There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that does all the work for you while filling your home with the kind of rich, comforting aroma that makes everyone impatient for dinner. And when it comes to pure, hearty comfort food, Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops might just be one of the best.
These pork chops come out incredibly tender, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork. They’re slow-cooked in a rich, creamy onion and mushroom gravy that’s packed with deep, savory flavor. The best part? Everything simmers together for hours, letting the flavors meld into something truly irresistible.
This is not one of those dry, tough pork chop recipes. Nope. These chops are juicy, smothered in a velvety sauce, and practically begging to be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. If you’ve ever struggled to make pork chops that stay moist, the slow cooker is your best friend.
Let’s get into how to make this dish—and why you’re going to want to put it on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Smothered Pork Chops
✔ Ridiculously tender – Slow cooking guarantees juicy, fall-apart meat.
✔ Incredible gravy – Rich, creamy, and full of deep flavors from onions, mushrooms, and broth.
✔ Effortless prep – Let the slow cooker do the hard work while you go about your day.
✔ Crowd-pleaser – A guaranteed hit with family or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops – About ¾ to 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops stay juicier, but boneless works too.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle, smoky depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the pork chops. Helps create a flavorful crust and thickens the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons butter – For browning the pork chops.
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Beef broth works too, but chicken keeps it lighter.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A secret ingredient that brings subtle tang and richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Fresh thyme works too, if you have it.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Layers more flavor into the gravy.
- ½ cup heavy cream – For that velvety, rich texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – To thicken the sauce at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Season the Pork Chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the pork chops. (source: Ineskohl.info)
Next, dredge the chops lightly in flour, shaking off the excess. This step helps create a beautiful golden crust and also thickens the gravy later.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden-brown crust. You don’t need to cook them through—just lock in the flavor.
Once browned, transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
3. Cook the Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and onion powder. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Transfer Everything to the Slow Cooker
Pour the onion-mushroom mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 6-7 hours (best for ultra-tender chops)
- HIGH for 3-4 hours (still great, but slightly firmer texture)
The pork chops will slowly absorb all that flavor as they cook, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
5. Finish the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream.
To thicken the gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little extra richness, stir in a small pat of butter right at the end.
How to Serve Smothered Pork Chops
This dish is all about the gravy, so you’ll want something to soak it up. Here are a few favorites:
- Mashed potatoes – Classic and perfect for catching every drop of that sauce.
- Rice – Simple and comforting, great if you like a little extra sauce.
- Buttered noodles – Egg noodles or pasta work beautifully.
- Roasted vegetables – To balance out the richness.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Chops
✔ Use bone-in pork chops – They stay juicier and more flavorful. Boneless works too, but they cook faster, so check them an hour earlier.
✔ Sear the chops first – It’s an extra step, but browning adds tons of flavor.
✔ Don’t skip the onions and mushrooms – They break down and add depth to the gravy.
✔ For extra richness – Stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for a tangy, creamy finish.
✔ Make ahead – You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning.
Storing & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish tastes even better the next day.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the gravy.
- Freeze: You can freeze the pork chops and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s loaded with flavor, these Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are exactly what you need. The pork turns fall-apart tender, the gravy is rich and velvety, and it all comes together with almost no effort. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this one never disappoints.
Try it out, and let me know how it turns out for you in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊
