Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
Slow cooker comfort meets weeknight simplicity in these Stuffing Pork Chops — a hands-off dinner that fills the house with cozy aroma. Seasoned pork chops nestle into a creamy stuffing base and slow-cook until tender, making it a no-fuss centerpiece for busy evenings. If you love slow-cooker meals like high-protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites, this one will slide right into your regular rotation.
Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of standing over the stove or wrestling with multiple pans, this recipe is perfect because it combines the meat and the side in one vessel, requires minimal prep, and delivers moist pork chops with savory, soup-soaked stuffing every time.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
Overview and timeline
This is a straightforward, low-effort slow-cooker recipe: a few minutes to season and mix, then 3–8 hours of unattended cooking depending on your chosen setting. The low setting produces the most tender chops, while high is fine if you’re short on time.
Prep (10–15 minutes)
- Gather and measure all ingredients so everything’s at hand.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick and promotes more even browning if you choose to sear them briefly (optional).
- Combine your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for quick, even seasoning.
Optional step: Sear the pork chops (adds flavor but not required)
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear each pork chop for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Transfer to a plate and proceed with the slow cooker. Searing is optional; chops will still be delicious if you skip this step.
Assembling the slow cooker
- In the slow cooker, stir together the stuffing mix, chicken broth, and the can of cream of mushroom soup until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but not soupy — the stuffing will absorb liquid as it cooks.
- Spread the stuffing mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the stuffing in a single layer. If chops overlap slightly, that’s fine; they’ll release juices that flavor the stuffing.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook:
- Low for 6–8 hours for fork-tender pork chops, or
- High for 3–4 hours if you need dinner sooner.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork chops with an instant-read thermometer: aim for 145°F (63°C). If they reach temperature earlier, you can remove them to prevent overcooking.
- Once cooked, let the slow cooker sit with the lid off for 5–10 minutes to allow the stuffing to firm up a bit, then serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Directions (exact from your recipe)
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a slow cooker, mix the stuffing mix with chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup until combined.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the stuffing mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
What makes this dish work
This recipe relies on classic pantry-friendly components — boxed stuffing and canned soup — that marry perfectly with pork. The stuffing absorbs the cooking juices and soup, becoming flavorful and moist, while the pork chops steam to tenderness rather than drying out. It’s essentially a one-dish comfort meal that’s forgiving, customizable, and beginner-friendly.
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating temperature: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes from refrigerated), or microwave on medium power in 1–2 minute increments until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
- Classic pairing: Serve with steamed green beans and a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the stuffing.
- Comfort combo: Add mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables and spoon extra stuffing over both for a hearty plate.
- Light option: Pair with a tangy apple slaw or quick pickled cucumbers to cut through the creamy mushroom base.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
Q: How do I keep the pork chops moist?
A: Use bone-in chops if possible (they retain moisture better) and cook on low for the most tender result. Additionally, resist the temptation to overcook — 145°F internal temperature is ideal.
Q: Can I adjust the seasoning?
A: Absolutely. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of dried thyme for a different flavor profile. If the stuffing seems dry before cooking, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom?
A: You can substitute cream of chicken or celery soup, or make a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk plus sautéed mushrooms if you prefer a fresher base.
Variations
- Simple substitutions (bullet): Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a milder flavor, or use a herbed stuffing mix instead of the plain box to add instant seasoning. You can also stir in a cup of frozen peas or diced apples for a sweet-savory twist.
- Stuffed vs. topped (paragraph): If you want a more structured, “stuffed” experience, slice a pocket into each pork chop and fill with a small portion of the stuffing mixture before slow-cooking; this produces a closer bite of stuffing-to-meat but requires slightly firmer chops to hold the filling. For a looser, casserole-style result, simply layer the stuffing on the bottom as directed so it bakes up soft and pillow-y beneath the meat.
Make-ahead and meal planning
- Prep the stuffing mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator; season the pork chops the night before and keep them covered on a plate. In the morning, assemble in the slow cooker and start cooking on low for a fix-it-and-forget-it evening meal.
- For freezer meal prep, assemble the stuffing and seasoned pork chops in a freezer-safe bag or container (do not cook). Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and transfer to the slow cooker to cook as directed.
Dietary notes and swaps
- Lower sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and a reduced-salt stuffing mix, and taste before adding extra table salt.
- Gluten-free option: Choose a certified gluten-free stuffing mix or use cooked quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the boxed mix; verify the soup is gluten-free or use a homemade cream sauce.
- Dairy-free: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free cream soup alternative or make a simple dairy-free béchamel with olive oil and a thickener like cornstarch mixed into the broth.
Troubleshooting common issues
- My stuffing is soggy: The issue can be too much liquid. Reduce the chicken broth by 1/4 cup next time or let the slow cooker sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes after cooking to firm it up.
- Pork chops are dry: Either the cooking time was too long for thin chops or the temperature got too high. Use thicker chops and cook on low. Check internal temperature sooner.
- Under-seasoned flavor: Boxed stuffing and canned soup can be mild; add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, dried sage, or fresh chopped herbs to punch up the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pork loin chops or bone-in chops?
A: Yes — bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and are very forgiving in a slow cooker. Pork loin chops work too, but monitor cooking time closely to avoid drying.
Q: Will this work in a 6-quart slow cooker?
A: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, but it will also work in a slightly smaller or larger model. Avoid overfilling; the stuffing should sit comfortably with the pork chops on top.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: You can double the ingredients if your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6–8 quarts). Otherwise, cook two batches or use two slow cookers to ensure even cooking.
Q: Is this safe for food allergy concerns?
A: Check ingredient labels on the stuffing mix and canned soup for allergens like wheat, dairy, or soy. Substitute as needed to accommodate allergies.
Q: How can I make it more festive?
A: Stir in cooked diced apples, cranberries, or chopped pecans into the stuffing mix before cooking for a holiday-ready spin.
Q: What should I do with leftover stuffing juices?
A: The flavorful juices make a great gravy base. Skim excess fat, heat in a saucepan, and whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water until thickened to your liking.
Final thoughts
This slow cooker stuffing pork chops recipe is a practical weeknight hero and a comforting weekend option alike. It requires minimal effort, uses simple pantry staples, and rewards you with tender pork and a savory, creamy stuffing that soaks up all the flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family or want a soulful solo dinner, this one-dish meal is easy to adapt and hard not to love.
Conclusion
For another variation that keeps the pork-and-stuffing idea but offers a slightly different seasoning and assembly method, check out Crock Pot Pork Chop Stuffing – Recipes That Crock!. If you’re curious about a fruitier, slightly sweeter take on stuffed pork chops, see this apple-stuffed slow cooker version at Slow Cooker Apple Stuffed Pork Chops – Slow Cooker Gourmet.
Print
Slow Cooker Stuffing Pork Chops
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hands-off dinner of seasoned pork chops nestled in a creamy stuffing base, slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a slow cooker, mix the stuffing mix with chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup until combined.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the stuffing mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can sear the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker, although it’s optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, pork chops, stuffing, comfort food, easy dinner
