When I need dinner to practically make itself, this kind of slow cooker meal is exactly what I reach for. Raw butterflied pork chops turn tender as they simmer all day in a creamy late-summer style sauce with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, giving you a cozy meal without a lot of prep. It is the kind of recipe that fits real life: toss everything in before work, handle the busy afternoon, and come home to something warm and comforting.
This dish is especially good with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. If you want to lean into the late-summer feel, add a simple side of green beans, sweet corn, or a crisp salad with sliced tomatoes. A piece of crusty bread also works well for catching every bit of the creamy sauce.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Late Summer Comfort
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 raw butterflied pork chops, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total
1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 ounce
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil if desired for easier cleanup. Lay the raw butterflied pork chops in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops, making sure the tops are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops once or twice during cooking if you are home, but it is not necessary.
5. Serve the pork chops hot with the sauce spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for an easy dinner.
Variations & Tips
Add mushrooms: If you want a little more texture, scatter in a handful of sliced mushrooms before cooking. They blend right into the sauce and make the dish feel even heartier.
Use boneless chops carefully: Boneless pork chops can work, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Start checking for doneness on the early side if your chops are thinner.
Make the sauce thinner: For a looser sauce to pour over rice or noodles, stir in a few extra tablespoons of chicken broth near the end of cooking until it reaches the consistency you like.
Meal prep tip: On extra busy mornings, whisk the sauce together the night before and refrigerate it covered. Then all you have to do is place the pork chops in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce, and turn it on.