Crock Pot cooking is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and if you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to prepare, delicious, and practically cooks itself, look no further than Crock Pot Pork Chops with Onion Soup Mix. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory flavors, tender meat, and a hands-off approach to meal prep. You throw everything into your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen as the flavors meld together while you go about your day. It’s comfort food at its finest and will quickly become a family favorite.
Pork chops, often thought of as a tough cut of meat, become impossibly tender when cooked low and slow in the Crock Pot. The Onion Soup Mix adds a rich, umami flavor that infuses the pork, while the slow cooking ensures every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to slow-cooking or an experienced pro, this recipe is as easy as it gets-perfect for those busy days when you need a reliable meal without much fuss.
Crock Pot Pork Chops Onion Soup Mix Recipe
This recipe combines the rich, savory flavor of pork chops with the convenience of a Crock Pot and the depth of flavor from onion soup mix. It’s one of those recipes you can customize based on your taste preferences, and it doesn’t require hours of prep. Let’s dive into how to make this meal that is as satisfying as it is easy!
Ingredients Needed
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (depending on your preference)
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (you can use either dry onion soup mix or a mix with added seasoning)
- 1 cup of water or broth (chicken broth or vegetable broth works best, but water is also fine)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for browning the pork chops first)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme or rosemary (optional, for a touch of herby goodness)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Start by seasoning your pork chops with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings (garlic powder or thyme, for instance). You can skip this step if you’re in a rush, but browning the pork chops beforehand will lock in more flavor.
- Optional Browning: In a hot skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden. This adds extra depth to the dish, but it’s not essential-if you’re in a hurry, just toss the pork chops straight into the Crock Pot.
- Add to Crock Pot: Place the browned (or unbrowned) pork chops into the Crock Pot. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top, and pour the water or broth around the edges. You want the liquid to cover the bottom of the slow cooker, but not necessarily submerge the pork chops completely.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the pork chops will become. If you’re looking for an ultra-soft, fall-apart texture, go for the low setting and let it cook for the full 7 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pork chops are done cooking, they should be fork-tender and easy to shred. You can serve them as is, or make a delicious gravy with the leftover sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and thickening it with a bit of flour or cornstarch. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
- Pork Chops: Pork chops are often a go-to cut of meat because they’re affordable, quick-cooking, and versatile. However, pork chops can sometimes be tough if overcooked. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. The low and slow cooking method breaks down the muscle fibers, making them incredibly tender. Bone-in chops tend to have a bit more flavor due to the marrow, but boneless pork chops work just as well for this recipe.
- Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret ingredient that brings depth and savory flavor to the dish. The combination of dehydrated onions, seasonings, and sometimes other flavors (like herbs or spices) makes it a perfect addition to a Crock Pot recipe. It gives the dish that rich, homey flavor without needing to chop onions or spend a lot of time on prep. Just be aware that some onion soup mixes contain a fair amount of sodium, so you may want to adjust the salt levels in your recipe accordingly.
- Broth or Water: Using broth adds extra layers of flavor, making your dish taste more robust. Chicken broth works best, but vegetable broth can also be a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit lighter. Water will work in a pinch, but you might miss out on some of the complexity that broth brings.
- Olive Oil: While optional, a quick sear in olive oil will give the pork chops a golden, crispy exterior, adding flavor and texture. This is particularly nice if you like your chops with a bit of a crust.
Expert Tips
- For Extra Tenderness: If you want your pork chops to be melt-in-your-mouth tender, make sure to cook them on low for the full 6-7 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the meat to break down and absorb all the flavors from the onion soup mix and broth.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: If you’re cooking more than 4 pork chops, make sure they fit comfortably in your Crock Pot. You want the heat to circulate evenly around the meat for the best results.
- Make a Gravy: After the pork chops are done, you can take the leftover liquid and turn it into a rich gravy. Simply transfer it to a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water).
- Adjust the Seasonings: Some onion soup mixes can be saltier than others, so always taste the liquid before adding additional salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: If you want to make this a one-pot meal, add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery to the Crock Pot along with the pork chops. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots work especially well since they hold up well in slow cooking.
- Creamy Version: For a creamy twist, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the mix. This will give the dish a luscious, creamy texture and take the flavor to the next level. You can even add a handful of cheese at the end for a cheesy variation.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor profile to suit your tastes by adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even sage. If you prefer a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika can add an exciting kick.
- Sweet Twist: If you like a bit of sweetness in your savory dishes, try adding some sliced apples or a tablespoon of honey. The sweetness will balance out the richness of the onion soup mix and pork.
Final Words
This Crock Pot Pork Chops with Onion Soup Mix recipe is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: easy, flavorful, and comforting. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, leaving you with tender, juicy pork chops and a savory sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that will impress guests without a lot of effort, this dish is a winner.
The best part? You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make it-just a few ingredients and a Crock Pot, and you’ve got yourself a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove all day.