Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Talk about mouthwatering! These Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are fork tender and the onion gravy that smothers them is rich, savory and loaded with bacon. Who could resist these, right?

Typically we will roast, smoke or grill a pork tenderloin, but pork chops were on sale and this is a favorite recipe of mine. The heavy lifting is done in the slow cooker, so you can go about other things that demand your attention.

How do I make smothered pork chops?

I start off by rendering the bacon until crispy and set aside. The bacon fat thats left in the pan is liquid gold and I sauté the onions and garlic in it next.

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The seasoned pork chops are laid on top of the sautéed onions, garlic and fresh thyme in the slow cooker. A mixture of chicken stock and soy sauce are poured over and the pork chops slow cook for 4 hours until for tender.

While that all is cooking I boil my pasta just prior to the pork chops finishing. I like to use egg noodles for the base of this dish. The smothered pork chops are set on top and served.

Simply remove the cooked pork chops and keep warm so you can make the onion gravy that smothers them. Apple cider vinegar and a cornstarch slurry are added, then it gets cooked to thicken.

To plate, serve the pork chops over the cooked egg noodles and pour a generous helping of the onion gravy over all. Top with the reserved, crispy bacon and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This is a keeper. Enjoy!

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Review

4 from 8 votes

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

These Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are so tender and the onion gravy that smothers them is rich, savory and loaded with bacon. Serve over noodles. 

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time4 hrs 10 mins

Total Time4 hrs 25 mins

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Western

Keyword: pork chop dinner

Servings: 4

Calories: 968kcal

Author: Kevin Is Cooking

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork chops (See Note 1)
• 1 tsp kosher salt divided
• 2 tsp black pepper divided
• 6 slices bacon (See Note 2)
• 1 large white onion halved and cut 1/2 inch slices
• 3 garlic cloves smashed and minced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp Tabasco or favorite hot sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1 lb egg noodles

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• In a large skillet over medium heat render and cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Set aside to drain on paper towel and reserve bacon fat in skillet.
• Add onions to skillet and cook for several minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and season with half of the kosher salt and black pepper. Cook another 2 minutes and pour mixture in a slow cooker.
• Season both sides of each pork chop with remaining salt and pepper. Lay on top of the onion mixture.
• Mix together the chicken stock, soy sauce and Tabasco. Pour over pork chops. Close slow cooker lid and cook on low for 4 hours (See Note 3).
• Bring heavily salted water to the boil and cook pasta per package directions, about 7 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for gravy.
• Remove pork chops from slow cooker and tent with foil to keep warm. Turn slow cooker to high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and water and pour into onion mixture with the reserved pasta water and apple cider vinegar. Stir to mix and cook. Gravy will thicken.
• Drain and set pasta in bowl or on serving platter. Lay pork chops on top of pasta and pour onion gravy over all. Sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

1. I use four 8-10 oz bone in blade cut pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. Also, make 1 or 2 slits in the fat on the outer side of each chop so they don't curl when cooking.
2. I like to place my bacon in the freezer for 2-3 minutes to firm up and it makes it easier to slice into strips, optional.
3. For Instant Pot version: Cook on manual for 8 minutes and 10 minutes to natural pressure release instead of 4 hour slow cooker method.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Amount Per Serving

Calories 968 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 34g 52%

Saturated Fat 11g 55%

Cholesterol 268mg 89%

Sodium 1235mg 51%

Potassium 1343mg 38%

Total Carbohydrates 90g 30%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 3g

Protein 70g 140%

Vitamin A 8.1%

Vitamin C 15.7%

Calcium 7.9%

Iron 23.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.