5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chops: Effortless Comfort Food
I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t one for fussing in the kitchen. She had a handful of tried-and-true recipes that were simple, hearty, and always delicious. This recipe reminds me of her cooking style – minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home after a long day to the aroma of slow-cooked pork, knowing that dinner practically made itself. It’s a taste of home, no matter where you are.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 pork chops plus sauce
- Dietary Type: Not specified, may be modified depending on ingredients used.
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops (boneless or bone-in, your preference)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 10 ¾ ounces 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup (one can)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of chicken soup, chopped onions, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture will be the base of your flavorful sauce.
- Pour half of the soup mixture into the bottom of your crock pot. This creates a bed of flavor for the pork chops and prevents them from sticking.
- Arrange the pork chops in a single layer on top of the soup mixture in the crock pot. If using bone-in chops, ensure they are not overlapping too much.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. This will keep the pork moist and infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Browning the chops: For an even deeper flavor, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. This will create a beautiful crust and add complexity to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture for a little heat. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie boost: Throw in some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery along with the onions for added nutrients and flavor.
- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork chops from the crock pot after cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Flavor Enhancement: A bay leaf added to the crock pot while cooking imparts a subtle aromatic flavour. Remember to remove it before serving.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These crock pot chops are fantastic served over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. The extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over your starch of choice. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad completes the meal.
Storage: Leftover pork chops and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftover pork chops in the microwave, oven, or in a saucepan on the stovetop until heated through. If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 240 | – |
| Calories from Fat | 128 | – |
| Total Fat | 14.3g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9g | 24% |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 168.2mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.1g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugars | 2.6g | – |
| Protein | 22.8g | 45% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- French Onion Soup Mix: Add a packet of French onion soup mix to the soup mixture for a rich, savory flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smokier taste.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the cream of chicken soup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions.
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce or omit the Worcestershire sauce to lower the sodium content.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add even more flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, ensuring the pork is cooked through.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the crock pot along with the pork chops?
A: Yes, adding vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery is a great way to add nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the onions in step one.
Q: How do I know when the pork chops are done?
A: The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. They should also be easily pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pork chops and soup mixture in the crock pot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the crock pot on the heating element and cook as directed.
Q: The sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Remove the pork chops from the crock pot after cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chops recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Whether you serve it with rice, potatoes, or noodles, I’m confident that this recipe will become a family favorite. And if you change the recipe, please leave a comment for others to read. Enjoy!