Savory Slow-Baked Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
Discover the secret to incredibly tender and flavorful pork chops with my Savory Slow-Baked Pork Chops recipe. This dish features bone-in pork chops that retain moisture and richness, ensuring every bite is succulent. Layered with caramelized onions and coupled with a creamy mushroom gravy, these chops are baked to perfection, creating an unforgettable meal. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, these pork chops are so good that my husband often requests them for leftovers. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust me, this foolproof recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
6 (about 1 inch thick, bone-in)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
McCormick's Dry Pork Gravy Mix
2 7/8 ounces (dry)
Kitchen Bouquet
1/4 teaspoon (gravy darkener)
Cold Water
2 cups (liquid)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10 ounce) can (canned)
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Paula Deen's House Seasoning
to taste (seasoning)
Margarine
1/2 cup (divided)
Fresh Mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) container (optional, sliced)
Italian Dressing
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with Lawry's Seasoned Salt and Paula Deen's House Seasoning. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
In a large frying pan, melt 1/4 cup of margarine over medium to medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot, carefully add the pork chops and brown them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden color.
3
While the chops are browning, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spray a large roaster pan with cooking spray and slice the medium onion into rings. Spread the onion slices evenly across the bottom of the roaster pan.
4
Carefully layer the browned pork chops over the onions, ensuring they do not overlap; this is crucial for even cooking.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cold water, McCormick's dry pork gravy mix, Kitchen Bouquet, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir well until smooth, and adjust seasoning to taste with additional Lawry's Seasoned Salt and Paula Deen's House Seasoning.
6
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the pork chops, covering them generously.
7
In the same frying pan used for browning, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of margarine. Sauté the thinly sliced fresh mushrooms until golden, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of Italian dressing for extra flavor.
8
Distribute the sautéed mushrooms on top of the pork chops or mix them into the gravy according to your preference.
9
Cover the roaster pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours. It's essential not to remove the cover during baking to lock in moisture and flavor.
10
Once cooked, serve the pork chops on a platter, surrounded by the rich mushroom gravy. Pair with homemade mashed potatoes, your favorite vegetable, and a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making these pork chops incredibly tender?
The secret lies in using bone-in pork chops and slow-baking them at a low temperature for 2.5 hours to retain moisture and richness.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
Bone-in pork chops that are about 1 inch thick are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What seasonings are used for the pork chops?
The recipe uses Lawry's Seasoned Salt and Paula Deen's House Seasoning to season both sides of the chops.
How long should the pork chops brown in the frying pan?
The chops should be browned for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden color.
What is the recommended oven temperature for slow-baking?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for the slow-baking process.
How should the onions be prepared and placed?
One medium onion should be sliced into rings and spread evenly across the bottom of a greased roaster pan.
Why shouldn't the pork chops overlap in the roaster pan?
Ensuring the chops do not overlap is crucial for even cooking throughout the baking process.
What ingredients make up the gravy mixture?
The gravy is a blend of 2 cups cold water, McCormick's dry pork gravy mix, Kitchen Bouquet, and a 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
What is the purpose of Kitchen Bouquet in this recipe?
Kitchen Bouquet is used as a gravy darkener to give the sauce a rich, deep color.
How much margarine is used in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of margarine is used, divided into two 1/4 cup portions for browning and sautéing.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
Sauté fresh sliced mushrooms in margarine until golden, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of Italian dressing.
Where do the sautéed mushrooms go in the dish?
The mushrooms can be distributed on top of the pork chops or mixed directly into the gravy before baking.
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
The pork chops should be baked tightly covered with foil for 2.5 hours.
Is it okay to open the foil during the baking process?
No, it is essential not to remove the cover during baking to lock in all the moisture and flavor.
What side dishes pair well with Savory Slow-Baked Pork Chops?
They are best served with creamy mashed potatoes, a favorite vegetable, and a fresh salad.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, these pork chops are ideal for meal prep and make excellent leftovers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe calls for 6 pork chops, making it suitable for serving approximately 6 people.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should spray a large roaster pan with cooking spray before adding the onions and meat.
What brand of gravy mix is specified?
The recipe specifies using 2 7/8 ounces of McCormick's dry pork gravy mix.
Is the Italian dressing mandatory for the mushrooms?
The Italian dressing is optional but recommended for adding an extra layer of flavor to the sautéed mushrooms.
What size container of fresh mushrooms is needed?
An 8-ounce container of fresh mushrooms is recommended if you choose to include them.
Can I adjust the saltiness of the gravy?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning of the gravy mixture to taste with additional seasoned salt or house seasoning before pouring it over the chops.
What is the primary liquid used for the gravy?
The primary liquid is 2 cups of cold water mixed with the cream of mushroom soup.
How should the final dish be presented for serving?
Serve the pork chops on a platter and surround them with the rich mushroom gravy from the roaster.
How thick should the pork chops be sliced?
The chops should be about 1 inch thick to ensure they don't dry out during the long baking time.
What is the total cooking time including browning and baking?
Total active browning time is about 8 minutes, followed by 2.5 hours of passive baking time.
Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh mushrooms, but canned could be substituted if fresh are unavailable, though the texture may vary.
Why are onions placed at the bottom?
The onions act as a flavorful bed for the pork chops, caramelizing during the slow-bake and adding depth to the gravy.
Does this recipe include a lot of fiber?
Based on the ingredients, the fiber content is low, primarily coming from the onions and optional mushrooms.
Is it necessary to use margarine instead of butter?
The recipe specifies margarine, but you can use butter if you prefer a richer flavor for browning and sautéing.