These slow cooker pork chops are super easy to make and come out so tender! They cook low and slow with delicious seasonings, making your home smell amazing.
I love that I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Perfect for busy days when I still want a yummy meal! 🐖❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, boneless chops can also work, but they may cook faster. Just keep an eye on them!
Onion: I recommend using yellow onion for the right sweetness. If you want a sharper taste, use red onion. Shallots also make a lovely substitute if you have them on hand.
Mushrooms: I used button mushrooms, but you could swap for cremini or even shiitake for a different flavor. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out.
Broth: Beef broth adds a rich flavor, but chicken broth works just as well. Vegetable broth is a great non-meat option too, especially if you’re aiming for a lighter taste.
Thyme: Fresh thyme brightens up the dish! If it’s not available, dried thyme is a suitable swap (just remember to use less: fresh has a stronger flavor).
How Can I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Tender and Flavorful?
The trick to tender pork chops lies in your slow cooker! Searing them before cooking helps lock in juices and flavors.
- Pat the chops dry to get a nice sear. This caramelizes the meat for extra flavor.
- Let the slow cooker do the work. Cook them low and slow for the best results—around 6-7 hours on low is ideal.
- If the sauce seems thin, mix cornstarch with water to thicken it. Just be patient and let it bubble to get that perfect sauce.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
- Side: Steamed green beans or preferred vegetable
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you can leave it to cook in the slow cooker. It will need 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step helps to get a good sear. Then, season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This locks in flavors. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic’s fragrant aroma.
4. Make the Broth Mixture:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine everything. Don’t forget to add the dried thyme! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet for any browned bits, as they enhance the flavor.
5. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker. Carefully pour the vegetable and broth mixture over the pork chops, making sure everything is nice and cozy in there!
6. Cook the Chops:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and delicious.
7. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like to thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the slow cooker. Stir the slurry into the remaining cooking liquid. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops topped with the rich onion and mushroom sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with steamed green beans or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow cooker pork chops! They’re sure to be a hit every time! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Yes! While bone-in pork chops are recommended for flavor, you can also use boneless pork chops or even pork loin. Just remember that cooking times may change slightly, especially for thinner cuts—check for doneness to avoid overcooking!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Mushrooms?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can either leave them out or substitute them with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. They will still add flavor and keep the dish hearty!
Can I Prepare This Recipe the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the pork chops and the vegetable mixture, then store everything in the slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and set it to cook!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. A splash of broth can help keep the pork tender!
