4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Chops with a Stuffing Crust
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on Low
Ingredients:
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4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) – see note
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1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as pork or chicken flavor)
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, celery, or golden mushroom)
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1/2 cup water or chicken broth
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(Optional but recommended) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme for extra seasoning
Instructions:
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Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil.
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Layer the Chops: Place the pork chops in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and any optional dried herbs if using.
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Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix (just the crumbs, do NOT prepare according to box directions) with the cream of mushroom soup. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clumpy.
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Top the Chops: Divide the stuffing mixture evenly, pressing it on top of each pork chop to form a thick, cohesive crust.
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Add Liquid: Carefully pour the water or chicken broth around the edges of the pork chops, trying not to wash the stuffing topping off. This creates steam to cook the chops and forms a gravy.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and chop thickness. Avoid cooking on HIGH, as it can make the pork chops tough and the stuffing mushy.
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Serve: Carefully remove each pork chop with its stuffing crust intact. The liquid in the bottom can be stirred and served as a delicious gravy.
Key Tips for Success:
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Pork Chop Choice: Boneless, center-cut chops about 1-inch thick work best. Thin chops will overcook and become dry. You can use bone-in, but they may need a slightly longer cook time.
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Don’t Overcook: This is the most crucial step. Check at the 3-hour mark with a meat thermometer. Overcooked pork becomes dry and tough.
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Stuffing Note: The crust will be soft on the bottom (from the gravy) and more textured/crispy on top. For a crisper top, you can transfer the chops to a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Flavor Boost: Searing the pork chops in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker adds tremendous flavor and texture.
Easy Variations:
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“Smothered” Style: Add a sliced onion and 8 oz of sliced mushrooms over the chops before adding the stuffing topping.
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Apple & Herb: Use chicken stuffing mix and add 1 chopped apple to the stuffing mixture before topping.
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Cheesy Crust: Stir 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the stuffing mix.
Enjoy this classic, easy comfort food meal