Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes

This hearty dish brings the warmth and comfort of home cooking right to your table with juicy pork chops nestled on a bed of tender, slow-cooked potatoes and onions. The savory aroma of herbs and garlic infuses the meat and veggies, making every bite a flavorful delight.

Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker meal requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, this recipe fits seamlessly into your routine with its simplicity and deliciousness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the pork chops.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat.

3. Place the sliced onions and halved potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot.

4. Add minced garlic on top of the potatoes and onions.

5. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables.

6. Lay the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes and onions.

7. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork chops are tender and potatoes are cooked through.

8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (low) | Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes

When it comes to hearty, home-cooked meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, few dishes compare to slow cooked pork chops paired with tender potatoes. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food simple ingredients, slow cooking, and satisfying results that bring the family together around the dinner table.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Pork Chops?

Pork chops are a versatile and economical cut of meat, but they can sometimes be tricky to cook properly. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough chops, while undercooking leaves the meat chewy and unpleasant. The slow cooker method solves these problems beautifully. By cooking pork chops at low temperature over an extended period, the meat slowly becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the rich flavors of the seasonings and broth.

The magic of the crock pot is in its convenience and the way it melds flavors together. This “set it and forget it” method lets you prepare a satisfying meal without constant monitoring or complicated techniques, freeing up time for other activities while the meal gently simmers.

The Role of Potatoes

Potatoes, especially baby or small red potatoes, are a natural pairing for pork chops. Their creamy texture and mild flavor complement the savory pork perfectly. Slow cooking potatoes alongside the meat allows them to soak up the rich broth and seasonings, transforming simple spuds into flavorful bites bursting with savory goodness.

Using potatoes in this recipe also means you get a complete one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The potatoes provide a hearty carb base, balancing the protein and making the dish filling and nourishing.

Flavor Profiles and Seasoning

This recipe balances classic herbs and spices that enhance pork without overpowering it. Thyme and paprika add earthiness and a hint of smoky warmth, while garlic and onions provide aromatic depth. Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid, enriching the dish with subtle savory undertones that keep the pork moist and the potatoes tender.

The searing step before slow cooking is crucial. It locks in the meat’s natural juices and creates a caramelized crust, adding complexity to the final flavor. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior is one of the key pleasures of this dish.

Health and Nutrition Benefits

Pork chops offer a great source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B6 and B12, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, which support immune function and overall health. Potatoes provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. This combination makes the dish well-rounded nutritionally while being low in added fats and sugars.

Cooking with minimal oil and letting the slow cooker do the work means the recipe is naturally lower in calories and fats compared to frying or roasting methods. Plus, the slow cooker preserves more nutrients that might be lost in high-heat cooking.

Adaptability and Variations

One of the strengths of this dish is its adaptability. You can easily customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the crock pot for extra nutrition and color.

• Herb Swaps: Rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a different aromatic profile.

• Spice Levels: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a little heat.

• Broth Alternatives: Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or beef broth for richer flavor.

• Meat Choices: While pork chops are classic, bone-in chicken thighs or turkey cutlets could also work well with this method.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is delicious served straight from the crock pot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the plate. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep lunches or next-day dinners.

For an extra touch, you could serve the pork chops with a side of apple sauce or a tangy mustard glaze, both of which complement pork’s natural sweetness.

Why This Recipe Works for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this slow cooker pork chops and potatoes recipe is approachable. It requires no special skills just basic chopping, seasoning, and searing before the slow cooker takes over. The slow cooker’s low-and-slow heat does the hard work, allowing even less confident cooks to produce a delicious meal that feels homemade and wholesome.

It’s also perfect for families, because it can easily be doubled or tripled to feed larger groups, and the crock pot can accommodate a variety of portion sizes without changing cooking times drastically.

Time-Saving Benefits

In today’s busy world, finding recipes that save time without sacrificing taste is key. This crock pot recipe is a true lifesaver. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning, set everything in the crock pot, and return home hours later to a fully cooked, piping-hot meal. This eliminates the stress of last-minute cooking and helps avoid unhealthy convenience food alternatives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the searing step: Searing isn’t mandatory but it significantly enhances flavor and texture.

• Overcrowding the crock pot: Make sure there is some space around the meat and potatoes for even cooking.

• Using very large potatoes: Larger potatoes may not cook evenly alongside the pork chops.

• Lifting the lid during cooking: Resist the urge to check too often, as heat escapes and increases cooking time.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a quintessential comfort dish that combines ease, flavor, and wholesome ingredients into one satisfying meal. Its slow cooked tenderness, savory herbs, and hearty potatoes make it a beloved classic for good reason. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a cozy solo dinner, this recipe offers the perfect blend of convenience and culinary delight.

The recipe’s flexibility means you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs, while the crock pot method guarantees tender, juicy pork every time. Embrace the slow cooker lifestyle with this timeless dish, and you’ll discover how effortless and rewarding home cooking can be.