Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops made in the crockpot are a timeless comfort food that brings together tender, juicy meat and a savory onion-based gravy that’s full of rich, southern-inspired flavor. This dish is a lifesaver on busy days, just load up your slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll be greeted by mouthwatering aromas and a fully cooked meal by dinnertime. The onions break down into the gravy, infusing it with sweetness and depth, while the mushroom soup adds creaminess and body.

Perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, these pork chops offer a down-home, stick-to-your-ribs kind of satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly weeknight or prepping meals for easy reheating, this recipe guarantees full bellies and happy hearts. With only a handful of ingredients and virtually no babysitting required, it’s a winning addition to your crockpot rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Season pork chops with paprika and pepper.
Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the crock pot.
Lay pork chops over the onions.
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, chicken broth, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
Optional: If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to the warm, savory aroma of a hearty meal that’s been slowly cooking all day. That’s exactly the kind of comfort this Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops recipe brings to your kitchen table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, planning a cozy dinner for two, or prepping meals for the week, this dish ticks every box for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.

With minimal ingredients and a foolproof cooking method, this classic recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into a flavorful meal the whole family will love. The pork chops become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they simmer in a rich and creamy onion gravy, all made right in your crockpot. No stove babysitting. No complicated prep. Just simple, satisfying home cooking.

Let’s explore why this slow cooker pork chops recipe deserves a place in your weekly meal rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the main reasons this dish is so beloved is because of its simplicity and bold flavors. Pork chops are an affordable protein that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. When paired with a creamy, savory gravy made from condensed soup, onion soup mix, and a few aromatics, the result is a meal that tastes like it took hours of hands-on time, when in reality, your crockpot did all the work.

Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

1. Tender, Juicy Pork Chops Every Time

Cooking pork chops in a slow cooker ensures they remain moist and tender. Because the crockpot uses low, gentle heat over several hours, the pork has time to absorb all the flavor from the gravy while breaking down slowly until it reaches that perfect fork-tender texture.

2. Set It and Forget It

This dish requires just 10 minutes of prep time. After that, your slow cooker takes over, giving you the freedom to go about your day. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or just relaxing at home, there’s no need to hover over the stove.

3. Rich and Flavorful Gravy

The combination of cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and chicken broth creates a luscious, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and garlic adds layers of umami and depth.

4. Family-Friendly and Budget-Conscious

This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It also serves four people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner without stretching your grocery budget.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient in this recipe shine.

Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops work best for slow cooking because they retain their juiciness and structure. Look for chops that are about 1 inch thick for best results. You can also use boneless, but bone-in adds extra flavor and richness to the gravy.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This creamy soup is the foundation of the gravy. It adds both body and richness, creating that classic smothered pork chop texture. If you’re not a fan of mushroom flavor, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery.

Onion Soup Mix

This pantry staple is a flavor powerhouse. It contains dehydrated onions, beef bouillon, seasonings, and a hint of sweetness that complements the pork perfectly.

Chicken Broth

Helps to thin out the soup mixture slightly while adding savory undertones. Low-sodium broth is recommended to keep salt levels in check, especially when combined with the soup mix.

Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce

These two ingredients deepen the flavor of the gravy. Garlic adds aromatic warmth, while Worcestershire sauce introduces a tangy umami component.

Sliced Onion

As the pork chops cook, the onions melt into the gravy, adding both sweetness and a rustic, home-cooked vibe to the dish.

What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops

This dish pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Because the gravy is so flavorful and plentiful, you’ll want something to soak it up!

Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for soaking up every drop of that rich onion gravy.
Steamed Rice: White or brown rice offers a neutral base that balances the richness of the pork.
Buttered Egg Noodles: Wide noodles add texture and hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to add some color and nutrients to the plate.
Buttermilk Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: For those who like a bit of bread to mop up extra gravy.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Add Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms added to the crockpot give a lovely earthy flavor and added texture.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of kick.
Use Cream of Chicken: Swap out cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a lighter, less earthy flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can brighten up the dish and add a gourmet touch.
Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted zucchini instead of starchy sides.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? You’re in luck, this dish tastes even better the next day.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 60-second increments or reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the gravy becomes too thick.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re into meal prepping or planning ahead, this recipe is perfect.

You can prepare the sauce mixture and keep it in a container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
The entire dish can be assembled the night before. Just keep the slow cooker insert in the fridge, then place it into the base and start it in the morning.

Nutritional Notes

This dish is hearty and satisfying, but you can still make it fit into a balanced diet. Opt for low-sodium soup and broth to manage salt levels. Use lean pork chops and pair with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

A single serving (without sides) is approximately 350 kcal, with plenty of protein and fats to keep you full and satisfied.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are a classic for good reason. They’re easy, affordable, flavorful, and always a hit at the dinner table. With only a handful of pantry staples, you can create a soul-warming meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish truly defines what comfort food is all about. Add it to your recipe box, and it’ll become a go-to favorite for years to come.

So dust off that slow cooker, grab a pack of pork chops, and let this recipe do the rest. Your kitchen (and your belly) will thank you!

Pin2

2 Shares