1. Introduction
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is a comforting, savory dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe combines tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and the irresistible flavor of ranch seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want a hearty, delicious dinner without much effort.
2. Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 6-8 small potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Preparing the Potatoes and Onions
Start by slicing the potatoes into even, thin rounds. These will cook evenly in the crockpot and absorb all the flavors from the pork chops and sauce. Thinly slice the onion as well. The onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the savory ranch seasoning.
4. Seasoning the Pork Chops
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. The seasoning mix will add plenty of flavors, but a little extra salt and pepper help enhance the taste of the pork. If you prefer, you can also season the pork chops with a bit of garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
5. Layering the Crockpot
In the bottom of your crockpot, layer the sliced potatoes and onions. This creates a bed for the pork chops and ensures the potatoes cook evenly in the flavorful juices. Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the potatoes and onions, spreading them out so they cook evenly.
6. Mixing the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This creamy sauce is the key to the dish’s flavor and helps keep the pork chops moist and tender as they cook.
7. Pouring the Sauce Over the Pork Chops
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes. Make sure the sauce covers the meat and vegetables completely. As the dish cooks, the sauce will thicken and become even more flavorful, coating every bite with ranch goodness.
8. Slow Cooking the Dish
Set your crockpot to low heat and cook the pork chops and potatoes for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked. If you’re short on time, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours, but the low and slow method results in more tender meat and richer flavors.
9. Checking for Doneness
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the pork chops for doneness. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The potatoes should also be soft and cooked through. If needed, let the dish cook for a little longer until everything is done to your liking.
10. Serving the Dish
Once the pork chops and potatoes are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the crockpot using a slotted spoon. Arrange the pork chops and potatoes on a serving platter. Spoon some of the sauce from the crockpot over the top for added flavor and garnish with fresh parsley.
11. Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The creamy ranch flavor also complements corn on the cob or roasted vegetables.
12. Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
13. Freezing for Later
This dish also freezes well. To freeze, let the pork chops and potatoes cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the crockpot or oven until heated through.
14. Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can use bone-in pork chops for a more rustic flavor or add a mix of carrots and celery with the potatoes for extra vegetables. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
15. Conclusion
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The slow-cooked pork chops are incredibly tender, and the ranch-flavored sauce brings everything together in a creamy, comforting dish. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
