These three ingredients may seem basic, but together, they create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for a cosy dinner. The juicy pork chops cook slowly in the apple pie filling, which adds a natural sweetness and richness, while the onion soup mix brings savoury depth and enhances the flavour profile.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simplicity: This recipe requires only three ingredients, making it perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook. It eliminates the need for fancy spices or hours of preparation.
- Perfectly Tender Pork Chops: Slow cooking the pork chops in the crockpot makes them incredibly tender. The longer cooking time allows the pork to absorb all the flavours from the apple pie filling and onion soup mix, ensuring each bite is full of flavour.
- Balanced Sweet and Savoury Flavour: The combination of apple pie filling and onion soup mix might sound unusual at first, but it works like a charm. The sweetness from the apples balances out the savoury, slightly salty onion soup mix, resulting in a harmonious flavour.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by preparing your slow cooker. For this recipe, a 6-quart slow cooker works best, but any size that fits your pork chops comfortably will do. There’s no need to grease the slow cooker, as the pork chops will release their juices during cooking.
Step 2: Layer the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you’re using bone-in pork chops, you can layer them in a single layer or stack them slightly to fit them in. Just ensure that the apple mixture covers the chops to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling
Open your can of apple pie filling and spread it evenly over the pork chops. The apples, sugar, and cinnamon in the filling will begin to cook down, creating a lovely sauce that will infuse the pork chops with sweetness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix over the top of the apple pie filling. The onion soup mix will add a savoury element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. Don’t worry about stirring—it will naturally blend during the slow cooking process.
Step 5: Set the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Let the pork chops cook for 6 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the pork to become fork-tender and fully infused with the flavours of the apple pie filling and onion soup mix.
If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook the pork chops for about 4 hours, but for the best results, low and slow is the way to go.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker. The pork should be so tender that it’s falling apart. Spoon some of the apple and onion mixture over the pork chops and serve. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Optional Variations:
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to add a bit more to the dish, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker along with the pork chops. The vegetables will soak up the flavorful sauce and cook to perfection.
- Change the Fruit: While the apples in the pie filling give the dish a comforting sweetness, you can also experiment with other fruits. A can of peach pie filling or even cherry filling would bring an entirely new dimension to the meal.
- Spices and Herbs: While the onion soup mix brings plenty of flavour, you can add a little extra seasoning if desired. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of balsamic vinegar can elevate the flavour profile.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with all ages. The natural sweetness of the apple pie filling makes it appealing to kids, while the savoury elements will satisfy adults. It’s the perfect dish for a busy family dinner.
- Meal Prep: This is a great recipe for meal prep! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated. The flavours even deepen and become more pronounced the next day, making it an excellent option for leftovers.
- Effortless Cooking: It’s hard to beat the convenience of a slow cooker meal. Layer the ingredients, set it, and forget it. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or spending time with family, the slow cooker takes care of the cooking for you.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a super-easy, comforting, and satisfying meal, these 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Apple Pork Chops should be at the top of your list. With minimal preparation and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both savoury and sweet, perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to make pork chops tender and full of flavour without needing a lot of time or expertise. Give it a try and enjoy the hassle-free goodness!