Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions and Peas: A Comforting Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare, and incredibly comforting weeknight dinner? Look no further than these slow cooker pork chops with caramelized onions and peas. This recipe combines the savory goodness of tender pork chops with the sweet and savory depth of caramelized onions and the vibrant freshness of peas. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork chops become incredibly tender and flavorful, while the caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the savory pork. The addition of peas at the end adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Effortless Preparation:** The slow cooker does the majority of the work, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Tender and Flavorful Pork Chops:** Slow cooking guarantees incredibly tender and juicy pork chops that are bursting with flavor.
* **Rich Caramelized Onion Flavor:** The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and a deep, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
* **Healthy and Balanced:** This recipe is packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
* **Minimal Clean-Up:** One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Chops:** 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops are quicker to cook and easier to eat. Choose what works best for you.
* **Onions:** 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Yellow onions caramelize beautifully and add a wonderful sweetness to the dish. You can also use white onions, but they will have a slightly sharper flavor.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup frozen peas. Frozen peas are a convenient and readily available option. You can also use fresh peas if they are in season.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also use other vegetable oils, such as canola oil or avocado oil.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish. You can also use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a tangy and savory flavor that complements the pork and onions.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use other dried herbs, such as rosemary or oregano.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the pork chops and onions generously with salt and pepper.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart slow cooker or larger is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For caramelizing the onions.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping and slicing the vegetables.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For stirring the ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Pork Chops:**
* Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
**2. Caramelize the Onions:**
* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. This process takes time, so be patient and don’t rush it. The onions should be deeply caramelized and sweet.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and stir until fragrant.
**3. Assemble the Slow Cooker:**
* Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Place the caramelized onions and garlic on top of the chicken broth.
* Arrange the pork chops on top of the onions, making sure they are not overlapping.
* Spread Dijon mustard over the pork chops.
* Sprinkle dried thyme over the pork chops.
**4. Slow Cook the Pork Chops:**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the power of your slow cooker. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop should read 145°F (63°C).
**5. Add the Peas:**
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Cover and continue cooking until the peas are heated through.
**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
* Spoon the caramelized onions and peas over the pork chops.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Chops
* **Don’t overcook the pork chops:** Overcooked pork chops can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that they are cooked to the correct internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
* **Brown the pork chops before slow cooking (optional):** Browning the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker will add extra flavor and color. This step is optional, but it can enhance the overall taste of the dish. To brown the pork chops, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on both sides until they are golden brown.
* **Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor:** Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful than boneless pork chops because the bone adds extra flavor during the cooking process. However, boneless pork chops are a convenient option if you prefer.
* **Adjust the amount of liquid as needed:** The amount of liquid needed will vary depending on the type of slow cooker and the thickness of the pork chops. If the pork chops are submerged in liquid, they will steam rather than brown. If the slow cooker seems dry, add a little more chicken broth.
* **Don’t open the slow cooker too often:** Opening the slow cooker releases heat and can prolong the cooking time. Avoid opening the slow cooker unless necessary.
* **Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup:** Slow cooker liners are disposable plastic bags that fit inside the slow cooker and make cleanup a breeze. They are available at most grocery stores.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Add vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, potatoes, or celery. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker along with the onions.
* **Use different herbs and spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other herbs and spices that would work well in this dish include rosemary, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** For a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
* **Make it creamy:** For a creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
* **Use different types of pork:** You can also use other cuts of pork in this recipe, such as pork tenderloin or pork shoulder. Pork tenderloin will cook more quickly than pork chops, so reduce the cooking time accordingly. Pork shoulder will need to cook for a longer period of time until it is very tender.
* **Spicy Pork Chops:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onions while caramelizing for a kick.
* **Mushroom and Onion Variation:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions for a richer, earthier flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker pork chops with caramelized onions and peas are delicious served with a variety of side dishes.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with pork chops.
* **Rice:** Serve the pork chops over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious grain that pairs well with pork chops.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roast your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad is a refreshing and light accompaniment to the pork chops.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This recipe can be easily made ahead of time.
* **Prepare the onions:** Caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the caramelized onions for longer storage.
* **Assemble the slow cooker:** Assemble the slow cooker with all of the ingredients, except for the peas, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, add the peas and cook according to the recipe instructions.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover pork chops with caramelized onions and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pork chops in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of chicken broth if the pork chops are dry.
* **Freezing:** Freeze leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw the pork chops in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions and Peas Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
* 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking and stir until fragrant.
3. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place caramelized onions and garlic on top.
4. Arrange pork chops on top of onions, making sure they are not overlapping. Spread Dijon mustard and sprinkle dried thyme over the pork chops.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes, stir in frozen peas. Cover and continue cooking until heated through.
7. Remove pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Spoon caramelized onions and peas over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Enjoy your delicious and comforting slow cooker pork chops with caramelized onions and peas!**
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooking process makes the pork chops incredibly tender and flavorful, while the caramelized onions and peas add a touch of sweetness and freshness. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy!