Indulge in the heartwarming simplicity of Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two – a wonderfully easy and incredibly satisfying dinner designed for smaller households. This hearty, all-in-one meal practically cooks itself, yielding tender pork chops, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, savory gravy that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two
There’s nothing quite like a classic comfort meal to soothe the soul after a long day. If you’re yearning for that traditional, home-cooked flavor but find yourself in a household of two (or even dining solo), this Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is your perfect solution. It delivers all the goodness of a generously portioned meal without the daunting task of preparing enough food to feed an entire gathering. Say goodbye to excessive leftovers you might not finish, or the need to freeze endless containers for later. This recipe is thoughtfully scaled to provide just the right amount for a cozy, delicious dinner, ensuring every bite is fresh and delightful.
As these flavorful pork chops and tender potatoes simmer slowly, your kitchen will be enveloped in an inviting aroma that promises a truly special meal. The magic of the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making the pork chops incredibly tender and infusing the potatoes and onions with deep, savory notes. It’s a truly hands-off experience, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner practically prepares itself. We believe you’ll adore this recipe just as much as we do, appreciating its ease, convenience, and unparalleled taste.
The Magic of Your Slow Cooker: Effortless Deliciousness
The slow cooker isn’t just a kitchen appliance; it’s a culinary marvel that simplifies meal preparation and elevates flavors. For busy individuals or couples, it’s an indispensable tool, allowing you to assemble ingredients in the morning and return home to a perfectly cooked, hot meal. This “Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two” recipe truly highlights the benefits of slow cooking. It requires minimal active preparation time, freeing up your evenings and reducing mealtime stress. The low, slow heat gently tenderizes the pork chops, ensuring they are succulent and juicy, while the potatoes absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth and seasonings.
Beyond convenience, slow cooking excels at developing profound flavors. Ingredients meld together over hours, creating a depth that rapid cooking methods often miss. The savory gravy, which forms naturally during the cooking process, is a testament to this, enriching every component of the dish. This method is particularly forgiving, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a reliable, delicious meal solution. Enjoy the freedom of a kitchen that works for you, delivering delicious, hearty results with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Pork Chops and Potatoes
Creating a truly memorable dish begins with understanding your ingredients. This recipe uses a simple yet effective combination that guarantees maximum flavor and perfect texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
Choosing Your Pork Chops: The Bone-In Advantage
- Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops: This is a crucial recommendation for a reason. Pork chops are a lean cut of meat, and when cooked alongside potatoes, thinner or boneless chops can dry out long before the potatoes achieve their desired tenderness. The bone acts as a natural insulator, helping the pork retain moisture and cook more evenly with the potatoes. It also imparts additional flavor to the gravy, contributing to the richness of the overall dish. If you were making this recipe without potatoes, you could certainly opt for regular or boneless pork chops, but for this complete meal, sticking to thick-cut bone-in chops ensures optimal results.
The Foundation: Potatoes and Onions
- Large Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are excellent for slow cooking as they hold their shape well while becoming incredibly tender and absorbent of flavors. We recommend cutting them into ½-inch half-moons for even cooking. While russets are our top choice, other starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or even red potatoes could be used, though textures might vary slightly.
- Small Sweet Onion: Sliced thinly, the onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish as it caramelizes slowly with the potatoes and pork. If onions aren’t to your liking, feel free to omit them without significantly impacting the core flavor profile.
The Flavorful Seasoning Blend
- Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: This classic quartet forms a robust seasoning blend that enhances the natural taste of the pork. Feel free to adjust quantities to your preference or experiment with your favorite seasoning blends. For those managing sodium intake, a no-salt blend like Mrs. Dash is an excellent alternative that still delivers plenty of flavor.
Creating the Rich Gravy Base
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple is the secret to a velvety, rich gravy. It provides a creamy base that beautifully coats the pork and potatoes. You can use your preferred brand or even make a homemade version for an extra touch. Opt for low or no-sodium options if dietary restrictions require.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor to the gravy, complementing the pork beautifully. Chicken broth or vegetable broth are also suitable substitutes, and like the soup, low or no-sodium varieties are available for a healthier option.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Your Crock Pot Pork Chops
To help you achieve the best possible results and answer common queries, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips and frequently asked questions for your Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two:
To Brown or Not to Brown?
While it might be tempting to skip the browning step to save a few minutes, we highly recommend taking the extra time. Searing the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker makes a significant difference. Browning creates a beautiful golden crust, locking in the natural juices and ensuring the chops remain incredibly tender and moist throughout the slow cooking process. It also adds a depth of caramelized flavor that you wouldn’t get otherwise, and visually, it makes the finished dish much more appealing. Consider this step an investment in flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions: A Complete Meal or More?
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it’s truly a full meal in itself, offering both a protein and a starchy side. The rich gravy perfectly complements the tender pork and soft potatoes. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, consider adding a simple green salad for a fresh contrast or some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. A slice of crusty bread is also wonderful for soaking up every last bit of that delicious gravy. The beauty is in its versatility – enjoy it as is or personalize it with your favorite accompaniments.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Even though this recipe is designed for two, sometimes you might have a portion left over, or you might make a slightly larger batch. Any leftover Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth if the gravy seems too thick.
Can These Pork Chops Be Made in the Oven?
This particular recipe has been specifically developed and tested for the slow cooker to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor with minimal effort. We have not tested it in the oven, and therefore, cannot provide specific instructions for oven preparation. The cooking times and moisture levels would likely differ significantly, potentially altering the desired outcome of tender pork and soft potatoes. For the best results, we recommend sticking to the slow cooker method as outlined.
How to Make Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two
Ready to create this delicious, comforting meal? Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful pork chops and potatoes:
Start by preparing your slow cooker. Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Then, add the thinly sliced small sweet onion and the ½-inch half-moon cut large russet potatoes to the slow cooker. Gently toss them together to ensure they are evenly distributed at the bottom of the pot.
Next, it’s time to season your thick-cut bone-in pork chops. Generously season both sides of each pork chop with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning not only flavors the meat but also contributes to the overall taste of the gravy.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet and sear them on both sides until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step adds significant flavor and helps seal in the juices. Once seared, transfer the pork chops directly on top of the potatoes and onions in your slow cooker.
Now, prepare the rich gravy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and ½ cup of beef broth until smooth. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated. The sauce will seep down to the potatoes, infusing everything with its deliciousness.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The meal is ready when the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so it’s always good to check for doneness.
Once cooked to perfection, serve your Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes immediately. Spoon some of the delicious, savory sauce over the top, letting it act as a rich gravy that brings all the flavors together. This comforting dish is ready to be enjoyed!
Craving More Recipes for Two?
If you loved this effortless and delicious meal, you’re in luck! We have a fantastic collection of recipes perfectly portioned for two, making meal planning a breeze and eliminating food waste. Explore these other delightful options:
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- White Chicken Enchiladas For Two
- Polish Casserole For Two
- Baked Ziti For Two
- Lasagna For Two
- Crock Pot Potato Soup For Two
- Baked Spaghetti For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo for Two
- Stuffed Peppers For Two
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken For Two
- Chicken Noodle Casserole For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops & Gravy For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Gravy For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Country Fried Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Cubed Steak
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for Two
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
15
minutes
6
hours
6
hours
15
minutes
2
servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
-
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced -
2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch half moons -
2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops -
½ teaspoon salt -
½ teaspoon black pepper -
½ teaspoon garlic powder -
½ teaspoon onion powder -
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil -
10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (can use low or no sodium) -
½ cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium and/or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced and 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch half moons to the slow cooker and toss to combine.
- Season 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the pork chops on both sides until golden brown.
- Place the pork chops on top of the potatoes and onions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup beef broth. Pour the sauce over the pork chops.
- Place on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It is done with the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the potatoes are fork tender.
- Serve immediately with some of the sauce as a gravy.
Notes
- Please refer to the “Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions” and ingredient descriptions above for additional substitutions or answers to common questions.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
660
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
50
g
|
Protein:
44
g
|
Fat:
31
g
|
Sodium:
1954
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!