Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions

These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these ranch crock pot pork chops!

BONELESS PORK CHOPS: While the instructions provided are for bone-in pork chops, you can easily adapt this recipe for boneless pork chops. Simply cut the potatoes into eighths to ensure they cook thoroughly, and adjust the cooking time to four to six hours on low or two to three hours on high.

CANNED SOUP: Elevate this dish to a creamy, comforting meal by incorporating canned soup. Cream of mushroom soup is particularly delicious when added over the pork chops before cooking, enriching the dish with an extra creamy sauce.

CREAM CHEESE: For an additional touch of creaminess, consider adding a package of cream cheese. If you're a fan of the rich, milky flavors of Ranch dressing, this variation is a must-try. Start by melting the butter and cream cheese together in the microwave. Then, mix it with all the other ingredients, including a can of cream of mushroom soup, and add everything to your crockpot. Enjoy a luxuriously creamy meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare!

How to Make

Pro Tip

If you're pressed for time, feel free to skip this step. It's primarily to give the pork chops a nice brown sear, enhancing their appearance and flavor, but it's optional for when you need a quicker meal preparation.

Pro Tip

If you opt for boneless pork chops or a thinner cut of pork, be sure to chop your potatoes into eighths. This ensures they cook evenly and are perfectly tender by the time your pork is done.

Pro Tip

The pork chops should be cooked through to a safe temperature (145°F) and the potatoes tender.

How to Serve

This easy recipe pairs beautifully with your favorite side dishes. Consider complementing these pork chops with fresh green beans, a crisp green salad, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Alternatively, you could serve these pork chops alongside comforting sides like million dollar mac and cheese or a chilled pasta salad, such as our popular dill pickle pasta salad.

When life gets hectic, slow cooker recipes are a fantastic choice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

EASY PREPARATION: This recipe offers incredibly easy preparation with minimal hands-on time. Just combine a few ingredients, place them in the crockpot, and let it handle the cooking for you.

DELICIOUSLY TENDER MEAT: Thanks to the slow cooking process in the crockpot, the pork chops become exceptionally tender, moist, and bursting with flavor.

BEST RANCH FLAVOR: The delightful mix of ranch seasoning and cream of chicken soup produces a creamy, flavorful sauce that bathes the pork chops in deliciously savory goodness.

FAQ: Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Do I have to sear the pork chops first?
Searing the pork chops is not absolutely necessary, especially if you're short on time. The main advantage of searing is that it gives the pork chops a nice brown color and a crispy texture on the outside while helping to lock in the juices inside. Although the pork chops are fully cooked in the slow cooker, adding this texture can enhance the flavor and appeal of the dish.

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for boneless pork chops, simply chop the potatoes into eighths to ensure they cook through evenly. Adjust the cooking time to four to six hours on low or two to three hours on high. This ensures that everything cooks perfectly without overdoing it.

FAQ: How to Cook Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker

What's the best way to keep pork chops from drying out in the slow cooker?
To ensure pork chops remain juicy and tender when cooked in a slow cooker, it’s important to use thicker cuts and cook them on a lower heat setting for a longer period. Adding a broth or sauce can also help by providing moisture that the meat can absorb as it cooks. Consider layering vegetables underneath the pork chops to raise them slightly out of the cooking liquids, which can prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I put frozen pork chops directly in the slow cooker?
It's not recommended to put frozen pork chops directly into the slow cooker due to safety concerns. Cooking from frozen can keep the meat at unsafe temperatures for too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Instead, thaw your pork chops in the refrigerator overnight before cooking them in the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly and safely.

How do I know when pork chops are done cooking in the slow cooker?
Pork chops are done cooking in the slow cooker when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which you can check using a meat thermometer. The chops should be tender enough to be easily cut with a fork. It’s important not to overcook them, even in a moist environment like a slow cooker, as they can become tough and dry.

Storage FAQ

How should I store leftover slow cooker ranch pork chops in the fridge?
You can keep slow cooker ranch pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from affecting the flavor of the pork chops.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Store them in an airtight container and they should keep well for two to three months. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal even on days when you're too busy to cook.

Reheating FAQ

What is the best way to thaw frozen pork chops?
The safest way to thaw frozen pork chops is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This method ensures the pork chops remain at a safe temperature, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

What are some effective methods for reheating slow cooker ranch pork chops?
When reheating pork chops from the fridge, you can quickly warm them up in the microwave for one to two minutes.

Alternatively, for a more even heating, you can reheat them on the stovetop. Simply place the chops in a pan over low heat, add a splash of water or broth, and cover them until they are heated through.

If you're reheating pork chops that have been thawed from frozen, use the same microwave or stovetop methods to ensure they're warmed up nicely.

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