Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops

Introduction

Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops are a classic comfort food favorite, perfect for cozy dinners. The pork chops are cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and seasonings, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls apart with a fork.

This recipe transforms simple pork chops into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work while infusing the pork chops with a savory, rich gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary meal with deep, comforting flavors. The slow-cooked onions and garlic create a natural sweetness and richness in the gravy, while the pork remains incredibly juicy. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that always delivers tender meat and luscious gravy—a true crowd-pleaser.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Tender, juicy pork chops every time.
• Rich, flavorful homemade gravy with minimal effort.
• Comforting classic Southern flavors.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread for soaking up gravy.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: 5–6 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per Serving: ~360 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Southern / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 4–6 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for optional searing)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops

1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Optional: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and sear pork chops 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

3. In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, and thyme. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

4. Layer half of the sliced onions in the bottom of the crockpot.
5. Place pork chops on top of the onions.
6. Pour the soup mixture over the pork chops.
7. Top with remaining onions.

Step 4: Slow Cook

8. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until pork chops are tender and fully cooked (internal temp 145°F).

Step 5: Serve

9. Serve pork chops with the onion gravy spooned generously over the top.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve

• Over mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to soak through.
• With steamed rice or buttery noodles to catch the sauce.
• Alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Searing pork chops before slow cooking enhances flavor and color.
• Do not overcook; boneless chops can dry out if left too long.
• Adjust salt based on your broth and soup choice.
• For a thicker gravy, stir in 1–2 tsp cornstarch mixed with cold water 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Cheesy Smothered Pork Chops: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the gravy before serving.
• Spicy Version: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to the crockpot.
• Creamy Ranch Twist: Mix 1 tsp ranch seasoning into the gravy for extra flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked pork chops with gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Optional: Skillet for searing
• Bowl and whisk for gravy preparation

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, but cooking time may need to be extended by 30–45 minutes on low.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, then cook the next day.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and unsweetened almond milk or broth.

Q4: Can I add potatoes to the crockpot?
Yes, small diced potatoes can be added at the beginning for an all-in-one meal.

Q5: Can I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, remove pork chops after cooking and reduce the gravy on the stove for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops are a classic comfort dish that’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The slow-cooked gravy and onions make this a hearty, family-friendly meal that pairs perfectly with potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

It’s a must-try recipe for anyone craving rich, home-style flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.