Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing
Description
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing is a comforting, hearty dinner made with tender pork chops, savory seasoned stuffing, and a creamy chicken gravy. This easy slow cooker recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation. As everything cooks together, the stuffing absorbs the rich flavors of the creamy sauce, creating a delicious, home-style meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes–6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut pork chops, bone-in or boneless
- 1 box (6 oz) dry seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil to help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season lightly with black pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Add the Stuffing Mix
Sprinkle the dry seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the pork chops, distributing it across the entire surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the creamy sauce evenly over the stuffing mix. Spread gently with a spoon so the stuffing becomes moistened. Avoid stirring everything together.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork chops and your slow cooker. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
Pork chops should reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. If the stuffing needs more time, check its temperature as well; stuffing containing meat juices should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve
Carefully remove the pork chops and serve them warm with the soft, savory stuffing and creamy gravy spooned over the top.
Recipe Notes
- Pork chops: Thick-cut chops work best because they are less likely to dry out during cooking.
- Stuffing mix: Use your favorite dry seasoned stuffing mix.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich, creamy sauce. Cream of mushroom soup can be used as an alternative.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Helps moisten the stuffing and thin the sauce.
- Seasoning: The stuffing mix and soup already contain salt, so additional salt may not be necessary.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose pork chops of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the stuffing to help it absorb moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer instead of relying on cooking time alone.
- Avoid cooking longer than necessary, as pork chops can become dry.
- If the stuffing appears too dry, add a small amount of warm broth near the end of cooking.
- For food safety, do not use a delayed-start setting that leaves raw pork sitting unrefrigerated before cooking begins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pork chops with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- A crisp garden salad
- Cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast
Approximate Nutritional Information
Per serving, assuming the recipe makes four servings:
- Calories: 500–650 kcal
- Protein: 35–45 g
- Carbohydrates: 30–40 g
- Fat: 22–35 g
- Fiber: 1–3 g
- Sugar: 3–6 g
- Sodium: 900–1,400 mg
Nutrition varies depending on pork chop size, bone content, stuffing brand, soup, and broth. These estimates are not laboratory-tested values.
Potential Benefits
Pork: Provides protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and other nutrients that support normal body functions.
Stuffing: Supplies carbohydrates for energy and contributes the savory herbs that give this dish its classic flavor.
Sour cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture.
Homemade meal preparation: Allows you to control the ingredients and choose lower-sodium soup, broth, or stuffing when available.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of broth if the stuffing or gravy has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless chops work well, but thinner cuts may cook faster, so check their temperature early.
2. Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes. Cream of mushroom soup makes a delicious alternative and pairs well with pork.
3. Do I need to prepare the stuffing separately?
No. The dry stuffing mix is added directly to the slow cooker, where it absorbs moisture from the creamy sauce and cooking juices.
4. Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?
LOW is recommended for more tender pork. If necessary, HIGH may work in approximately 2–3 hours, but the timing depends on chop thickness and your slow cooker. Always verify doneness with a thermometer.
5. Why is my stuffing dry?
The stuffing may need more moisture, or the sauce may not have been spread evenly. Add a little warm chicken broth and allow it to absorb before serving.
6. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can measure the ingredients and mix the sauce ahead of time. For best food safety, refrigerate the prepared components separately and assemble immediately before cooking.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Green beans, sliced carrots, or mushrooms can be added, provided there is enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly.
8. How do I keep pork chops tender?
Use thick-cut chops, cook on LOW, and check the internal temperature early. Remove them from the heat once they reach 145°F (63°C) and allow them to rest for 3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing is a simple, satisfying comfort-food dinner with tender pork, flavorful stuffing, and rich creamy gravy. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, it is a convenient choice for a cozy family meal.