Crock Pot Pork Chops That’ll Make You Wonder Why You Ever Bothered With the Stove
Remember those nights when you come home exhausted, stare into your fridge like it holds the secrets of the universe, and then order takeout because cooking seems impossible? Well, those days are about to be a thing of the past. These crock pot pork chops are basically the superhero of weeknight dinners—they do all the work while you go about your day, and then BAM, you’ve got tender, flavorful pork chops that taste like you actually know what you’re doing in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, it’s literally set-it-and-forget-it cooking at its finest. You throw everything in the crock pot, walk away, and come back to dinner that’s ready to go. It’s like having a personal chef, except the chef is a kitchen appliance that costs way less and doesn’t judge your life choices.
These pork chops come out ridiculously tender—we’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender that makes you question why you ever tried to cook pork chops any other way. The slow cooking process makes even the toughest cuts melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the gravy that forms is pure liquid gold that goes perfectly over mashed potatoes or rice.
Plus, it’s practically impossible to mess up. Even if you forget about them for an extra hour, they’ll still be amazing. It’s the most forgiving recipe known to humanity, which is perfect for those of us who get distracted by Netflix and suddenly realize we were supposed to check on dinner three episodes ago.
Crock Pot Pork Chops That’ll Make You Wonder Why You Ever Bothered With the Stove
Course: Dinner / LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes6
hours320
kcal6
hours10
minutesTender, flavorful Crock Pot Pork Chops smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy — the ultimate comfort food made easy in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix (or brown gravy mix for variation)
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Directions
- Season pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place sliced onions on the bottom of the crock pot (if using).
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, soup mix, and broth until combined.
- Place pork chops in the crock pot and pour mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
You can swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken soup for a different taste.
Sauce will thicken as it cools — great as gravy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using thin pork chops. They’ll turn into leather in the crock pot. Stick with thick chops that can handle the long cooking time without becoming shoe soles.
Opening the lid constantly to check on them. Every time you lift that lid, you’re adding 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process and leave them alone.
Adding dairy too early. If you want to add sour cream or cream cheese, do it in the last 30 minutes. Earlier than that and it might curdle, which is gross.
Forgetting to season the pork chops first. The soup mix is salty, but your chops need their own seasoning love too.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken works great, or even cream of celery if that’s what’s hiding in your pantry. Make it from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious, but honestly, canned soup is the whole point here.
Want different flavors? Try ranch dressing mix instead of onion soup mix, or Italian dressing mix for a different vibe. Each one creates its own delicious gravy situation.
Making it healthier? Use reduced-fat soup and add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes. Suddenly it’s a complete meal instead of just pork chops with amazing gravy.
No crock pot? You can make this in the oven at 325°F in a covered Dutch oven for about 2 hours. It won’t be quite as hands-off, but it’ll still be delicious.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen pork chops? It’s better to thaw them first for food safety reasons, but if you’re in a pinch, add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
Why are my pork chops tough? You probably didn’t cook them long enough. Pork chops need time to break down and become tender—be patient with them.
Can I double this recipe? Sure! Just make sure everything fits in your crock pot without overflowing. You might need to add a bit more liquid too.
What should I serve with these? Mashed potatoes are classic for soaking up that gravy, but rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread work great too.
Can I prep this the night before? Absolutely! Layer everything in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the base in the morning and turn it on.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—crock pot pork chops that prove dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. This is comfort food at its finest, the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing and your family think you’re some kind of culinary wizard.
The best part about this recipe is how it adapts to your life instead of demanding you adapt to it. Busy day? Throw it in before work. Lazy Sunday? Let it cook while you binge-watch your favorite show. Either way, you end up with tender, flavorful pork chops and enough gravy to make everything better.
Now go dust off that crock pot and get ready to become everyone’s favorite dinner host. These pork chops are about to become your new secret weapon for effortless weeknight wins.
