Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

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Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)

  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 thick-cut bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix or dry onion soup mix

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Sear for Flavor: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. (This locks in juices and adds color).

  2. Layer the Base: Place the sliced onions (and mushrooms, if using) at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seared pork chops on top of the vegetables.

  3. Mix the Gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried herbs, and the gravy/soup mix packet.

  4. Slow Cook: Pour the mixture over the pork chops. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until the pork is tender.

  5. Finish and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning. Serve the chops topped with a generous ladle of the onion gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips for Success

  • Thickness Matters: Use chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thin “breakfast” chops will turn into leather even in a slow cooker.

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: While you can put raw pork in the slow cooker, searing creates the Maillard reaction, which provides a much deeper flavor profile for the gravy.

  • Thicken it Up: If the sauce is too thin at the end, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on standard ingredients.

Metric Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Total Fat 16g
Protein 32g
Carbohydrates 14g
Sodium 890mg

Benefit of This Recipe

The primary benefit—aside from being delicious—is the high protein content paired with efficiency. Pork is an excellent source of B vitamins (like B6 and B12) and selenium. Using a slow cooker also helps retain the moisture in leaner cuts of meat that usually become tough when pan-fried.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?

A: It is generally recommended to thaw meat before slow cooking to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature quickly enough to prevent bacterial growth.

Q: What if I don’t like mushrooms?

A: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery. It will still be creamy and savory!

Q: Can I make this keto-friendly?

A: Yes. Replace the condensed soup with a mixture of heavy cream and cream cheese, and use a xanthan gum slurry instead of cornstarch to thicken.

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