Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops: Midwest Comfort in Every Bite

Directions:

1. Sear for flavor: Season chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and brown chops well—about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Build the gravy: In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft (3 minutes). Add garlic, cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over top, stir, and cook 1 minute to remove rawness. Gradually whisk in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Worcestershire, paprika, and thyme.
3. Slow cook to perfection: Pour onion gravy over chops. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours, until pork is fall-apart tender.
4. Finish creamy (optional): Stir in sour cream just before serving for a velvety gravy.

Tips & Twists

• Extra indulgent? Swirl in a pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños with the onions.
• Herb swap: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic note.
• Browning matters: Don’t skip searing the chops—it’s the secret to deep, caramelized flavor.

Serve with: A hunk of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that gravy. Because good cooking deserves to be savored—right down to the bone.