Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the ultimate comfort food duo: tender, succulent **Crockpot Pork Chops and Creamy Mashed Potatoes**. This incredibly easy-to-make, yet deeply satisfying meal has earned a resounding 5-star rating from my family, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too. Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked pork chops simmering in a rich, savory sauce, accompanied by velvety smooth mashed potatoes, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s surprisingly simple and undeniably delicious!
This fantastic recipe was originally inspired by the culinary genius over at @madeitateitlovedit on Instagram, a truly delightful and brilliant creator whose passion for food is infectious. If you’re looking for more inspiring and approachable recipes, I highly recommend giving her a follow!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Chop and Potato Recipe
Life can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle. That’s where this **crockpot pork chop and mashed potato recipe** truly shines. It’s designed for busy individuals and families who crave hearty, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why this recipe will become your new weeknight hero:
- Effortless Preparation: Most of the cooking time is hands-off, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. A quick sear, a few ingredients, and you’re set for a cozy, flavorful meal.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The pork chops slowly simmer in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and tenderize the meat to perfection. The mashed potatoes are equally indulgent, with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream creating an irresistibly smooth texture.
- Family Favorite: This is classic comfort food that appeals to all ages. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Minimal Cleanup: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll find yourself with fewer pots and pans to wash after dinner, making your evening even more relaxing.
- Economical: Pork chops are often a budget-friendly protein, and potatoes are a staple, making this a delicious and affordable meal option.
Crockpot Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes
Classy, delicious, and even better… super easy! This slow cooker meal brings tender pork chops and creamy mashed potatoes together for a perfect family dinner.
5 from 1 vote
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Main Course
15 minutes
4
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 2-3 pounds pork chops (bone-in or boneless, any preferred thickness)
- 3 cans/boxes cream of mushroom soup (for a rich, creamy sauce)
- 1/4-1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds baby red potatoes (about 1-2 inch wide, skin-on for rustic appeal)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 to 1 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Pork Chop Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, ensuring the pan is hot enough to achieve a quick sear.
- Generously season both sides of your pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for flavor.
- Sear the seasoned pork chops for approximately 30 seconds on each side. The goal is to develop a nice crust and lock in flavors, not to cook them all the way through.
- Carefully remove the seared pork chops from the pan and transfer them directly into your slow cooker.
- Evenly spread the cream of mushroom soup over the pork chops, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will create a delicious, savory gravy as they cook.
- Place the lid securely on the crockpot. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours or on high heat for approximately 3 hours, until the pork chops are incredibly tender and cooked through.
- Serve these delectable pork chops with the slow cooker mashed potatoes, using the flavorful mushroom soup mixture as a rich, savory gravy.
Crockpot Mashed Potato Preparation
- Wash the baby red potatoes thoroughly, leaving their skins on for added nutrients and a rustic texture. Place all 3 pounds of potatoes into a clean slow cooker. No need to add water or any other liquids at this stage.
- Put the lid on the crockpot and cook the potatoes on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The potatoes will steam and become wonderfully tender.
- Once cooked, use a potato masher to roughly mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
- Add the softened butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk to the mashed potatoes. Using a handheld mixer, blend until the potatoes are smooth and creamy, adding more milk if you desire a looser consistency.
- Season the mashed potatoes generously with salt and pepper to taste at the end. These easy, flavorful mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to your crockpot pork chops!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your meal from great to extraordinary:
- Choosing Your Pork Chops: While any thickness works, bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker. Thicker chops (1 to 1.5 inches) are ideal as they benefit most from the slow cooking process without drying out.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork chops before slow cooking isn’t just for looks; it creates the Maillard reaction, which adds a deep, complex, savory flavor that you can’t get from just slow cooking. This step is quick but impactful.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the pork chops once cooked and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the slow cooker sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.
- Potato Variety: Baby red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for mashed potatoes as they have a naturally creamy texture and require less mashing. Russet potatoes can also be used but might result in a fluffier, less creamy mash.
- Mashing Technique: Avoid over-mashing your potatoes, as this can make them gluey. A handheld mixer works great for achieving a smooth consistency without overworking them.
- Creaminess Factor: The amount of milk used in the mashed potatoes is adjustable. Start with ½ cup and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning for both the pork chops and mashed potatoes at the end. Slow cooking can sometimes mellow flavors, so a final sprinkle of salt and pepper can make a big difference.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This **Crockpot Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes recipe** is a complete meal in itself, but you can always round it out with some delicious sides or tweak the flavors to your liking:
- Green Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets adds a fresh counterpoint to the rich meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a refreshing element.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t let that amazing gravy go to waste! Serve with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
- Herbaceous Touches: Fresh parsley or chives chopped and sprinkled over the finished pork chops and mashed potatoes adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Cheesy Potatoes: For an extra decadent treat, fold in some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese into your mashed potatoes before serving.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick to the pork chop sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
- Alternative Soups: While cream of mushroom is classic, you could experiment with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Chops
You might have a few questions as you prepare this delightful meal. Here are some common queries and their answers:
- Can I use frozen pork chops?
- It’s generally not recommended to put frozen meat directly into a slow cooker, as it can spend too much time in the “danger zone” temperature. Thaw your pork chops completely in the refrigerator before searing and adding them to the crockpot.
- What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
- You can make a homemade version by sautéing fresh mushrooms, then making a roux with butter and flour, and slowly whisking in chicken or beef broth along with some cream or milk until thickened. Alternatively, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used for a slightly different flavor.
- Can I use different potatoes for the mashed potatoes?
- Absolutely! Yukon Gold or even Russet potatoes work well. Just ensure they are cut into roughly 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking in the slow cooker.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover pork chops and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- For the pork chops, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is dairy-free or use a homemade alternative. For the mashed potatoes, you can use dairy-free butter, cream cheese alternatives, sour cream alternatives, and plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal Awaits!
There you have it – a remarkably simple, incredibly flavorful, and immensely satisfying recipe for **Crockpot Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes**. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, designed to warm you from the inside out and make dinner time a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker pro or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and tender textures. Give it a try this week, and prepare to add it to your regular meal rotation. Enjoy the deliciousness!