This Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, slow-cooked pork with hearty, flavor infused potatoes. The rich broth, enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and aromatic thyme, ensures that every bite is juicy and satisfying. This one-pot dish is a lifesaver on busy days, offering a hands free way to prepare a delicious homemade meal.
Not only is this meal incredibly easy to prepare, but it also fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it cooks. The onions and garlic create a flavorful base, while the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, this recipe guarantees a plate full of warmth, comfort, and pure deliciousness.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in pork chops
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1 lb small potatoes, halved
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1 onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for enhanced flavor and a beautiful crust.
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Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot.
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Place the seasoned pork chops over the onion and garlic layer.
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Add the halved potatoes around and on top of the pork chops.
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In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, then pour it over the ingredients in the crock pot.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are tender and the potatoes are flavorful.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley for added freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes: A Comforting, Effortless Meal
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is one such dish a perfect blend of tender, juicy pork chops and soft, flavor-infused potatoes slow cooked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or an easy weeknight solution, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. By allowing the flavors to develop over several hours, the pork becomes fall apart tender, and the potatoes absorb all the delicious juices, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is effortless.
Why Choose a Crock Pot for This Recipe?
The crock pot (slow cooker) has become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. It offers a hands-off cooking experience, making it ideal for busy individuals or families. Here are a few reasons why this pork chops and potatoes dish is perfect for a crock pot:
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Convenience: Simply add the ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the slow cooker do all the work. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring.
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Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking allows the pork chops to absorb the seasonings and broth, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.
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Perfect Texture: Unlike frying or baking, a crock pot prevents the pork chops from drying out, resulting in juicy, moist meat every time.
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One-Pot Meal: The addition of potatoes makes this a complete meal in one pot, saving time on additional side dishes.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe uses a savory broth infused with Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and onions, creating a delicious umami flavor that complements both the pork and potatoes. The combination of aromatic seasonings and slow cooked meat results in a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort when in reality, it was as simple as setting a timer.
2. Fall-Apart Tender Pork Chops
One of the most common problems when cooking pork chops is that they can easily become dry and tough. The slow cooker eliminates this issue by trapping moisture and cooking the pork at a low temperature for an extended period. This ensures that every bite is succulent and fork-tender.
3. Rich, Flavorful Potatoes
The potatoes in this dish absorb all the flavors from the broth and pork juices, making them extra tasty. Unlike roasting or boiling, slow cooking them allows them to soften perfectly without becoming mushy. Using small potatoes, such as baby reds or Yukon gold, enhances the dish with a buttery texture and natural sweetness.
Best Pork Chops for Slow Cooking
While you can use boneless or bone-in pork chops for this recipe, bone in pork chops tend to work best. Here’s why:
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Bone-in pork chops have more flavor since the bone adds richness to the dish as it cooks.
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They retain moisture better, preventing them from becoming dry.
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They hold their shape well, making them ideal for slow cooking.
If you prefer boneless pork chops, be sure to select thicker cuts to avoid overcooking. Thin pork chops cook too quickly and may become tough.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
To make sure your dish turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
1. Season the Pork Chops Well
Before adding them to the crock pot, season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. You can even sear them in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side to lock in more flavor.
2. Use the Right Potatoes
Small, waxy potatoes (like red potatoes or baby Yukon golds) hold their shape better than starchy varieties like Russets. If using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Don’t Overfill the Crock Pot
Overcrowding the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there is enough space between the pork chops and potatoes so that heat circulates properly.
4. Adjust the Cooking Time Based on Thickness
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If your pork chops are thin, check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
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For thicker pork chops, the full 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low will yield the best results.
5. Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving
For an extra layer of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the dish before serving.
Variations to Try
Want to customize this recipe? Here are some variations you might enjoy:
1. Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes
For a richer version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup to the broth. This creates a creamy, gravy like sauce that pairs beautifully with the pork and potatoes.
2. Spicy Kick
Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or Cajun seasoning for a spicier twist.
3. Cheesy Version
Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an indulgent, cheesy touch.
4. Vegetable Boost
For added nutrition, mix in carrots, green beans, or mushrooms with the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is already a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with simple sides for an even more well-rounded dinner:
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A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pork.
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Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
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A warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
For drinks, consider pairing with a light white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or a smooth red wine (like Pinot Noir) that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a timeless comfort food that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create an incredible meal. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and effortless preparation, this dish is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let the crock pot work its magic!
Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dish it’s comfort food at its best.