Zesty Slow-Cooked Pork Chops with Savory Veggies
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Zesty Slow-Cooked Pork Chops with Savory Veggies. This delightful recipe combines tender pork chops with a tangy and rich sauce crafted from fresh vegetables and a symphony of savory ingredients. Let your slow cooker work its magic as the pork chops soak up all the taste and aroma over several hours. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, making it a comforting meal everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork chops
4 (Bone-in or boneless, trimmed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Onions
2 medium (chopped)
Green pepper
1 large (sliced)
Stewed tomatoes
1 (12 1/2 ounce) can (with juices)
Ketchup
1/2 cup
Cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Beef bouillon cube
1 (crumbled)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Water
2 tablespoons
Hot cooked rice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2
Layer the chopped onions and sliced green pepper over the pork chops.
3
Pour the can of stewed tomatoes over the vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and the crumbled beef bouillon cube until well combined.
5
Drizzle the sauce mixture over the pork chops and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
7
Once cooked, blend the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
8
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
9
Serve the flavorful pork chops over a bed of hot, cooked rice, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Zesty Slow-Cooked Pork Chops?
The main ingredient is four pork chops, which can be either bone-in or boneless.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes two medium chopped onions, one large sliced green pepper, and a 12.5-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
How long should the pork chops cook in the slow cooker?
They should be cooked on the LOW setting for approximately 5 to 6 hours until tender.
How do I thicken the sauce for the pork chops?
To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir it into the cooker, and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is recommended to serve the flavorful pork chops and savory vegetables over a bed of hot, cooked rice.
What makes the sauce zesty?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
Do I need to brown the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker?
No, the instructions specify to season the pork chops and place them directly at the bottom of the slow cooker without prior browning.
Should I drain the stewed tomatoes?
No, the recipe calls for the stewed tomatoes to be used with their juices.
What type of bouillon is used in this recipe?
One crumbled beef bouillon cube is used to add a savory depth to the sauce.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What seasoning is applied directly to the meat?
The pork chops are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper before cooking.
What size can of stewed tomatoes is needed?
A 12 1/2 ounce can is required.
How is the green pepper prepared?
The green pepper should be sliced before being layered over the pork chops.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is the cider vinegar necessary?
Yes, it provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
While cider vinegar is specified for its fruity acidity, white vinegar could be a substitute, though it may result in a sharper taste.
How many onions are used?
Two medium onions, chopped, are used in this dish.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to season the pork chops with salt and pepper and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
How do I prepare the bouillon cube?
The bouillon cube should be crumbled before being mixed into the sauce components.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the rice for serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' because the slow cooker does most of the work.
What setting should the slow cooker be on for the initial cook?
The slow cooker should be set to LOW for the first 5 to 6 hours.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
No, the provided data does not list specific values for calories, fat, or other macronutrients.
What is the purpose of the water in the ingredients list?
The water is specifically used to create a slurry with the cornstarch for thickening the final sauce.
How should the onions be cut?
The onions should be chopped.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The sauce contains 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
The recipe implies fresh or thawed pork chops; if using frozen, cooking times would need to be adjusted significantly for safety.
What category does this meal fall under?
It is described as comfort food and a family meal.
When do I add the cornstarch mixture?
Add it after the initial 5 to 6 hours of cooking once the pork is tender.