Dive into the heart of comfort food with this Pioneer Woman-inspired recipe for smothered pork chops. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is renowned for her heartwarming, family-friendly meals, and this slow cooker pork chop recipe is no exception. Tender, juicy boneless pork chops simmered in a luscious creamy gravy – this dish is destined to become a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday supper, these smothered pork chops are incredibly easy to prepare, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pork Chops served on a plate with mashed potatoes
What sets this recipe apart is the simple yet crucial step of searing the pork chops before they enter the slow cooker. This technique, highlighted in Ree Drummond’s version, elevates the depth of flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust on the pork, adding a layer of texture that’s simply irresistible. While some recipes might skip this step, searing truly makes all the difference, locking in the juices and enhancing the overall richness of the dish. If you’re looking to impress with a deeply satisfying meal that screams comfort, these smothered pork chops are your answer.
Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman’s Smothered Pork Chops
These aren’t just any pork chops; they’re Pioneer Woman smothered pork chops, promising a taste of home-style goodness with every bite. The slow cooker method ensures that even budget-friendly boneless pork loin chops transform into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The creamy gravy, infused with savory seasonings, smothers each chop in flavor, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe perfectly balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll appreciate the straightforward steps and readily available ingredients. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax while dinner practically cooks itself. For busy families or anyone craving a comforting, no-fuss meal, these smothered pork chops are a weeknight win.
Close-up of seared pork chops in a skillet
Compared to other slow cooker pork chop recipes, the Pioneer Woman-inspired approach of searing the meat beforehand truly stands out. This simple step intensifies the pork’s natural flavors and adds a delightful textural contrast to the incredibly tender, slow-cooked interior. It’s this attention to detail that makes Ree Drummond’s recipes so beloved, and this smothered pork chop recipe is a prime example of her culinary magic.
Key Ingredients for Smothered Perfection
To create these delectable smothered pork chops, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
For Searing & Dredging:
- Boneless Pork Chops: 8 boneless pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick, are ideal for even cooking and tenderness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to dredge the pork chops, creating a flavorful crust when seared.
- Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, and Dried Thyme: A simple yet effective blend of seasonings to enhance the pork and gravy. Garlic powder can also be added for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Oil & Butter: A combination of oil and butter for searing, providing both a high smoke point and rich flavor.
For the Creamy Gravy:
- Yellow Onion: Diced and sautéed to form the flavor base of the gravy.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy heart of the gravy, providing richness and body. Cream of chicken soup can be substituted if preferred.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds umami and complexity to the gravy’s flavor profile.
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Infuse a subtle herbal note into the slow-cooked dish.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Smothered Pork Chops laid out on a counter
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Smothered Pork Chops
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of comforting smothered pork chops:
- Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Dredge the Pork Chops: Coat each pork chop thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are covered. Shake off any excess flour to prevent the coating from becoming too thick.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully add the pork chops in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove the seared pork chops to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Gravy: In a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Assemble and Slow Cook: Add the sautéed onions and fresh thyme sprigs to the slow cooker gravy. Nestle the seared pork chops into the gravy mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 hours. The pork chops should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these smothered pork chops hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite egg noodles. Spoon the luscious gravy generously over the pork and sides.
Pork chops being seared in a skillet with butter and oil
Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations
While classic mashed potatoes are the quintessential pairing for smothered pork chops, there are many other delicious ways to serve and customize this recipe:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food duo! Homemade mashed potatoes perfectly soak up the rich gravy.
- Egg Noodles: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, egg noodles also pair beautifully with the creamy gravy.
- Rice: Serve over white rice or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
- Vegetables: Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dredge.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the dredge and gravy. Rosemary, sage, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when sautéing the onions for an even more mushroom-forward gravy.
Tips for the Best Smothered Pork Chops
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing: Searing in batches ensures each pork chop gets a good sear and develops maximum flavor. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the gravy before adding the pork chops and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
- Low and Slow is Key: Resist the urge to cook the pork chops on high for the entire cooking time. The combination of high heat initially and then low heat is crucial for tender, juicy results.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Slow cooker with smothered pork chops and gravy
Embrace Comfort Food with Pioneer Woman Smothered Pork Chops
This Pioneer Woman smothered pork chops recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasures of home-cooked comfort food. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate smothered pork chop experience. Don’t forget to serve it up with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and share the warmth and deliciousness with your loved ones!
