Pioneer Woman Style Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

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Pioneer Woman Style Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)

  • Servings: 6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 6 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

  • 1 tsp seasoned salt (Lowry’s is a Ree favorite)

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

  • 1 medium onion, sliced into rings

  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup

  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Season & Sear: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with seasoned salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be cooked through).

  2. Layer: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seared pork chops on top of the onions.

  3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs.

  4. Slow Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

  5. Serve: Gently remove the chops (they may be falling apart!). Stir the gravy in the pot and pour it generously over the meat.

Description & Benefits

This dish is the epitome of home-style cooking. By searing the meat first, you lock in flavor and create a beautiful color that slow cookers usually lack.

  • Nutritional Benefit: Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, Vitamin B6, and Thiamin.

  • Efficiency: Using the slow cooker breaks down the connective tissues in the pork, making cheaper cuts taste like a luxury meal.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Thickness Matters: Always use thick-cut chops (1 inch or more). Thin “breakfast” chops will turn to mush and dry out even in a slow cooker.

  • The Fond: After searing the chops, pour a splash of the beef broth into the hot skillet to scrape up the brown bits (the fond). Pour that liquid into the crockpot—it’s pure flavor gold.

  • Freshness Boost: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and brightness to the heavy gravy.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on standard ingredients.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 385 kcal
Total Fat 22g
Protein 34g
Carbohydrates 9g
Sodium 890mg

Q&A

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?

A: You can, but bone-in chops are highly recommended. The bone adds flavor to the gravy and helps prevent the meat from drying out during the long cook time.

Q: The sauce is too thin, how do I thicken it?

A: About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and turn the heat to High.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: To stay true to the Pioneer Woman style, serve these over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up all that extra gravy.

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