Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
See my notes for some tips. Very rich and comforting.
See my notes for some tips. Very rich and comforting.
- 6 pork chops 1/2 inch thick
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 4 lbs peeled cubed potatoes
- 5 tablespoons real butter
- 6 cloves roasted garlic (directions are below)
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups warm skim milk (any milk will do, i used skim)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or more - eyeball it
- Carbohydrate 22.9968218731603 g
- Cholesterol 999.189618350957 mg
- Fat 183.586954780031 g
- Fiber 0.609500000107529 g
- Protein 261.074603164001 g
- Saturated Fat 77.2625002364596 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1857g)
- Sodium 3898.76576270446 mg
- Sugar 22.3873218730528 g
- Trans Fat 22.7762337298426 g
- Calories 2849 calories
Step-by-step
- Place pork chops, Ranch seasoning and soup into a medium sized crock pot over high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.
- Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water. Place onto stove top over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once water is boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Drain and transfer to the work bowl of a stand or electric mixer.
- Mix on low until potatoes are mashed then add butter, Parmesan, garlic, milk, salt and pepper.
- Season to taste if needed. For thinner mashed potatoes add more milk, slowly until your desired consistency.
- Scoop mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top with pork chops and soup gravy from crock pot.
- I put a little parsley on top to serve.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place bulb of garlic with skins on, wrap lightly in tin foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from foil and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Remove garlic from skins, place in a bowl and mash with a fork until completely mashed.
- Set aside. One garlic bulb will have around 12 cloves.
Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be delicious, satisfying, and, most importantly, quick to prepare. This Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chop recipe is my absolute go-to for those hectic weeknights when I’m juggling work deadlines, carpools, and homework help. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing me to focus on other tasks while a flavorful, comforting meal simmers away. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and effortless, a perfect balance for my busy life.
The tender, juicy pork chops are infused with the savory tang of Ranch seasoning and the creamy richness of cream of chicken soup. The result is a succulent, deeply flavorful main course that the whole family will adore. And let's not forget the creamy parmesan mashed potatoes! They’re the perfect counterpoint to the savory pork chops, offering a comforting, carb-loaded delight that perfectly complements the overall flavor profile. The roasted garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary, transforming a simple weeknight meal into something truly memorable.
This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques. It's a meal that feels both elegant and approachable, a balance I appreciate in my hectic schedule. I often find myself modifying the recipe slightly depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped vegetables to the crock pot with the pork chops for extra nutrients and flavor. Other times, I swap the cream of chicken soup for another variety, depending on what my family is craving. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility – it adapts easily to your preferences and the ingredients you have available. It is a reliable recipe that always delivers, providing a warm, satisfying meal after a long day.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this recipe also ticks all the boxes for a nutritious and balanced meal. The pork chops provide a good source of protein, while the potatoes offer essential carbohydrates for sustained energy. The addition of vegetables (optional) boosts the vitamin and mineral content, ensuring a well-rounded meal that nourishes both body and soul. This dish is a win-win: delicious, convenient, and healthy – everything a busy mom (or anyone!) could ask for in a weeknight meal. It’s a recipe I confidently share with friends and family, knowing it will always be a crowd-pleaser, regardless of their culinary expertise.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For those who prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the crock pot with the pork chops and soup.
- Add some veggies: Throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or onions to the crock pot with the pork chops for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the pork chops. Rosemary, thyme, or sage would all pair beautifully with the Ranch seasoning.
- Cheese variations: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses for the mashed potatoes. Asiago, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious additions.
- Make it ahead: The pork chops can be cooked in the crock pot the day before and reheated the next day, making for an even quicker weeknight meal.
- Leftovers: The leftovers make for a fantastic lunch the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy!
This Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chop recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, smart cooking techniques, and the joy of sharing a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones. It’s a recipe that I cherish, not just for its ease and deliciousness, but for the memories it creates around the family dinner table.
