Mushroom Soup Pork Chops in Crock Pot Recipe

By Maya Gonzalez
Mushroom Soup Pork Chops in Crock Pot Recipe
The best method for making mushroom soup pork chops in crock pot involves searing 6 bone-in pork chops, then slow cooking them with a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup broth, and seasonings on LOW for 4-6 hours until tender. This easy slow cooker pork chops recipe creates juicy meat with a rich mushroom gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

If you're searching for a comforting, hands-off dinner solution, mushroom soup pork chops in crock pot delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. This classic comfort food combination transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal through the magic of slow cooking. The crock pot method ensures your pork chops remain incredibly tender while absorbing the savory mushroom flavors.

Why This Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe Works

Unlike stovetop methods that risk overcooking pork chops, the slow cooker's gentle heat maintains perfect moisture levels. The condensed mushroom soup acts as both flavor base and thickening agent, creating a luscious gravy without additional roux or complicated steps. This foolproof technique works particularly well with bone-in chops, which retain more moisture during extended cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mushroom Soup Pork Chops

Quality ingredients make the difference between ordinary and exceptional slow cooker pork chops. Here's what you'll need for 4-6 servings:

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-in pork chops 6 chops (1-inch thick) Approximately 2.5 lbs total
Condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz) Regular or low-sodium version
Beef or chicken broth 1/2 cup Low-sodium preferred
Onion 1 medium, sliced Yellow or sweet variety
Garlic 3 cloves, minced Fresh preferred
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Adds depth of flavor
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon Or 1 tablespoon fresh
Salt and black pepper To taste Freshly ground preferred
Olive oil 1 tablespoon For searing chops

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Pork Chops Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat
  3. Sear chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they don't need to be cooked through)
  4. Place sliced onions in bottom of crock pot

Slow Cooking Process (5 minutes assembly + cooking time)

  1. Arrange seared pork chops over onions in crock pot
  2. In medium bowl, whisk together mushroom soup, broth, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and thyme
  3. Pour sauce mixture evenly over pork chops
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (4 hours for 1-inch chops, up to 6 hours for thicker cuts)
  5. Remove chops carefully and keep warm
  6. Skim excess fat from sauce if desired, then serve sauce over chops

Cooking Time Guidelines for Perfect Results

Timing is crucial for tender crock pot pork chops with mushroom soup. Follow these temperature guidelines:

Pork Chop Thickness Recommended Cooking Time Internal Temperature
3/4 inch 3.5-4 hours on LOW 145°F (63°C)
1 inch 4-5 hours on LOW 145°F (63°C)
1.5 inches 5-6 hours on LOW 145°F (63°C)
Bone-in Add 30-60 minutes 145°F (63°C)

Pro Tips for the Best Mushroom Soup Pork Chops

  • Don't skip the sear: Browning creates flavor through the Maillard reaction
  • Use room temperature chops: Cold meat from the fridge leads to uneven cooking
  • Don't overcook: Pork is safe at 145°F - higher temperatures dry out the meat
  • Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into sauce during last 30 minutes
  • Add vegetables: Carrots, celery, or potatoes can be added for a complete meal

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece

This creamy mushroom soup pork chops recipe pairs beautifully with traditional comfort food sides. For the complete easy crock pot pork chops experience, consider these serving options:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes (the ideal base for soaking up that rich mushroom gravy)
  • Buttered egg noodles with fresh parsley
  • Roasted green beans or asparagus
  • Buttery dinner rolls for dipping
  • A simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One advantage of this slow cooker pork chops and mushroom gravy recipe is its excellent leftovers. Follow these storage guidelines:

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
  • Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of broth if sauce has thickened too much
  • Microwave: Heat covered on 50% power in 2-minute intervals, stirring between

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic creamy mushroom soup pork chops recipe, experiment with these tasty adaptations:

  • Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes
  • Bacon enhancement: Add 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce
  • Wine infusion: Replace broth with 1/2 cup dry white wine for added complexity
  • Mushroom upgrade: Sauté 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms with the onions before adding to crock pot
  • Herb variation: Substitute rosemary or sage for thyme depending on your preference

Common Questions About Crock Pot Pork Chops

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops for mushroom soup pork chops in crock pot?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW. Boneless chops cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Check for 145°F internal temperature after 3 hours.

How can I make this mushroom soup pork chops recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium mushroom soup and broth, skip the searing step to reduce fat, and serve with roasted vegetables instead of starches. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the creamy version.

Why are my crock pot pork chops tough?

Tough pork chops usually result from undercooking rather than overcooking. Pork connective tissue needs sufficient time to break down. Ensure you're cooking for at least 4 hours on LOW for 1-inch chops. Also, bone-in chops stay more tender during slow cooking.

Can I prepare this slow cooker pork chops recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the cold insert into the warm crock pot base and add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start.

What's the best way to thicken mushroom gravy for pork chops?

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, remove pork chops, skim fat, then simmer sauce uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.