There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Chop recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that you can set and forget, only to come back hours later to a mouthwatering, home-cooked meal. My love for slow cooker recipes began during my college days when time and resources were limited. I stumbled upon this recipe, and it quickly became a staple. The simplicity of the ingredients and the depth of flavor they produce is nothing short of magical.
Ingredients
4 pork chops
1 pack ranch dressing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup (substitute: cream of mushroom soup)
Instructions
Preparing the Pork Chops
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Ensure your slow cooker is clean and ready to use. If you prefer, you can use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Place the Pork Chops:
Begin by washing 4 pork chops under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that any impurities are removed.
Place the pork chops at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. This arrangement allows the chops to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
Adding the Cream of Chicken Soup
Add the Soup:
Open a can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom if you prefer). Pour the condensed soup directly over the pork chops. The creamy texture of the soup will help keep the pork chops moist and tender as they cook.
Fill the empty soup can with water and add it to the slow cooker. This added liquid will help create a sauce and ensure the pork chops don’t dry out during the long cooking process.
Incorporating the Ranch Dressing Mix
Add Ranch Dressing Mix:
Open a packet of ranch dressing mix. You don’t necessarily have to use the entire packet, but doing so will enhance the flavor. If you’re sensitive to salt or prefer a milder flavor, you can start with half the packet and add more later if needed.
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the soup-covered pork chops. The combination of the creamy soup and the tangy, herby ranch mix creates a delicious sauce that infuses the meat with flavor as it cooks.
Slow Cooking
Cook the Pork Chops:
Set your slow cooker to the low setting. This low and slow method is key to achieving tender, flavorful pork chops. Cook the pork chops for approximately 6 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your pork chops and the specific slow cooker model.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends the cooking time. Trust the process and let the slow cooker do its job.
Serving
Remove and Serve:
After 6 hours, check the pork chops to ensure they are fully cooked. They should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker. Be gentle as they will be very tender and may fall apart.
Serve the pork chops with your choice of sides. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of your favorite greens, such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Soup Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Both soups provide a rich, creamy base that complements the ranch dressing mix beautifully.
Additional Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for additional flavor and nutrition. These vegetables will cook down nicely and blend with the sauce.
Low-Sodium Options: For a healthier version, use a low-sodium cream soup and ranch mix. This helps control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
Herb Variations: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This can add an interesting kick to the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Chop recipe is a testament to the idea that simplicity can lead to extraordinary results. With just three main ingredients, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly comforting. The combination of pork chops, creamy soup, and ranch dressing mix transforms into a savory, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its ease of preparation. It’s perfect for busy individuals or families who want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the meal gently simmers to perfection.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees delightful results every time. The tender pork chops and creamy, flavorful sauce are sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and look forward to a delicious, no-fuss dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy!
