There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker meal that asks almost nothing from the cook and still comes out tasting like supper was planned all day long. This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Freedom Feast is the kind of practical country cooking that suits a busy afternoon, especially when the freezer and pantry are doing most of the work. Frozen pork loin chops settle right into the crock with a few simple staples, and by dinnertime you have tender chops in a sweet-and-savory sauce that feels like summer without keeping the kitchen hot.
This dish goes especially well with fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or a scoop of mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the sauce. For something fresh on the side, serve it with green beans, sweet corn, a cucumber salad, or a simple plate of sliced tomatoes. If you want to round it out for a backyard-style supper, add warm rolls and a big glass of iced tea.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Freedom Feast
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen pork loin chops, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1 cup chunky salsa
1 cup peach preserves
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Place the frozen pork loin chops in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the salsa, peach preserves, and dry onion soup mix until well combined.
3. Spoon the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops, covering them as well as you can.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve the pork chops hot with plenty of sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Add a little heat: If your family likes a bit of zip, use a medium or hot salsa instead of mild. A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce works too, but go easy at first since the slow cooker tends to mellow flavors as it cooks.
Use fresh or thawed chops: If your pork chops are already thawed, the recipe still works beautifully. Check them a little sooner for doneness so they stay juicy and do not overcook.
Make the sauce smoother: For a more old-fashioned sweet-and-savory finish, use a smoother salsa or pulse chunky salsa a few times before mixing. That gives you a silkier sauce that is especially nice over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Keep food safety in mind: Since slow cookers can vary, make sure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F, then let it rest a few minutes before serving. If your cooker runs cool, it is best to thaw the chops first for more even cooking.
Stretch the meal: If you want a little more on the table, add sliced onions or drained canned peaches during the last hour of cooking. Those simple additions make the dish feel a touch more special without asking much extra from the cook.