Crock Pot Savory Pork Chops

 

Easy with virtually no prep… this terrific Crock Pot recipe for Pork Chops is truly a delicious homestyle comfort food.  Served with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and a vegetable… this dish is definitely satisfying.

TIPS

Before going further… I know this recipe uses convenience items.. canned cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix and pork gravy packets… but try it.. the flavor is just great… really.

You can use (as I do) the 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup… it really doesn’t change the dish and is lower fat.

Some recipes brown the pork chops first in a skillet… something you could definitely do.. but honestly I don’t feel you need to… the chops come out fork tender and full of flavor from simmering in the delicious gravy.

I was tempted to name my recipe “Smothered” Pork Chops but after simmering in the crock pot so long, the onions and mushrooms cook down that it really isn’t as evident that they’re there .. not like when this dish is made on top of the stove and not cooked so long.

That brings me to the question of why make this dish in the Crock Pot instead of on top of the stove.   Make no mistake both methods are good…. but there are good reasons to use the Crock Pot.

First, convenience… just put the ingredients in the pot and go… it cooks itself.  Second… it does reduce the fat content somewhat by not browning the pork chops.  And finally..  perhaps the best reason.. the meat becomes so fork tender it melts in your mouth.

For those not liking the mushrooms.. you can leave them out… adjust the beef broth to 1 ½ cups to compensate for the lack of moisture added by fresh mushrooms cooking.

Likewise, if you use canned or bottled mushrooms, increase the beef broth to 1 ½ cups.  I highly recommend using fresh mushrooms.. they really are the best.

Some recipes use chicken broth instead of beef… I like to use beef because it has more flavor and gives this dish a more savory flavor… if you prefer, you can sub chicken broth.

If you like your gravy thicker… you can use 2 packets of Pork Gravy mix… we like it thicker so I use 2 packets … or you can use one and if you find it too thin to your liking … you can add the additional packet at that point or add cornstarch by removing some liquid and adding 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch… and combining it in a small bowl until smooth then adding it back into the pot…. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes on high before serving.  I do recommend using the 2 packets from the start.

I prefer a name brand gravy mix over store brand.. you can use whatever brand you prefer.

If you love the flavor of mushrooms, considering using Portobello mushrooms.. they will add a nice earthy flavor.

You can use bone in or boneless pork chops.. I use boneless.

This makes enough gravy for up to 6 pork chops.

Try this really easy and totally delicious dish!

Recipe:  Crock Pot Savory Pork Chops

All you need:

4 boneless pork chops

2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup *See TIPS

1 cup beef broth *See TIPS

1 packet Lipton’s onion soup/dip mix

1-2 packets Pork Gravy mix *See TIPS (I use 2)

1 pkg (16 oz.) fresh mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced

2 medium onions, halved and sliced

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

All you need to do:

Place the pork chops in the crock pot.  Place the mushrooms and onions over the meat.

In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients (except parsley) until mixed then pour the mixture on top of the meat, onions and mushrooms.  Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for garnish.