Slow-Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Serves: 4–6
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 5–7 hours

Ingredients

• 4–6 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, optional for thickening

Instructions

1. Season the pork chops
   Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub generously over both sides of the chops.
2. Brown the chops
   Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for about 2–3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. They don’t need to be cooked through.
3. Cook the onions
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the gravy
   Whisk together the broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
5. Load the slow cooker
   Put about half the onions in the bottom. Add the pork chops, then cover with the remaining onions. Pour the gravy mixture over everything.
6. Slow cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours, until the pork is very tender. Avoid overcooking if using thinner chops.
7. Thicken the gravy (optional)
   Remove the chops. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the hot gravy. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for about 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
8. Finish
   Return the chops to the gravy and spoon the onions and sauce over the top.