These Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a real treat! They are tender, juicy, and covered in a creamy gravy that makes every bite delicious. Just set it and forget it!
I love how simple this recipe is—throw everything in the slow cooker, and hours later, you have a meal that feels fancy with hardly any effort. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work great for flavor and moisture. If you want to save some calories, you can use boneless chops, but they’ll cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using a low-fat or organic version. Alternatively, you can make your own cream sauce with mushrooms and cream.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to the dish. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you’re after a lighter option—just pick plain yogurt to keep it simple.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor. You can substitute chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still taste lovely!
How Can I Brown Pork Chops Without a Hassle?
Browned pork chops create a delicious crust that adds depth to the flavor. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but I recommend it for the best taste.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook each chop for about 3 minutes per side until golden.
This step is simple, and it makes a big difference in flavor! Keep an eye on the chops to avoid overcooking.
Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork Chops:
- 4-6 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For The Vegetable Base:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For The Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For Cooking:
- 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 delicious dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and can cook for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in your crock pot. Set it in the morning, and you’ll have a warm, hearty dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika. This seasoning will enhance the flavor of the meat!
2. Browning the Pork Chops:
Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Don’t worry if you’re short on time; you can skip this step—but browning adds a nice depth of flavor!
3. Layering in the Crock Pot:
In your crock pot, place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. Then, place the browned pork chops right on top of the onions and garlic. This layering helps infuse the flavors as it cooks.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, and thyme (if using) until it’s nice and smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
5. Cooking Your Dish:
Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chops are done when they are fork-tender!
6. Thickening the Gravy (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker gravy, carefully remove the pork chops once they are cooked. Stir in the two tablespoons of flour into the sauce in the crock pot and cook on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Then, return the pork chops to coat them in the gravy.
7. Serving Time:
Once everything is ready, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up that delicious gravy.
Enjoy your tender, creamy smothered pork chops made easy in the crock pot!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work well, but keep in mind they may cook faster, so check for tenderness a bit earlier, around the 3-hour mark on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version by blending sautéed mushrooms with cream and a bit of stock. This adds freshness and adjusts flavor to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything (browning the chops and mixing the sauce) a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just layer it in the crock pot the next day and cook as directed. It’s an excellent option for meal prep!
