Savory Slow Cooked Pork Chops with Vegetables
Indulge in our Savory Slow Cooked Pork Chops with Vegetables! This comforting dish features tender pork loin chops slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce infused with just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Perfectly paired with hot cooked rice, this hearty meal is not only delightful for family dinners but also excellent for meal prepping. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork loin chops
6 (none)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion
1 large (sliced)
Green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Hot cooked rice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the pork loin chops and brown them on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain any excess fat.
2
Transfer the browned pork chops to a slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
3
In the same skillet, add sliced onion, chopped green pepper, and drained mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5
Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker, followed by the tomato sauce mixture. Make sure the pork chops are well covered with the sauce and vegetables.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be effortlessly shredded with a fork.
7
Once cooked, serve the savory pork chops and vegetables hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooked Pork Chops with Vegetables?
It is a comforting dish featuring tender pork loin chops slow-cooked with onions, green peppers, and mushrooms in a rich, tangy tomato sauce.
How many pork chops are needed for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 6 pork loin chops.
What is the cooking time in the slow cooker?
The pork chops should be cooked on low for 4 to 5 hours until tender.
Do I need to brown the pork chops before slow cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to brown them in vegetable oil for approximately 3-4 minutes per side for the best flavor.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and salt.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses one large sliced onion, one medium chopped green pepper, and a 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh sliced mushrooms for the canned ones, though you may want to sauté them slightly longer.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served hot over a bed of steamed white rice.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, the hearty nature of the dish and the slow-cooking process make it excellent for preparing in advance.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe calls for cider vinegar for its specific tang, but white vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as substitutes.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is ready when it is tender and can be effortlessly shredded with a fork.
Should the pork be layered in the slow cooker?
The instructions recommend arranging the browned pork chops in a single layer if possible before adding the vegetables and sauce.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup if you prefer, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the onion, green pepper, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, bone-in pork chops work well for slow cooking and often provide extra flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and tangy with a touch of sweetness, but it does not contain spicy ingredients.
What type of oil should I use for browning?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used in place of green pepper for a sweeter flavor.
What is the purpose of the Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor to the tomato-based sauce.
Should I drain the canned mushrooms?
Yes, the mushrooms should be drained before being added to the skillet for sautéing.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, or simply to your personal taste.
Can I cook this on the high setting?
While the recipe specifies low for 4-5 hours, you can typically cook it on high for about 2-2.5 hours, though low is preferred for tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables to this slow cooker meal?
Yes, carrots or celery would make excellent additions to the vegetable medley.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be one large size and sliced before sautéing.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can stir in a small cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is a certified gluten-free brand and serve with rice.
Can I use pork shoulder instead of chops?
Yes, pork shoulder cut into chunks works well, but it may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
How should the green pepper be prepared?
The green pepper should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 6 pork chops, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.