Recipe For Crock Pot Pork Chops With Mushroom Soup: Hands-Off Tender Comfort

Recipe For Crock Pot Pork Chops With Mushroom Soup: Hands-Off Tender Comfort

This slow cooker method transforms simple pork chops into a tender meal with minimal effort. The mushroom soup creates a rich, velvety sauce that keeps the meat juicy throughout the long cooking process.

I developed this recipe for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Just sear the chops briefly, then let the crock pot work its magic while you go about your day.

The pork emerges fall-apart tender, soaked in a creamy mushroom gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. It’s the kind of hands-off cooking that delivers restaurant-quality results.

With only 5 minutes of prep and 6 hours of cooking time, this becomes a set-it-and-forget-it dinner solution.

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Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup

Pantry staples and a quick sear make this slow cooker classic effortlessly delicious.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-In Pork Chops 🥩 4 whole 1-inch thick, trimmed of fat
Cream of Mushroom Soup 🍲 2 cans 10.5 oz each, undiluted
Chicken Broth 🥣 1 cup Low-sodium preferred for balance
Unsalted Butter 🧈 2 tbsp For searing pork chops
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Medium, thinly sliced
Fresh Mushrooms 🍄 8 oz White or cremini, sliced
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced for depth of flavor
Dried Thyme 🌿 1 tsp Crushed between fingers to release oils
Dried Rosemary 🍃 1 tsp Crushed for maximum aroma
Worcestershire Sauce 💧 1 tbsp Adds umami complexity
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 2 tbsp For thickening gravy if needed
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 tsp Diamond Crystal preferred for even seasoning
Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Coarse grind ideal for texture

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The pork chops are the star—bone-in stays juicier than boneless during the long cook. I grab mine from Costco (great price, consistent thickness) but any supermarket will do. Look for chops that are at least 1-inch thick (they curl less). For the mushroom soup, Campbell’s is reliable, but I’ve had luck with store brands too. The broth should be low-sodium so you can control the salt.

No cream of mushroom? Cream of chicken works (though obviously not vegetarian). Fresh mushrooms are flexible—baby bellas add depth but white button are fine. Out of Worcestershire? Soy sauce plus a dash of vinegar gets you close. Thyme and rosemary can be swapped for poultry seasoning at half the amount. The flour is optional, but it thickens the gravy nicely.

Sear the chops ahead and park them in the fridge overnight (they’ll finish cooking in the crock pot). Leftovers? Still great after 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for 3 months. The gravy thickens as it cools—just thin with a splash of broth when reheating.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Set and Forget: I toss everything in the crock pot before work and come home to tender pork chops ready to serve.
  • Rich Mushroom Gravy: The cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth blend into a velvety sauce that soaks into the bone-in chops.
  • Sunday Dinner, Tuesday Night: Honestly, it feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a weekday with my family.
  • Stretches the Budget: Bone-in pork chops stay affordable, and the onion-butter base makes them taste way more expensive than they are.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Pork Chops With Mushroom Soup

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops for Maximum Flavor

Pat the 4 whole Bone-In Pork Chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the 1 tsp Kosher Salt and 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter.

When the butter stops foaming, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. This creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. Don’t crowded the pan—work in batches if needed. Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced 1 whole Yellow Onion and 8 oz Fresh Mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown lightly.

Stir in the minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves, 1 tsp Dried Thyme, and 1 tsp Dried Rosemary. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, scraping up any browned bits. This layer of flavor is non-negotiable.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Spread the mushroom and onion mixture across the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared pork chops on top in a single layer. In a bowl, whisk together the 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup and 1 cup Chicken Broth until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork chops.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Resist the urge to lift the lid—every peek adds 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy and Serve

If you prefer a thicker gravy, transfer 1 cup of the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Whisk in the 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir this back into the slow cooker.

Serve the pork chops hot, spooning the rich mushroom gravy over each portion. The meat should fall off the bone with minimal pressure, and the sauce should cling beautifully to every bite. This is comfort food at its most satisfying.

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Pro Tips For Making Recipe For Crock Pot Pork Chops With Mushroom Soup

  • Sear the Chops: Brown the bone-in pork chops in a hot skillet with a little unsalted butter for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the crock pot. I learned this the hard way—skipping this step leaves the chops pale and the sauce lacking depth.
  • Thin the Soup: Stir 1/4 cup chicken broth into the cream of mushroom soup before pouring it over the chops. Sounds weird, but it works: it prevents the sauce from turning gluey after hours in the slow cooker.
  • Layer the Onions: Slice the yellow onion thick—about 1/4-inch—and place it under the chops, not on top. After burning three batches, I finally figured out this keeps them from steaming into mush.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Pull the chops when they hit 145°F internal temp, even if they look underdone. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: they’ll keep cooking while resting in the hot liquid.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Results

Slow Cooker Options

For this recipe, I recommend a 6-quart slow cooker as the ideal size. This capacity comfortably fits the 4 pork chops in a single layer, ensuring even cooking. I’ve had great results with the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable model. 💡

Searing Essential

A heavy-bottomed skillet is crucial for proper searing. I use my Lodge 12-inch cast iron—it retains heat beautifully and develops that perfect crust on the chops. Avoid nonstick pans for this step, as they don’t get hot enough for proper browning.

Utensils Matter

Invest in a good pair of tongs for flipping the chops—they’re more precise than a spatula. I prefer OXO Good Grips 12-inch locking tongs. A wooden spoon works best for scraping up those flavorful browned bits during deglazing.

Optional Thickening Tools

For the gravy thickening step, a small saucepan and whisk are helpful. I use a 2-quart All-Clad saucepan for this—it heats evenly and prevents scorching. The whisk ensures smooth incorporation of the flour without lumps.

Serving Equipment

Have a slotted spoon ready for serving the chops, allowing excess gravy to drip back into the pot. I also recommend a ladle for portioning the sauce. A large serving platter with a lip helps contain the rich mushroom gravy. 🔥

Cleanup Helpers

Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner bag for effortless cleanup. The Reynolds Kitchens brand works well. Keep a silicone brush handy for greasing the liner if needed, though it’s often unnecessary with this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 24g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 720mg31%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 3g
Protein 34g68%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Should I use bone-in or boneless pork chops?

Bone-in stays juicier during the long cook. The bone adds flavor and helps prevent drying out. If using boneless, reduce cooking time by 1 hour on LOW.

2

Can I skip the searing step?

Searing builds deep flavor, but you can skip it in a pinch. Just add 1 tbsp of oil to the slow cooker first to prevent sticking. The dish will still be tasty.

3

How do I prevent the gravy from being too thin?

Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes. Or remove the lid and cook on HIGH for the final 30-45 minutes.

4

What can I serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes or egg noodles soak up the gravy beautifully. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add color and balance the richness.

★★★★★5.0(5 reviews)
Chef Melanie

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