When the weather starts to cool and you crave warm, hearty dishes that are easy to prepare, slow cooker pork chops with apples and potatoes is a winning recipe. This dish is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. It’s a rustic, home-style meal that will fill your house with a rich, comforting aroma as it simmers slowly all day long.
Let’s dive into this family-favorite meal that’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and full of mouthwatering flavor.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
Slow cooker pork chops with apples and potatoes bring together a perfect combination of taste and convenience. You get fall-apart tender pork, sweet apples that melt in your mouth, and buttery potatoes soaked in savory juices. It’s a full meal in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
Unlike other pork recipes that might dry out, the slow cooker locks in moisture, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat every time. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a smart, satisfying choice.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Potatoes
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (at least 1 inch thick)
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for tangy flavor)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of your pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear the pork for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This adds a rich, savory crust and keeps the chops juicy while they cook.
Pro tip: Don’t skip this step. Searing adds depth of flavor that you just can’t get from the slow cooker alone.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Layers
Add sliced onions to the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the apple slices over the onions. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and thyme evenly over the apples. Add in the sliced potatoes on top.
Step 3: Place the Pork and Add Liquids
Lay the seared pork chops over the potato layer. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this flavorful liquid over the pork chops and vegetables.
The broth acts as the base for a delicious, savory-sweet gravy that forms as everything cooks low and slow.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often—slow cookers need a sealed environment to work effectively.
You’ll know it’s done when the pork is tender and cooked through, and the potatoes are soft but not mushy.
Why Apples and Pork Are a Match Made in Heaven
Apples bring a natural sweetness that complements pork beautifully. The cinnamon and brown sugar enhance the apples without overpowering the savory elements. The result? A comforting dish that’s perfectly balanced and satisfying.
Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, which helps them hold up well in slow cooking. Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and add a nice contrast to the seasoned meat. Choose based on your flavor preference.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Info
This dish isn’t just delicious—it can be nutritious, too. Pork chops are a great source of lean protein, iron, and B vitamins. Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Potatoes offer potassium and complex carbs for long-lasting energy.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
You can reduce the sugar content by omitting the brown sugar or using unsweetened applesauce as a natural substitute.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Potatoes
This meal is very satisfying on its own, but here are a few sides that complement it beautifully:
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the juices
- Cranberry sauce for a holiday feel
You can also spoon some of the slow-cooked broth over the pork and potatoes when serving—it acts like a flavorful gravy.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
To store: Allow the pork chops and vegetables to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep everything moist. For best texture, avoid reheating in the slow cooker again.
Customizations and Variations
Make this dish your own with a few tasty variations:
- Add carrots: Slice into rounds and place with the potatoes for extra sweetness and color.
- Use sweet potatoes: Substitute for a richer, more fall-inspired twist.
- Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage adds an earthy, aromatic layer.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a touch of cream or sour cream before serving for a richer sauce.
For a spicier version, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker is ideal for recipes like this. It requires little supervision, enhances flavor, and ensures tender meat without much effort. It also helps develop complex layers of taste over time. With minimal prep and hands-free cooking, it’s a busy cook’s best friend.
This recipe is especially great for workdays. You can prep in the morning and come home to a hot, comforting meal.
Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Make a big batch and portion it out with extra cooked vegetables or grains like brown rice or quinoa for variety.
What Readers Are Saying
“This is one of my go-to recipes in the fall. The apples make the pork so flavorful, and my kids love it!” – Sarah T.
“Easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weekdays. My house smelled amazing all day!” – Mark L.
“I used sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, and wow—it was a hit! Will make this again.” – Olivia G.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Slow cooker pork chops with apples and potatoes check all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers that warm, cozy feeling that only home-cooked meals provide. Whether it’s a chilly autumn night or a hectic weekday, this dish brings comfort to the table every time.