Imagine a dinner that practically cooks itself, leaving you with incredibly tender pork chops and perfectly soft potatoes, all swimming in a rich, savory sauce. This Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe delivers exactly that! It’s the quintessential set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave hearty, homemade comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver in my kitchen for so many reasons. The simplicity is unmatched – a quick sear on the pork chops locks in flavor, then everything goes into the slow cooker for hours of unattended cooking. The result is consistently fall-apart tender pork chops and creamy, flavorful potatoes that have soaked up all the delicious juices. The sauce, made from cream of chicken soup and beef broth, becomes incredibly rich and velvety, tying the whole dish together. It’s a truly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, making it a go-to for my family.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting slow cooker meal (serves 2, easily scalable):
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch half moons
- 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (can use low or no sodium)
- ½ cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium and/or chicken broth)
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: While thick-cut, bone-in pork chops are fantastic for tenderness in the slow cooker, you can use boneless chops. Just be mindful they may cook a bit faster.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for soaking up flavor and getting tender. You could also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though their texture will be slightly firmer.
- Onion: A sweet onion melts beautifully into the sauce, but a yellow onion works just as well.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for a different flavor profile. Opt for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Broth: Beef broth adds a deeper, richer flavor, but chicken broth works perfectly fine too.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf to the slow cooker for extra aromatics.
Instructions
Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting for this delicious meal!
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker generously with cooking spray. This helps with easy cleanup.
- Layer the Veggies: Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and the 1/2-inch half-moon cut russet potatoes to the slow cooker. Toss them gently to combine and distribute them evenly on the bottom.
- Season the Pork Chops: Season both sides of the thick-cut bone-in pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear them on both sides until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step, while optional, adds a significant depth of flavor to the pork chops.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seared pork chops directly on top of the layer of potatoes and onions in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of cream of chicken soup and the beef broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over: Pour the whisked sauce evenly over the pork chops and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The dish is done when the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your pork chops.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pork chops and potatoes from the slow cooker. They will be incredibly tender, so handle them gently. Serve immediately, spooning some of the delicious, creamy sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the pork chops and potatoes as a rich gravy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Sear: While the recipe says it’s optional, searing the pork chops before slow cooking adds a crucial layer of flavor and color that you’ll miss if you skip it.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same time as the pork.
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked safely to 160°F (71°C).
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Canned soups can vary in sodium content.
- Scale Up: This recipe easily scales up for more servings. Just ensure you have a large enough slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate it even further:
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Steamed Green Beans: A side of steamed green beans or broccoli would add more vegetables to your plate.
- Crusty Bread: Some crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- For other comforting slow-cooked meals, consider our Easy Turkey Wings for a hearty, tender dish, or our flavorful Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for another slow-cooked sensation.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes relatively well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that potatoes can sometimes become slightly mealy after freezing, but the flavor will still be great.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this slow cooker meal, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other delicious, fuss-free recipes:
- For another fantastic one-pot wonder, try This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of quick, flavorful skillet meals, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- And for a surprising twist on a classic that cooks up fast in a pressure cooker, our Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is a must-try!
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is a shining example of how a slow cooker can simplify your life without sacrificing flavor. It’s a heartwarming, incredibly satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy your evening. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
I’d love to hear how this delicious dish turns out for you! Share your thoughts and any tasty variations in the comments below. And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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