Searching for a dinner that’s both effortless and deeply satisfying? Look no further! This Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is your perfect solution. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that delivers incredibly tender pork chops, generously covered in a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce. Ideal for those hectic weeknights, or anytime you want a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
Why This Crockpot Pork Chop Recipe Works
What makes this recipe a winner? The magic of slow cooking transforms even the most budget-friendly pork chops into incredibly tender delights. Meanwhile, the cream of mushroom soup provides a remarkably delicious and incredibly simple sauce. It’s all about minimal effort yielding maximum flavor!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to prepare these incredibly delicious Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup! Having all of your ingredients measured and ready to go will make this easy slow cooker recipe even simpler to prepare. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
For the Pork Chops
- 4-6 boneless or bone-in pork chops, approximately 1-inch in thickness. Selecting the right thickness is vital for ensuring even cooking!
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (this is optional, and intended for searing). This technique can significantly enhance the overall flavor.
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. This forms the luscious foundation of our straightforward sauce!
- 1/2 cup of milk or chicken broth. If you’re aiming for a richer, more decadent sauce, opt for milk; for a lighter taste, chicken broth is the way to go.
- 1/4 cup of sour cream (this is optional, and meant to provide extra creaminess). It introduces a delightful tang that balances the richness of the soup.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This brings a pleasing hint of garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Designed to provide a subtle onion-like taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Just a tiny touch of spice to awaken the senses.
- Salt, added according to your personal taste. Enhances all of the other wonderful flavors.
Optional Add-ins
These extra ingredients can elevate your crockpot pork chops to an even higher level of deliciousness!
- Sliced mushrooms (use fresh or canned varieties). Adds fantastic texture and amplifies the mushroom essence.
- Chopped onion. Introduces another layer of savory goodness to the flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (primarily for garnish). Adds a vibrant splash of color along with a touch of fresh flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Are you ready to prepare some wonderfully simple and exceptionally tasty Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup? By following these effortless steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting dish that the entire family will be sure to adore!
Preparing the Pork Chops (Optional Searing)
Optional Step: Sear pork chops in olive oil for 1-2 minutes on each side to create a golden-brown sear, then place them in a single layer in the crockpot.
Making the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Now, let’s create the creamy mushroom sauce! In a bowl, mix condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk/chicken broth, sour cream (optional but adds tang), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Stir in optional sliced mushrooms or chopped onion for extra flavor and texture. Pour the sauce evenly over pork chops in the crockpot, making sure each chop is well-coated.
Slow Cooking the Pork Chops
Seal the crockpot lid tightly and cook pork chops on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C). If sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or mix cornstarch slurry into the sauce during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips and Variations for Delicious Crockpot Pork Chops
Interested in taking these already delectable Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup to an even higher level of flavor and enjoyment? Below, you’ll find a selection of insightful tips, clever tricks, and mouthwatering variations that will help you to truly customize this recipe and make it entirely your own! For example, you could pair it with, Chipped Beef Gravy for some added richness!
Choosing Your Pork Chops
One of the most appealing aspects of this particular recipe is its amazing versatility – it performs beautifully with both boneless and bone-in pork chops! Bone-in chops tend to develop a bit more inherent flavor, because the bone gradually imparts richness to the meat as it cooks. That said, boneless pork chops are also wonderfully delicious in this recipe, and they typically require a somewhat shorter cooking time.
Flavor Boosters
Craving an even more pronounced depth of flavor? Consider adding a bay leaf to the crockpot along with the pork chops as they cook. Just be sure to remember to remove it from the pot before you’re ready to serve the meal! Also, a quick splash of Worcestershire sauce, or even just a dash of your favorite hot sauce, can impart an absolutely delicious undertone to the already creamy and flavorful mushroom sauce.
Adding Vegetables
If you’re hoping to simplify things and transform this into a true one-pot meal, why not add some flavorful and nutritious vegetables directly into the crockpot, right alongside your seasoned pork chops? Sliced potatoes, baby-cut carrots, and roughly chopped celery all work exceptionally well. For best results, be sure to add these vegetables right at the beginning of the entire cooking cycle – this will give them plenty of time to soften and become perfectly tender as everything simmers. Looking to add a variety of flavor and texture. Look no further as you can review some, Vietnamese appetizers, to help you on your journey to creating a balanced and flavourful dish.
Preventing Dry Pork Chops
Absolutely nobody enjoys the experience of biting into a dry, overcooked pork chop! In order to keep your chops as tender and juicy as possible, it’s essential to make certain that they remain mostly submerged in the creamy mushroom sauce as they cook. If needed, don’t hesitate to add a bit more milk or chicken broth to ensure that the sauce completely covers them. Perhaps even more importantly, avoid the temptation to overcook your pork chops! Rely on a reliable meat thermometer to carefully monitor their internal temperature, and remove them from the crockpot as soon as they reach that crucial 145°F (63°C) mark. To see what you are doing with your chops, its important to see if, Safe Handling is being applied.
Making it a Complete Meal
These comforting Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup are utterly fantastic when served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, some fluffy cooked rice, or a pile of gently buttered egg noodles. To round things out, be sure to add a simple side salad, or some lightly steamed green beans or broccoli – with just a little bit of extra effort, you’ll have created a truly complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Pork Chops
With your delectable Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup now cooked to utter perfection, the only task that remains is to start thinking about creative and satisfying serving options! These incredibly tender pork chops, bathed in their luxurious sauce, pair beautifully with an array of different side dishes. Why not check out a few more tasty recipes like, gluten free dairy free soup recipes, for more combinations?
Classic Pairings
You can never go wrong by sticking with those timeless and ever-popular choices! Serve your pork chops over a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes, some delicately buttered egg noodles, or a mound of fluffy, steaming white rice. For a bit of crispness and brightness, a simple side salad, or perhaps a dish of lightly steamed green beans, always make for excellent additions.
Creative Sides
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, and you’re keen to explore some truly exciting flavor combinations, why not consider some of these more creative options? Roasted Brussels sprouts, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, some crusty, garlic-infused bread, or perhaps even a helping of creamy and rich polenta would all provide wonderfully unexpected – yet entirely complementary – accompaniments to your savory and delicious crockpot pork chops. Also consider some, healthy snacks to balance your plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have some lingering questions about how to prepare these incredible Crockpot Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup? Fear not, because I’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find a list of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this recipe – designed to assist you in creating a truly unforgettable meal.
How to cook pork chops with mushroom soup in a slow cooker?
The process is really quite simple! First, you’ll want to arrange your pork chops evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, in a separate bowl, gently blend your condensed cream of mushroom soup, along with a bit of milk or broth (based on your personal preference), and your favorite selection of seasonings. Finally, pour this fragrant mixture evenly over all of the pork chops, seal the slow cooker with its lid, and allow everything to cook on a low heat setting for approximately 6 to 8 hours – or on a high setting for about 3 to 4 hours. That’s really all there is to it!
What sauce to put on pork chops in a slow cooker?
While cream of mushroom soup is certainly a classic and reliably delicious choice when it comes to preparing crockpot pork chops, the options available to you are truly vast and varied! For example, you might consider using a smoky BBQ sauce for a hint of sweetness and deeply savory appeal, or perhaps a honey garlic sauce, for a wonderful combination of sweetness and savory flavor. For a truly unique twist, you could experiment with an apple cider vinegar-based sauce, which will add a pleasant tanginess. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more familiar, a basic tomato sauce, infused with some classic Italian herbs, is another option that will create a truly memorable and delicious flavor profile.
Why are my pork chops tough in the slow cooker?
More often than not, the primary reason for pork chops turning out tough when they’re cooked in a slow cooker is simply overcooking. While it’s easy to assume that slow cooking will invariably result in tender and juicy meat, the truth is that it’s still quite possible to overdo it! Pork chops that are cooked for too long gradually lose their inherent moisture, which unfortunately results in a final product that’s rather dry, tough, and unappealing. To avoid this pitfall, always rely on a reliable meat thermometer to verify that the pork chops have reached a safe internal temperature of approximately 145°F (or 63°C). Perhaps even more importantly, be sure to remove them from the slow cooker as soon as they reach this mark, so that they don’t continue to cook any further
What is the secret to making tender pork chops?
Creating perfectly tender and juicy pork chops truly relies on a number of interrelated factors. The first step is to select the correct cut of meat – generally speaking, thicker chops tend to retain more moisture as they cook. Marinating the pork chops, or brining them in a salt-water solution, can also work wonders for improving their texture and imparting additional flavor. The single most vital step, however, is to vigilantly avoid overcooking them, and that’s where a high-quality meat thermometer really becomes your best friend! Finally, it’s always a good idea to let the cooked pork chops rest for at least a few minutes before you carve or serve them, as this will allow all of those flavorful juices to redistribute throughout the meat – resulting in a final product that’s as tender and delicious as can be. Of course, slow cooking is also a tried-and-true strategy for breaking down those tough muscle fibers and creating fork-tender perfection!
Enjoying Your Easy Crockpot Pork Chops
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Crockpot Pork Chops meal with creamy mushroom sauce! This simple yet satisfying recipe guarantees tastiness and tenderness, making it a family favorite for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. Bon Appétit!”