When I need a dependable supper that feels a little special without keeping me in the kitchen, these 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Holiday Hearth Chops are exactly the kind of meal I reach for. Fresh pork sirloin chops turn tender as they simmer low and slow in a simple, savory-sweet sauce, giving you that cozy comfort-food feeling with hardly any effort. It is the sort of old-fashioned slow cooker dinner that works beautifully for a holiday weekend, a busy family day, or anytime you want a hearty meal waiting for you at dinnertime.
Serve these chops with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of the rich sauce. For vegetables, green beans, corn, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad all fit right in, and a basket of warm rolls makes the meal feel extra welcoming if you are feeding family or friends.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Holiday Hearth Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 fresh pork sirloin chops, about 1 inch thick
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup apple juice
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then arrange the fresh pork sirloin chops in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix, barbecue sauce, and apple juice until smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops before serving, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter sauce: If your family likes a sweeter flavor, use a honey barbecue sauce or stir in a spoonful of apple jelly before pouring the mixture over the chops. It gives the sauce a nice little holiday-style glaze.
For picky eaters: Choose a mild, familiar barbecue sauce and serve the extra sauce on the side instead of spooning too much over the meat. That way everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
For extra flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, brown the pork chops in a skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. It is not required, but it adds a deeper color and a richer taste.
To avoid dry pork: Try not to overcook the chops, especially if they are on the thinner side. Check them near the 5-hour mark on low so they stay tender and juicy.
Easy side idea: This recipe makes a wonderful spoon-over sauce, so I like to plan a starch underneath, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It stretches the meal nicely and makes the plate feel extra cozy.