Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops
Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops Recipe
These Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops are an easy, comforting dinner made with tender pork chops, caramelized onions, savory beef broth, French onion soup, and melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese. The pork chops slowly cook in a rich onion-infused sauce, allowing all of the flavors to blend together into a delicious, cozy meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because most of the preparation can be done ahead of time. Simply prepare the onions, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it do the work. Serve the finished pork chops with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 to 6 pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the French Onion Sauce
- 2 to 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional
Optional Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden-brown color.
You do not need to cook the pork chops all the way through at this stage. The slow cooker will finish cooking them.
Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and set them aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. This can take approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on how deeply caramelized you want them.
Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds to 1 minute of cooking.
Caramelizing the onions is an important step because it gives the dish its signature French onion flavor. If you have extra time, allow the onions to become deeper golden brown for an even richer taste.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Add about half of the caramelized onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the pork chops on top of the onions in a single layer if possible.
Add the remaining caramelized onions over the pork chops.
In a separate bowl, combine the French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the pork chops and onions.
4. Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on LOW for approximately 4 to 6 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
You can also cook them on HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 hours, although the LOW setting is generally preferable for a more tender result.
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the individual slow cooker, so use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying only on cooking time.
5. Add the Cheese
Once the pork chops are cooked, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese generously over each pork chop.
Place the lid back on the slow cooker and allow the cheese to melt for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
For an extra cheesy French onion finish, use a generous layer of cheese and allow it to become completely melted and bubbly.
6. Thicken the Sauce if Desired
If you prefer a thicker French onion sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
Stir until smooth and add the mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker.
Allow the sauce to cook for several additional minutes until it thickens.
Do not add dry cornstarch directly to the hot sauce, as this can create lumps.
Serving Suggestions
These French Onion Pork Chops pair especially well with side dishes that can absorb the rich onion sauce.
Try serving them with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- White rice
- Basmati rice
- Egg noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted carrots
- A simple green salad
- Crusty French bread
Mashed potatoes are one of the best choices because the creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the savory French onion gravy.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops
Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops
Thicker pork chops tend to work better in the slow cooker because they are less likely to dry out during cooking.
Boneless pork chops can also be used, but keep a close eye on the cooking time because lean, thin pork chops can become dry if overcooked.
Don’t Skip the Onions
The onions are the heart of this recipe. Cooking them until they are soft and golden gives the sauce a much deeper and sweeter flavor.
For an even more authentic French onion flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
Sear the Pork Chops First
Searing is optional, but highly recommended. It creates a browned exterior and adds another layer of flavor to the finished dish.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and put the seasoned pork chops directly into the slow cooker.
Use Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère has a rich, nutty flavor and melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for this French onion-inspired recipe.
Swiss cheese is a great alternative if you want something slightly milder. Provolone can also work well.
Don’t Overcook the Pork
Although slow cookers are convenient, pork chops can become dry if they are cooked for significantly longer than necessary.
Check the pork toward the end of the recommended cooking time and use a meat thermometer to verify that it has reached a safe internal temperature.
Recipe Variations
Creamy French Onion Pork Chops
For a creamy version, stir a small amount of heavy cream into the sauce near the end of cooking.
You can also add a little cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.
French Onion Mushroom Pork Chops
Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy, savory variation.
Mushrooms work particularly well with the beef broth, caramelized onions, and Gruyère cheese.
Extra Cheesy Pork Chops
If you love cheese, add an additional layer of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese before serving.
You can also combine Gruyère with mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Garlic French Onion Pork Chops
Increase the amount of fresh garlic for a stronger garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic works particularly well with the caramelized onions.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free, carefully check the labels of the French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and any other packaged ingredients to make sure they are certified gluten-free.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the pork chops and sauce to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Keep the pork chops with some of the onion sauce so they remain moist when reheated.
How to Reheat
Reheat the pork chops gently in a covered skillet over low to medium heat with some of the sauce.
You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring or rotating the sauce between intervals to encourage even heating.
Avoid overheating the pork because this can make the meat dry and tough.
Can You Freeze French Onion Pork Chops?
Yes, the cooked pork chops and onion sauce can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
For the best texture, allow the food to cool completely before freezing.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
The cheese may have a slightly different texture after freezing and thawing, so you can add a fresh layer of cheese when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops work well, although they can cook faster than bone-in chops. Check them earlier to prevent overcooking.
Can I skip browning the pork chops?
Absolutely. The pork chops can go directly into the slow cooker after seasoning. However, searing them first adds extra flavor and color.
What is the best cheese for French Onion Pork Chops?
Gruyère is an excellent choice because it melts smoothly and has a rich, nutty flavor. Swiss cheese is another great option.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, although beef broth provides a deeper and richer flavor that complements the French onion sauce particularly well.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes. Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for an easy French onion mushroom variation.
What should I serve with French Onion Pork Chops?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread are all excellent choices.