Comfort Food Delight: Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender pork chops with a rich and savory mushroom gravy, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort required, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Join us as we dive into the world of slow-cooked goodness and discover the secrets to making this soul-satisfying dish at home.

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Season the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
Brown the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned pork chops to the slow cooker.
Saute the Onions, Mushrooms, and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook until they are softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Make the Mushroom Gravy: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce, combining everything well.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour the mushroom gravy mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
Thicken the Gravy (Optional): In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat, or until the gravy has thickened.
Serve: Once the pork chops are done cooking, serve them hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Boneless Pork Chops: If you prefer boneless pork chops, feel free to use them in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chops may cook faster than bone-in chops.
Additions: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the mushroom gravy. You can also toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Creamy Texture: For an even creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the mushroom gravy before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

Use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or guar gum instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade keto-friendly version made with heavy cream, mushrooms, and broth.
Serve the smothered pork chops over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Low-Carb Version:

Opt for boneless pork chops and trim any excess fat to reduce the overall carb content.
Replace cream of mushroom soup with a low-carb alternative made with coconut milk or almond milk thickened with a low-carb thickener.
Serve the dish alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a light and nutritious low-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? A: Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chops may cook faster than bone-in chops.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pork chops and mushroom gravy mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

Q: Can I freeze leftover pork chops and gravy? A: Absolutely! Allow the cooked pork chops and gravy to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of smothered pork chops. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed and use a larger slow cooker if necessary.

Experience the ultimate comfort food bliss with Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy. From tender pork chops to savory mushroom gravy, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your soul. Whether enjoyed for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Embrace the convenience of slow cooking as you savor the succulent pork chops and rich mushroom gravy, knowing that a delicious and satisfying meal awaits. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering results, Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy is the perfect way to elevate your dinner table and create cherished memories with your loved ones.

So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to delight your senses with this comforting and delicious dish. Your taste buds will thank you!