The Set-It-and-Forget-It Dinner That Feels Like Home
Some recipes don’t scream for attention. They don’t rely on trendy ingredients or fancy techniques. They just quietly do their job — and do it really well.
These slow cooker pork chops with apples and onions are exactly that kind of meal.
It’s the dish you make when the weather turns cool, when your day runs long, or when you want dinner to taste like comfort without standing over the stove. You season the pork, slice a couple of apples and onions, pour everything in, and walk away. Hours later, your house smells incredible, and dinner is practically begging to be served.
The magic is in the balance. The pork becomes tender enough to cut with a fork. The apples soften and release just enough sweetness. The onions melt into the sauce, adding depth instead of bite. And the gravy — rich, savory, lightly sweet — ties it all together.
It’s simple food, done right. And once you make it, it tends to find a permanent place in your slow cooker rotation.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
- Minimal prep — just slice, season, pour, and go
- Slow cooker friendly — perfect for busy days
- Tender, juicy pork chops — no dryness here
- Sweet and savory balance — apples + onions = classic comfort
- Family-approved — familiar flavors everyone loves
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
1. Season the pork chops
Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Optional browning (but worth it)
If you have a few extra minutes, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Layer the slow cooker
Place the sliced onions and apples in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the pork chops on top.
4. Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork chops.
5. Cook low and slow
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The pork should be tender and cooked through.
6. Serve and enjoy
Spoon the apples, onions, and gravy over the pork chops. Serve hot.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Rice or wild rice
- Roasted green beans or carrots
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Thicker sauce: Remove the pork and whisk a cornstarch slurry into the sauce, then cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes
- Extra apple flavor: Add a splash of apple cider or apple juice
- No canned soup? Use heavy cream thickened with a little flour or cornstarch
- Add veggies: Carrots or mushrooms work well
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper adds warmth
Final Thought
This is the kind of meal that feels like someone took care of you — even if you were the one who made it.
No rushing. No hovering. Just a slow cooker quietly doing its thing while life happens around it.
And when you finally sit down to eat?
Tender pork. Soft apples. Rich gravy.
Pure comfort on a plate. 🍎🥘
