Slow Cooker Pork Chops & Sweet Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Pork Chops & Sweet Potatoes

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7–8 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Pork Chops 4 thick-cut Bone-in stays juicier; approx. 1 inch thick
Sweet Potatoes 3 large Peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Chicken Broth 1/2 cup Low sodium preferred
Brown Sugar 3 tbsp For the glaze
Dijon Mustard 1 tbsp Adds a subtle tang
Garlic 3 cloves Minced
Cinnamon 1/2 tsp To complement the potatoes
Butter 2 tbsp Melted
Salt & Pepper To taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Base: Grease the slow cooker insert. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in an even layer at the bottom.

  2. Season the Meat: Rub the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Place them directly on top of the sweet potatoes.

  3. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and cinnamon.

  4. Pour and Cook: Pour the mixture evenly over the pork and potatoes.

  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4 hours.

  6. Finish: Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), remove the meat and potatoes. If the sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a small cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.

Tips for Success

  • Thickness Matters: Thin-cut “breakfast” chops will dry out in a slow cooker. Always aim for at least 1-inch thickness.

  • The Sear (Optional): If you have an extra 5 minutes, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before putting them in the slow cooker. This adds a “Maillard reaction” crust that deepens the flavor.

  • Don’t Overcook: Pork can go from tender to “stringy” if left on High for too long. Check the temp around the 3.5-hour mark.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 410 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Carbohydrates: 44g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Fiber: 6g

  • Sugar: 14g

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Lean pork is excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Vitamin A Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes provide over 100% of your daily Vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune function.

  • Low Glycemic Index: Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes release energy slowly, preventing a blood sugar spike.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?

A: It is generally not recommended for food safety. Putting frozen meat in a slow cooker keeps the food in the “danger zone” (where bacteria grow) for too long. Thaw them in the fridge overnight first.

Q: My sweet potatoes are mushy. What happened?

A: You likely sliced them too thin. Keep them at a minimum of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick so they hold their structure during the long cook time.

Q: Can I use apples instead?

A: Absolutely! Swapping one sweet potato for a sliced Granny Smith apple adds a wonderful tartness that pairs perfectly with pork.

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