Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most irresistible aroma of tender pork chops nestled among creamy, cheesy potatoes - all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Pork Chops recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves delicious, hassle-free cooking, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 6 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and thinly slicing potatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the crock pot, creating a consistent base layer.
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the first potato layer, allowing them to rest without overlapping.
- Distribute sliced onions evenly over the pork chops to add additional flavor and moisture.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the pork chops and onions, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top of the soup, creating a complete potato coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the dish to cook for 6 hours until potatoes are tender and pork chops are fully cooked.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, portioning out pork chops with the scalloped potatoes and spooning extra sauce over each serving.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly (about 1/4-inch thick) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Meat Selection: Choose medium-thickness pork chops (about 3/4 to 1-inch thick) to prevent them from drying out during the long, slow cooking process.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - generously season your pork chops to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more melty and flavorful topping.
- Moisture Management: The cream of mushroom soup helps keep the dish moist, but if you find it too thick, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken naturally.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then started in the crock pot the next morning for an effortless dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg