Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 2 medium celery ribs, halved lengthwise and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 8 small red potatoes, quartered
• 4 boneless pork chops (about ¾-inch thick, approximately 1.5 lbs.)
• 1 (1 oz) envelope dry onion soup and dip mix (such as Lipton)
• 1 lb. fresh baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peeled pearl onions or 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 lemon, halved (optional, for a slightly tangy flavor)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme

Directions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Layer the baby carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops on top of the vegetables.
3. Season: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the pork chops.
4. Top with Mushrooms and Onions: Add the sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, and optional lemon halves.
5. Add the Soup: Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup over everything.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and the vegetables are soft.
7. Final Touch: Gently stir the gravy, pork, and vegetables together. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Spoon the pork, vegetables, and gravy onto plates and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 633 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 45.8g
• Fat: 21.6g
• Saturated Fat: 7.6g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 975mg
• Fiber: 8.6g
• Sugar: 11.6g

This Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe is a flavorful, hearty meal that is perfect for a stress-free dinner. Serve with rice, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
• Super Tender Pork Chops: Cooking the pork low and slow results in fork-tender meat.
• Hearty and Comforting: A combination of juicy pork, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a creamy, savory gravy makes this the ultimate comfort food.
• One-Pot Meal: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or making ahead for busy evenings.

The Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Chops

The key to achieving perfectly tender pork chops lies in using the right cut and cooking them at the right temperature. Here’s what makes this recipe work so well:

• Choose the Right Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work well for convenience, but bone-in pork chops add extra flavor and moisture. Look for chops that are at least ¾-inch thick to prevent them from drying out.
• Cook Low and Slow: While you can cook this dish on HIGH for a quicker meal, slow cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours ensures the most tender results.
• Layering Ingredients Correctly: Placing the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker allows them to absorb the flavorful juices while cooking evenly. The pork chops sit on top, soaking in all the delicious flavors from the onion soup mix and mushroom sauce.
• Using Condensed Soup for Creaminess: The cream of mushroom soup creates a thick, rich gravy without needing extra ingredients.

What Vegetables Work Best in This Dish?

This recipe includes a mix of root vegetables and mushrooms, but you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Some great options include:

• Baby Carrots: A great choice because they hold their shape and absorb the delicious sauce.
• Red Potatoes: These cook perfectly in the slow cooker, becoming tender without turning mushy. You can also use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
• Celery: Adds a mild, earthy flavor and extra texture to the dish.
• Onions & Mushrooms: These bring depth and umami to the gravy, enhancing the overall taste.

For a more veggie-packed meal, consider adding green beans or peas in the last hour of cooking for added color and freshness.

How to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this slow cooker pork chop recipe is its versatility. Here are some easy variations:

• Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Use a Different Protein: Try chicken thighs or beef short ribs instead of pork chops.
• Swap the Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Chops

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

• Biscuits or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy mushroom gravy.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that adds even more comfort to the dish.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A fresh, green vegetable balances the richness of the gravy.
• Crisp Side Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

For a truly Southern-inspired meal, serve these pork chops with collard greens and macaroni and cheese!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Slow Cooker Pork Chops make fantastic leftovers, and the flavors deepen over time. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
• Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Slow Cooker: If reheating a larger portion, place it back in the slow cooker on LOW for about an hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Thin Pork Chops: Thin pork chops tend to dry out during the long cooking process. Stick to thicker cuts.
• Not Layering Properly: Vegetables should always be at the bottom so they absorb the flavorful juices while cooking.
• Skipping the Onion Soup Mix: This little ingredient adds a huge depth of flavor to the gravy—don’t leave it out!
• Lifting the Lid Too Often: Each time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes, which can extend the cooking time.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

Despite being rich and creamy, this dish also provides important nutrients:

• High in Protein: Pork chops are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Loaded with Fiber: The combination of potatoes, carrots, and celery adds fiber, which supports digestion.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Mushrooms provide B vitamins and antioxidants, while pork is a great source of iron and zinc.

For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and lean pork loin chops to cut back on fat and calories.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pork Chops is a foolproof, flavor-packed dish that delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the pork chops to become incredibly soft while the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors from the creamy mushroom gravy.