Effortless 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup: Your New Favorite Family Dinner
Discover the ultimate weeknight meal solution with this incredibly easy Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup recipe! Requiring just five simple ingredients, this dish transforms everyday pork chops into a tender, savory delight, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Forget the fuss and the endless cleanup; simply combine everything, set it, and return hours later to a comforting, hearty dinner that practically makes itself.
The rich, creamy sauce, infused with the earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms, coats each succulent pork chop, creating a meal so satisfying your family will be asking for it again and again. Plus, with the added goodness of fresh mushrooms, you can feel great about serving this wholesome dish to your loved ones.
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👩🏻🍳 Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chop Recipe
This Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites, and for good reason! It embodies the perfect balance of simplicity and sensational flavor, making it a staple in our family dinner rotation. If you’re searching for a meal that delivers on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen, look no further.
In the past, my pork chop preparation usually involved a quick sprinkle of garlic salt and parsley before broiling, or a seasonal toss on the grill. While delicious, I yearned for a new, even simpler approach that would yield incredibly tender results. That’s when my trusty slow cooker came to the rescue! Slow cooking pork chops ensures they come out incredibly moist and fall-apart tender, a texture often difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods.
What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms minimal effort into maximum flavor. The creamy mushroom soup creates a rich, savory gravy that coats every piece of pork, while the fresh mushrooms add a wonderful depth and a boost of nutrition. It’s a complete meal in one pot, which means less time spent on dishes and more quality time with your family. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will eagerly anticipate.
If you’re a fan of the slow cooker’s magic with pork, you should also try this flavorful Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Lemon and Rosemary or the incredibly simple 2 Ingredient Pulled Pork recipe!
🥘 Simple Ingredients for Smothered Pork Chops
One of the most appealing aspects of this smothered pork chop recipe is its incredibly short ingredient list. You only need five core ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort!
- Onion: Chopped white or yellow onion forms the aromatic foundation of this dish. As it cooks slowly, it caramelizes slightly and releases its sweet, pungent flavors, creating a natural bed for the pork chops and infusing the entire dish with a delicious depth.
- Pork Chops: For this recipe, I highly recommend using bone-in pork chops. The bone helps to conduct heat evenly, keeping the meat moist, and imparts additional flavor to the sauce. Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick with some good marbling – a little fat adds to the tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. While boneless can be used, bone-in often yields a more flavorful and tender result.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to the incredibly rich, creamy, and savory sauce! It acts as both a flavor powerhouse and a thickener, creating that classic “smothered” consistency. You’ll need two cans to ensure ample sauce for coating the pork chops and any side dishes.
- Fresh Mushrooms: While the soup provides mushroom flavor, fresh mushrooms add a wonderful textural element and a more vibrant, earthy taste. They also contribute additional nutrients, making the meal even more wholesome. Sliced cremini or button mushrooms work perfectly here.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that complements the rich flavors of the pork and mushrooms. You can adjust the amount to your preference or add other seasonings if desired.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Pork Chops
Preparing these crock pot pork chops couldn’t be easier. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal prep and “dump-and-go” approach, allowing you to get a delicious meal on the table with almost no effort.
- Layer the Onion Base: Begin by placing the chopped onion evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms a flavorful aromatic layer that will slowly infuse the pork chops and prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
- Add Pork Chops and Season: Next, arrange the pork chops over the bed of onions. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly; they will shrink as they cook. Generously sprinkle the pepper over the pork chops. This simple seasoning is all you need for a delicious foundation.
- Introduce the Mushrooms: Evenly distribute the fresh mushrooms over the pork chops. As they cook down, they’ll release their moisture and meld beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Smother with Soup and Cook: Finally, spread the cream of mushroom soup directly over the mushrooms, ensuring it covers the pork chops as much as possible. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. This low-and-slow method is key to achieving incredibly tender and juicy pork chops. Once cooked, remove the pork chops and give the sauce a good stir before serving. The sauce will be rich and ready to coat your favorite side!
👪 Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Browning pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker is entirely optional, but it can offer several benefits. Searing the pork chops in a hot pan for a few minutes per side creates a delicious caramelized crust, which adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the final dish. This process also helps to lock in moisture, potentially preventing the chops from drying out, and helps seasonings adhere better. If you have the extra 10-15 minutes, it’s a step that can elevate the flavor profile, but the recipe is perfectly delicious without it for a truly “dump and go” experience.
Yes, absolutely! While slow cooking is forgiving, it is possible to overcook pork chops, leading to a dry and tough texture. The ideal internal temperature for cooked pork chops is 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) with a 3-minute rest. Because slow cookers can vary in temperature and cooking times, it’s a good idea to start checking the internal temperature of your pork chops with a meat thermometer around the 4.5 to 5-hour mark. Once they reach the desired temperature, you can turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting or remove the chops from the heat to prevent them from drying out.
Several factors contribute to keeping pork chops moist and tender in the slow cooker. First, cooking them on a LOW setting for a longer duration is generally better than a high setting for a shorter time, as it allows the meat to break down slowly without losing too much moisture. Using bone-in, thicker chops with some marbling (fat) also helps. The creamy mushroom soup in this recipe is a fantastic natural way to prevent drying out, as it bathes the chops in a flavorful, moisture-rich environment. If you’re still concerned, you can dredge the pork chops lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper before adding them to the slow cooker; this creates a protective coating. Additionally, adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to the soup mixture can provide extra liquid, though with two cans of soup, it’s usually not necessary for this particular recipe.
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Achieving Peak Tenderness: To ensure your pork chops are perfectly tender and avoid any dryness, consider turning off the slow cooker when they reach an internal temperature of about 140 degrees F. Keep the lid on, and the residual heat within the slow cooker will continue to cook the pork until it reaches the safe 145 degrees F, allowing for carryover cooking without overdoing it.
- Choosing the Best Chops: For the most flavorful and tender results in a slow cooker, always opt for bone-in chops that have a good amount of marbling (streaks of fat). This fat renders down during the long cooking process, keeping the meat moist and infusing it with incredible flavor. Thicker chops (around 1-inch) also tend to fare better than very thin ones.
- Alternative Cuts of Pork: While pork chops are excellent, several other cuts of pork are also wonderfully suited for this slow cooker recipe. Pork shoulder, sirloin, or even blade chops are fantastic choices. These cuts often have more fat and connective tissue, which break down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in exceptionally tender and rich meat.
- Don’t Skimp on the Onion Base: The layer of chopped onion at the bottom isn’t just to prevent sticking; it’s a crucial flavor builder. As the onions slowly cook, they caramelize and sweeten, creating a delicious aromatic foundation for the entire dish.
- A Little Stir Goes a Long Way: After the cooking time is complete, remove the pork chops and give the sauce a good stir. This helps to combine all the delicious flavors and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency before serving.
These easy cream of mushroom pork chops are so simple to prepare and cook in the slow cooker all day for an easy and healthy meal that’s ready to serve by dinner time!
📖 Creative Substitutions and Flavorful Variations
This Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Boneless Pork Chops: If bone-in chops aren’t available, you can certainly use boneless pork chops. To help prevent them from drying out, choose chops that are on the thicker side and still have some visible marbling. Keep a close eye on their cooking time, as they may cook slightly faster.
- Herbaceous Additions: For an extra layer of savory flavor, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried dill weed with the mushroom soup. Dill pairs beautifully with pork and mushrooms, adding a fresh, herbaceous note. If you have fresh dill, chop a few sprigs and sprinkle them in during the last hour of cooking, or use them as a garnish. Other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage would also be delicious.
- Different Cream Soups: While cream of mushroom soup is a classic for a reason, other condensed cream soups can be used for variations. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of onion soup would work. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasonings to switch up the flavors. A pinch of paprika can add a smoky depth, garlic salt or onion powder can boost savory notes, and oregano or an Italian seasoning blend can give it a Mediterranean twist. For a unique, tangy flavor, try adding a packet of ranch dressing mix – it works surprisingly well!
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding more vegetables. Sliced carrots, potatoes (cut into small chunks), bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach (added in the last 30 minutes) can turn this into an even more complete one-pot meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: For a decadent touch, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top just before serving until melted and bubbly.
🥫 Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many benefits of this slow cooker pork chop recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. Store any remaining pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, you can easily use the microwave for individual servings, heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through. For larger portions or a stovetop reheat, place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The refrigerated sauce may thicken considerably; adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth while reheating will help thin it out to its original creamy consistency. These crock pot pork chops with mushroom soup also freeze exceptionally well for longer storage, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💡 What To Serve With These Smothered Pork Chops
These creamy, tender pork chops are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. The rich, savory sauce is perfect for soaking up, so choose sides that can truly absorb all that delicious flavor!
For a complete and satisfying dinner, serve these pork chops over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite egg noodles. The sauce is truly the star, and these starchy sides are ideal for capturing every last drop. Consider elevating your rice with some Lemon Dill Rice for a bright, aromatic contrast. For a lighter, healthier option, pair them with a fresh green salad like a crisp Kale Caesar Salad. If you’re looking to make it a more substantial or special occasion meal, sides like a comforting Cornbread Casserole or elegant Bacon Wrapped Asparagus would be excellent choices, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your plate.
🍲 More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Love
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – You only need 5 ingredients for this tasty and bold dish.
- Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken – Sweet and with a kick, you’ll love this easy chicken dinner with a twist.
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice – One of my family’s favorites, this go-to meal is one I’ve made again and again.
- Crock Pot Lasagna – The Country Cook shows us the easiest way to make a delicious lasagna dinner!
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at @DizzyBusyandHungry or using #dizzybusyandhungry!
(Psssst….love pork? Then try this incredibly flavorful Braised Garlic and Soy Pork recipe for another amazing pork dish!)
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Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 21.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
- 16 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Place the chopped onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.2 cups chopped onion
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Add the pork chops on top of the onion ( it is fine if you need to overlap them to fit) and sprinkle with the pepper.4 bone-in pork chops, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Add the mushrooms on top of the pork chops.16 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
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Spread the soup over the mushrooms.21.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
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Cook on low 5-6 hours. Remove the pork chops and stir sauce before serving. Serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.fresh dill for garnish
Notes
- You can substitute boneless pork chops if desired.
- Mix in 1 – 2 tablespoons of dried dill weed for additional flavor.
- Aim for cuts of pork that are nice and thick and have good marbling–these are less likely to dry out.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Happy cooking, and enjoy these wonderfully tender and flavorful Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup – a true testament to effortless home cooking!
