Slow Cooker Dijon Pork Chops & Potatoes

This dish brings together tender pork chops and perfectly cooked potatoes, all covered in a creamy, tangy Dijon mustard sauce. The whole grain mustard adds a subtle crunch, while the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth create a rich, comforting base for the potatoes. The simplicity of slow cooking means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days or when you want a no-fuss, hearty meal. The pork chops are browned to lock in flavor, and when served with the soft, flavorful potatoes, they create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 6 medium red potatoes, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 boneless pork loin chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for browning)

Optional (For Thickening):

  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sliced potatoes and onions.
  2. Place the potato mixture into a 5-7 quart slow cooker.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides until golden brown.
  4. Place the pork chops on top of the potato mixture in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-5 hours (cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker).
  6. (Optional) To thicken the sauce, mix the flour and water in a bowl until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to high, remove the pork chops, stir the flour mixture into the potatoes, and return the pork chops to the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 438 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Comforting Classic

Slow cooker meals are the ultimate time-savers, offering convenience without compromising on flavor. The beauty of slow-cooked dishes is that you can prepare them ahead of time and let the slow cooker do all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to cook to perfection. One such dish that perfectly fits this mold is Slow Cooker Dijon Pork Chops & Potatoes.

This hearty, flavorful recipe brings together tender, juicy pork chops with soft, creamy potatoes. What makes this dish truly special is its tangy Dijon mustard sauce, which infuses every bite with a subtle kick and delightful richness. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a dinner that’s easy to prepare for a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

There’s something inherently magical about slow-cooking meals. The process of using a slow cooker allows ingredients to cook over an extended period, resulting in tender meats, infused flavors, and perfectly cooked vegetables. In the case of this dish, the pork chops are browned briefly before being added to the slow cooker, which helps to lock in their juices and build flavor. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes absorb the savory flavors of the sauce.

One of the standout features of slow-cooked dishes like this one is how they turn even simple ingredients into something exceptional. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, breaking down the tougher fibers in the meat and vegetables, so you’re left with a meal that feels luxurious without needing to fuss over it. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still crave a wholesome, homemade meal.

The Star Ingredient: Dijon Mustard

While the pork chops and potatoes are the foundation of this dish, the true star is the Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard is known for its smooth texture and sharp, slightly spicy flavor that adds complexity to many dishes. For this recipe, the whole grain variety is used, which has a milder flavor compared to traditional Dijon mustard. The whole mustard seeds in this variety also add a pleasant crunch, elevating the texture of the sauce.

The mustard, when combined with the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, creates a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and irresistibly creamy. The unique zing of Dijon mustard complements the savory notes of the pork and potatoes perfectly. It’s this balance of flavors that transforms a simple pork chop dinner into something extraordinary.

The tanginess from the mustard cuts through the richness of the cream, creating a sauce that isn’t too heavy but still feels indulgent. If you’re someone who enjoys a hint of sharpness in your meals without it being overpowering, this dish is sure to hit the mark.

Versatility of the Dish

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re serving a vegetarian crowd or simply want a hearty side dish, you can easily omit the pork chops and make the dish with just the potatoes and mustard sauce. The potatoes on their own, with their creamy texture and mustardy flavor, would make an excellent side for dishes like roasted ham or corned beef.

The recipe also allows for some experimentation with the ingredients. For example, if you don’t have whole grain Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute it with regular Dijon mustard. Although the texture will be smoother, the flavor will still be bold and delicious. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce. Additionally, while the recipe calls for boneless pork loin chops, you can use bone-in pork chops or even pork shoulder if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may need to be adjusted depending on the cut of meat you choose.

The Importance of Browning the Pork Chops

While this recipe is a slow cooker meal, there’s one crucial step before you toss everything into the pot – browning the pork chops. This step might seem unnecessary, especially when you’re using a slow cooker, but it plays a significant role in developing the flavors. Browning the pork chops creates a caramelized crust that adds depth and complexity to the dish. It also helps to seal in the juices, ensuring that the pork chops stay moist and tender during the long cooking process.

Another benefit of browning the pork chops is the visual appeal. The caramelization gives the meat a golden-brown color that’s much more appetizing than if you skipped this step. Plus, the browned bits left behind in the pan can be deglazed with the chicken broth, further enhancing the flavor of the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish is incredibly filling on its own, but if you’re looking to complete the meal with a few side dishes, there are plenty of options that complement the flavors of the Dijon pork chops and potatoes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for an extra serving of vegetables.

For those who prefer a bit of bread to soak up the delicious sauce, a crusty baguette or some soft dinner rolls would be an excellent addition. The sauce is too good to waste, and having some bread on hand allows you to enjoy every last drop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Slow Cooker Dijon Pork Chops & Potatoes recipe. It’s:

  • Easy to make: The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
  • Packed with flavor: The tangy Dijon mustard sauce is rich, creamy, and full of depth, making every bite a delight.
  • Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of pork chops or simply want a creamy potato side dish, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your needs.
  • Perfect for meal prep: The dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress, Slow Cooker Dijon Pork Chops & Potatoes is the perfect choice. With its tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and zesty mustard sauce, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and convenience. The slow cooker allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can adjust it to fit your preferences, ensuring it becomes a staple in your recipe collection.

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