Scatter chopped leeks over raw pork chops, in addition to 3 other ingredients, into slow cooker for a savory dish that's always a yes in my house

This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish-style leek and pork noodle dish is one of those set-it-and-forget-it comfort meals that quietly simmers away while you go about your day. The method is almost meditative: you lay raw pork chops in the slow cooker, scatter chopped leeks over the top, and add just three more pantry-friendly ingredients. The result is a savory, gently creamy noodle dish that nods to the simple, hearty cooking you’ll find in many Amish communities—uncomplicated, filling, and built on a few well-chosen ingredients.

Serve these tender pork chops and noodles straight from the slow cooker with a side of steamed green beans or buttered peas to echo the homey feel. A simple tossed salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, and warm dinner rolls or buttered rye bread are great for catching any extra sauce. If you enjoy a little heat, pass red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the table so everyone can season their own bowl.

Servings: 4

1 1/2 pounds boneless pork chops, about 4 medium chops

Trim any excess fat from the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels.

Lay the raw pork chops in a single layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Scatter the chopped leeks evenly over the raw pork chops, letting some fall down around the sides so they mingle with the juices as everything cooks.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the chicken broth until mostly smooth.

Pour the soup and broth mixture evenly over the pork chops and leeks, making sure the tops of the leeks are moistened.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork chops are very tender and the leeks are soft.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir the sauce gently around the pork chops, then add the uncooked egg noodles, pressing them down into the liquid as much as possible. If the noodles aren’t mostly submerged, add a splash more broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time, just until they are.

Cover again and cook on High for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.

Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper if needed. The canned soup and broth both contain salt, so adjust carefully.

Serve the pork chops over a bed of the leeks and noodles, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker over each portion.

For a slightly richer, creamier version, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt right at the end of cooking, off the heat, to keep it from curdling. If you prefer a lighter dish, swap one can of cream of mushroom soup for a can of cream of celery or cream of chicken, which will change the flavor profile but keep the same easy method. You can also use bone-in pork chops; just add 30 to 45 minutes to the low setting cook time and be mindful of bones when serving. To lean into more traditional Amish pantry flavors, add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme to the soup mixture before pouring it over the pork. If you like extra vegetables, you can scatter a cup of sliced carrots or a handful of frozen peas over the leeks before adding the soup mixture, understanding that this will nudge you beyond the strict five-ingredient count but keeps the core recipe method intact. Finally, if you’re cooking for a smaller household, the leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce; just warm gently so the pork stays tender and the noodles don’t overcook.