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This crockpot pork chops recipe is quick to prepare and yields a delicious, hearty meal that will satisfy a big family with minimal fuss. The combination of tender pork chops and a savory mushroom-onion gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and garlic bread, making it a complete dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- Pork Chops: 14 regular cut pork chops. You can choose bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier, while boneless are easier to eat.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 large cans. This will form the base of the gravy, adding a creamy texture and rich mushroom flavor.
- Onion Soup Mix: 2 packets. These provide a burst of savory onion flavor and seasoning that blends perfectly with the cream of mushroom soup.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pepper adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cooking Oil Spray: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Use a neutral-flavored spray like canola or vegetable oil.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Spray the inside of your crock pot generously with cooking oil spray. This will prevent the pork chops from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Layer the Meat:
- Place the pork chops in the crock pot in an even layer. If you need to stack them, do so carefully, ensuring each chop is sprinkled lightly with pepper. Layering helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Make the Gravy:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the two packets of onion soup mix with the two large cans of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The onion soup mix will provide seasoning, so no additional salt is needed.
- Add the Gravy:
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the pork chops in the crock pot. Use a spatula to spread it out if necessary, making sure all the meat is covered with the gravy.
- Cook:
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours. This will cook the pork chops thoroughly while keeping them tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: For homemade mashed potatoes, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, then drain and mash with butter, milk, and seasoning to taste. For a quicker option, prepare instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.
- Garlic Bread: Prepare garlic bread by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on slices of bread. Bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve the pork chops hot, smothered in the mushroom-onion gravy, with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and a side of garlic bread. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick Prep Time: This recipe is incredibly fast to prepare, taking just a few minutes to assemble.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The crock pot does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.
- Large Portions: Designed to feed a large family, this recipe makes enough for everyone to have seconds, plus leftovers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy mushroom soup and savory onion soup mix creates a rich, flavorful gravy.
- Versatile Sides: The pork chops pair well with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to rice or pasta.
- Comfort Food: This meal is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any season.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this hearty dish.
- Economical: Pork chops are a budget-friendly protein, making this meal affordable.
- Kid-Approved: The mild, savory flavors are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy Cleanup: With a sprayed crock pot, cleanup is quick and easy.
Tips for Making:
- Even Layering: If you stack the pork chops, try to distribute them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Thorough Mixing: Ensure the onion soup mix is fully blended with the cream of mushroom soup to prevent clumps and ensure even seasoning.
- No Lid Lifting: Resist the urge to lift the crock pot lid during cooking. Each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes, increasing the cooking time.
How to Store:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk to the gravy if it becomes too thick.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat thawed leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the gravy has thickened, add a bit of water or milk and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
This crockpot pork chops recipe is not only simple and convenient but also delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy later, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the rich, comforting flavors with your loved ones.
