Save It Imagine a comforting, effortless one-pot dinner where golden-seared pork chops slow-cook in a velvety ranch-infused sauce. This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe brings together tender potatoes and carrots that soak up every creamy drop of flavor, making it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering.
Save It The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By layering the vegetables and meat in the slow cooker and topping them with a rich blend of condensed soups and seasonings, you create a complete meal with very little hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 lb bone-in or boneless pork chops (1–1.5 inches thick)
- 1½ to 2 lb baby potatoes, halved (optional)
- 3 to 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with oil or nonstick spray. If using potatoes and carrots, spread them evenly in the bottom.
- Step 2
- Pat pork chops dry. In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley. Sprinkle mixture over both sides of the pork.
- Step 3
- (Optional) Sear pork chops in a skillet over medium-high heat with oil for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 4
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour over the pork chops and dot with butter.
- Step 5
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Step 6
- (Optional) If the sauce is thin, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce on HIGH for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 7
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with gravy and garnish with fresh herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use thick-cut pork chops to ensure they remain juicy throughout the long cooking process. While searing is optional, it adds a golden crust and deeper flavor that enhances the final gravy. Ensure you use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the condensed soups and ranch mix with certified gluten-free versions. For a lighter meal, use low-fat soups and omit the heavy cream. You can also swap cream of mushroom for cream of celery or stir in grated Parmesan at the end for a cheesy finish.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pork chops hot, generously spooning the creamy ranch gravy over both the meat and the vegetables. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days. If you prefer to meal prep, you can assemble the seasoned chops and sauce in a freezer bag to thaw and cook later.
Save It This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort in every bite. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the ease of a meal that practically cooks itself!
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I skip searing the pork chops?
Yes, searing is optional but adds a deeper, caramelized flavor and appealing golden color. You can place seasoned chops directly in the slow cooker if you prefer a simpler approach.
- → What thickness of pork chops works best?
Choose chops that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker cuts hold up better during the long cooking time and stay juicy and tender without drying out.
- → Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Absolutely. Boneless chops work perfectly and may cook slightly faster. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low to ensure they don't overcook.
- → How do I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
Remove the pork and vegetables, then whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the sauce, set slow cooker to high, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- → Can I make this dish ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Assemble the seasoned raw pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe bag, freeze up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
- → What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Use cream of celery soup, or double the amount of cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor. All three options create a deliciously creamy base.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Select gluten-free condensed soups and a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. Always read labels carefully to confirm all ingredients meet your dietary needs.