Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- No browning or complicated steps required
- Fork-tender pork chops every time
- Rich, creamy gravy made right in the slow cooker
- Perfect for rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 to 1½ pounds total)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Substitute: cream of chicken soup if preferred
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
That’s it—no added water, broth, or seasoning required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and trim away any excess surface fat if desired. This step helps prevent greasy sauce and encourages better texture during slow cooking.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Base
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the dry onion soup mix until fully combined. This creates a thick, flavorful gravy base that will season the pork as it cooks.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture over the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the pork chops stay moist from the start.
Step 4: Add the Pork Chops
Arrange the pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible. Slight overlapping is fine, but avoid stacking them too tightly so they cook evenly.
Step 5: Smother with Sauce
Spoon the remaining soup mixture evenly over the pork chops, making sure each one is well coated. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the sauce so it flows down around the sides of the meat.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The pork chops are done when they are very tender and easily cut with a fork. As the pork cooks, it releases juices that thin the sauce slightly, creating a smooth, savory gravy.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
Taste the gravy and adjust if needed. The onion soup mix is naturally salty, so additional salt is usually unnecessary.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water, milk, or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve hot, generously spooning the gravy over the pork chops and your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These smothered pork chops pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice or buttered noodles
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Green beans, peas, or roasted vegetables
- Biscuits or crusty bread for soaking up the gravy
Variations & Helpful Tips
Because this recipe is so simple, small tweaks can create big flavor changes:
- Lighter Flavor: Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom
- Lower Sodium: Choose low-sodium condensed soup and soup mix
- Extra Depth: Add sliced onions or mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker
- Tangy Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Thicker Gravy:
- Remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes on HIGH
- OR stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- Smaller Batch: Halve the ingredients and keep the same cooking time
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze pork chops and gravy for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days—and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.