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Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops

These slow-cooked pork chops simmer in a bright tomato-basil sauce until impossibly tender — a weeknight lifesaver that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Friendly, homey flavors make this a dish that pleases picky eaters and dinner guests alike, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. For a creamy, herb-forward side that pairs beautifully with the sauce, try the creamy tomato basil pesto pasta recipe for a quick, satisfying meal.

Why make this recipe

Effortless: toss ingredients in the slow cooker and come back to a complete, flavorful dinner.
Comforting: tomato and basil brighten pork while the long, gentle cook makes meat tender.
One sentence summary: It’s an easy, low-fuss way to get restaurant-style braised flavors with minimal hands-on time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Pasta or crusty bread for serving

Directions:

In a slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Place the pork chops in the slow cooker, making sure they are coated with the tomato mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
Serve with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Detailed walk-through and technique notes

Preparing the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper before adding them to the slow cooker. Drying the surface helps the seasoning stick and reduces excess liquid, which concentrates flavor.
Layering: Place a thin layer of the tomato-onion mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chops. This keeps the pork from sticking and ensures each chop is partially immersed in the sauce so it can absorb flavor as it cooks.
Optional sear (recommended for extra depth): If you have a few extra minutes, brown the chops in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil for 1–2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. Searing creates Maillard flavor that enriches the final sauce. This step is optional and not required for tenderness, but it makes the dish more complex.
Liquid ratio: The combination of one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes plus 1 cup of chicken broth gives enough sauce to flavor the chops and drizzle over pasta or bread. If you prefer more sauce, add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth or a splash of dry white wine.
Cooking time: Slow cookers vary — check the pork chops toward the end of the recommended range. On low, 6 hours is often enough for thinner bone-in chops, while very thick chops may need closer to 8 hours. On high, check around the 3-hour mark. Pork is done when it’s fork-tender and the internal texture is no longer rubbery; a thermometer should read at least 145°F if you prefer to check doneness more precisely before the extended braise (note the slow-cooker braise will often yield a more tender result past this temp).
Avoid overcooking pitfalls: While slow cooking is forgiving, pieces with low fat can dry if left excessively long. If your chops are on the lean side, aim for the lower end of the time range and consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a knob of butter to the sauce to help keep them luscious.

What the sauce contributes
The tomato-basil base is intentionally simple: tomatoes give acidity and body, onion and garlic provide savory depth, and dried basil layers in herbal warmth that’s brightened at the end with fresh basil. The slow simmer transforms these pantry ingredients into a cohesive sauce that clings to the meat and to whatever starch you serve alongside.

Timing and making this ahead
This recipe is exceptionally adaptable to meal planning:

Make-ahead: Fully cool the pork and sauce, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days (see Storage section for details). Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low.
Freezing: Portion the chops and sauce for easy frozen meals (see variations and Storage).
Day-of timeline: Start your slow cooker in the morning for a dinner-ready meal; cooking on low for 6–8 hours means you can leave the house and return to a finished dinner.

Best Way to Store Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating temperature: Reheat gently to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving; use a stovetop simmer, microwave on medium power, or a slow cooker set to low.
Thawing: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator for best texture; if short on time, reheat from frozen on low in a covered oven-safe pot or microwave with occasional stirring.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops

Classic pasta pairing: Toss long pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini) with a little of the sauce and a drizzle of olive oil, top with a pork chop and extra sauce. The sauce clinging to pasta makes every bite savory and balanced — consider pairing it with the creamy basil pesto pasta mentioned earlier for a richer plate.
Crusty bread: Serve with thick slices of crusty bread or a baguette to mop up the tomato sauce; add a side of garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Polenta or mashed potatoes: Spoon the tomato-basil sauce and chop over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting, rustic dinner.
Light sides: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad (vinaigrette with lemon and olive oil), roasted asparagus, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad with a splash of red wine vinegar.
Wine pairing: A medium-bodied red like a Chianti or a light Merlot complements the tomato acidity and the pork’s savory notes; for white wine lovers, try an unoaked Chardonnay or a verdant Sauvignon Blanc.
Presentation tip: Garnish with several fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to add a salty, savory counterpoint to the sweet-tart tomatoes.

Tips to make Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops
Q: How do I keep the pork moist?
A: Cook on low and avoid overcooking; a short sear before slow cooking creates flavor without drying the meat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or a pat of butter to the sauce if your chops are very lean.
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yes — reduce the cook time slightly (check around 4–6 hours on low) because boneless chops will break down faster.
Q: I want a thicker sauce — what should I do?
A: Thicken the sauce after cooking by removing the chops and simmering the sauce uncovered on the stovetop, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely — sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added in the last 2–3 hours of cooking so they retain some texture.

Variations

Mediterranean twist (bullet): Add a handful of pitted Kalamata olives and a teaspoon of dried oregano to the tomato mixture; finish with lemon zest for brightness.
Creamy version (bullet): Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of mascarpone at the end of cooking for a rich, velvety sauce that coats the meat and pasta beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
A: Leftovers stored in an airtight container will remain safe and tasty for 3–4 days when refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).

What cut of pork is best?
Pork chops with a bit of bone and marbling (bone-in rib or loin chops) are ideal because the bone and fat help keep the meat moist during the long, low-temperature cook.

Quick FAQ list:

Can I use fresh basil instead of dried? Yes — use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil in place of 1 teaspoon dried, adding most of it at the end for bright flavor.
Is this safe to cook from frozen? It’s not recommended to place frozen raw meat in a slow cooker because the meat may spend too long in the temperature danger zone; thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
Can I double the recipe? Yes — use a large slow cooker and increase the liquid slightly; cooking time remains similar but check for tenderness.

Extra notes on nutrition and adjustments

Sodium control: Use low-sodium chicken broth or rinse canned tomatoes to reduce salt if you’re watching sodium intake. Taste the sauce toward the end and adjust with salt accordingly.
Make it lighter: Omit optional searing oil, use leaner chops, and swap crusty bread for a side salad or roasted vegetables to lower calories while keeping flavor.
Add protein variety: This tomato-basil braise works great with bone-in chicken thighs using similar cook times, or try pork shoulder cut into chunks for a shreddable option that’s excellent for sandwiches.

Meal planning and batch cooking ideas

Freezer meal prep: Combine all ingredients (except fresh basil and pasta/bread) in a freezer bag, label with cooking directions, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and cook in the slow cooker as directed.
Weeknight schedule: In the morning, dump ingredients into the slow cooker, set to low, and head to work. When you come home, steam a quick vegetable and heat pasta for a complete plate.
Leftover transformations: Shred the pork and toss with additional sauce for a saucy sandwich filling, or slice and serve cold on top of a salad for a protein boost.

Safety reminders

Always use a food thermometer for any uncertainty about doneness; pork should reach a safe internal temperature and then be allowed to tenderize during the slow cook.
Cool leftovers quickly by dividing them into shallow containers before refrigerating to reduce time in the danger zone.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Tomato Basil Pork Chops recipe is a flexible, comforting option for busy nights and meal-prep plans — its simple ingredients evolve into a rich, saucy dish that pairs well with pasta, bread, or creamy sides. For ideas on assembling freezer-ready slow-cooker meals that save time and extend the usefulness of recipes like this, check out 10 Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals In 1 Hour. If you’re curious about a related slow-cooker pork tomato-braised style with slightly different aromatics, see this Slow Cooker Pork Cacciatore Recipe for inspiration.