Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a true comfort food classic, featuring tender pork chops slow-cooked to perfection and blanketed in a rich, flavorful onion and mushroom gravy. The chops come out juicy and soft, soaking up all the delicious juices from the crock pot, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
I love making this dish because it’s so easy to set up in the morning and then come home to a warm, hearty dinner without any stress. The house smells amazing as the pork chops cook slowly, and I always find the gravy to be the best part — thick, comforting, and full of savory goodness. It’s one of those meals where you feel cozy just thinking about it.
My favorite way to enjoy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. The gravy soaks perfectly into the sides, creating a meal that just sticks to your ribs in the best way possible. It’s also a great dish for family dinners or when friends come over because it’s simple yet feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops about 1 inch thick work best to stay tender. If you prefer bone-in, they’ll work too but may need slightly more cooking time.
Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and gives the pork chops a nice coating. You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor to the gravy. You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade roux-based sauce if you want a fresh twist.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used too depending on what you have on hand.
Mushrooms & Onions: Key for that rich, homestyle flavor. Fresh mushrooms and onions are best, but frozen can work in a pinch.
How Do You Get Tender Pork Chops in the Crock Pot Without Them Getting Dry?
Slow cooking pork chops can sometimes dry them out if you’re not careful. Here’s what helps me every time:
- Brown the pork chops first in a hot skillet. This seals in juices and adds great flavor.
- Dredge chops lightly in flour. This helps form a protective coating and thickens the sauce.
- Cook on low heat rather than high whenever possible. Low and slow keeps pork juicy and tender.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid (soup + broth) to keep the chops partially submerged and moist.
- Avoid overcooking: check tenderness around 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high so chops don’t get mushy.
Following these tips really makes the difference between dry pork and fall-apart tender chops that soak up all the yummy gravy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot – I love using it because it slowly cooks everything evenly with no fuss.
- Skillet – for browning the pork chops; it adds flavor and helps lock in juices.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep everything precise for the sauce and seasonings.
- Large spoon or spatula – to stir the gravy and serve everything easily.
- Serving platter or plates – for a pretty presentation and easy portioning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the mushrooms for bell peppers or snap peas for a veggie twist that adds crunch and color.
- Use pork loin or cutlets if you want thinner, quicker-cooking chops, but adjust cooking time.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for some gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Mix in some fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried thyme for a brighter herb flavor.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Sauce and Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let the crock pot do the rest. Cook low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Perfect for a no-fuss, tender, and flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Dredge the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, lightly coat each chop in flour, shaking off the extra. This step helps create a nice gravy in the crock pot.
2. Brown the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they get a lovely golden crust. This locks in flavor and juices. Once browned, remove them from the heat.
3. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Place the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of your crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until smooth.
4. Cook Everything Together:
Put the browned pork chops on top of the onions and mushrooms, then pour the soup mixture evenly over the chops. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and the flavors have blended beautifully.
5. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your smothered pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice—don’t forget to spoon plenty of that delicious gravy on top!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before starting the recipe to ensure they cook properly in the crock pot.
Can I Skip Browning the Pork Chops?
You can skip browning if you’re short on time, but browning adds great flavor and helps keep the chops juicy, so it’s highly recommended.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
What Can I Serve with Smothered Pork Chops?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, as they soak up the savory gravy perfectly. Steamed veggies or a simple green salad are great sides too.