There is nothing quite as comforting as coming home to the savory, mouth-watering aroma of slow-cooked pork chops bathed in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy. This Crockpot Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops recipe is the quintessential set-it-and-forget-it meal, designed for busy weeknights when you want a gourmet-quality dinner without the gourmet-level effort. By allowing the pork to simmer low and slow, the meat transforms into a fork-tender delicacy, while the infusion of garlic, herbs, and cream creates a sauce that begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family or looking for the perfect meal-prep solution, this recipe delivers consistent, soul-warming results every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Pork Chops: 4 to 6 bone-in or thick-cut boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick).
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Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cans (10.5 oz each) for maximum creaminess.
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Fresh Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced.
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Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
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Chicken Broth or Water: ½ cup to adjust gravy consistency.
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Dry Onion Soup Mix: 1 packet (or 1 tbsp onion powder and 1 tsp beef bouillon).
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Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
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Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Season the Meat: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Optional Sear (For Extra Flavor): For the best texture, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in juices and adds depth to the gravy.
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Layer the Crockpot: Place the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the pork chops on top of the mushroom bed.
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Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, onion soup mix, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork chops.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. The pork should be tender and register an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Thicken and Serve: If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the pot 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The success of this dish hinges largely on the cut of meat you select. While thin, breakfast-style chops are convenient, they tend to dry out quickly in the slow cooker. For the best results, look for thick-cut chops—at least one inch thick. Bone-in chops are often preferred by enthusiasts because the bone helps retain moisture and adds a deeper savory flavor to the surrounding sauce. However, thick boneless center-cut chops work beautifully as well, provided they aren’t overcooked. If you find yourself with leaner cuts, keeping the slow cooker on the “Low” setting is essential to prevent the muscle fibers from becoming tough and stringy.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Gravy
A great mushroom gravy should be silky, savory, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. To elevate the canned soup base, adding fresh sliced mushrooms is a non-negotiable step; they provide a rustic texture and an earthy flavor that canned versions lack. If you find the sauce too salty, you can balance it with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. For those who enjoy a bit of complexity, adding a splash of dry white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the liquid mixture can cut through the richness and add a professional, layered flavor profile to the finished dish.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Because this recipe produces an abundance of rich, flavorful gravy, you’ll want to serve it alongside sides that can soak up every drop. The classic choice is a mound of buttery mashed potatoes or a bed of wide egg noodles. For a lighter approach, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad provide a necessary crunch and acidity to balance the decadence of the cream sauce. If you’re following a lower-carb lifestyle, cauliflower mash or zoodles make excellent alternatives. No matter how you plate it, these pork chops are guaranteed to become a recurring favorite in your digital recipe box.
