When you want a holiday-weekend meal that feels generous without keeping you tied to the kitchen, these 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Chops are an easy answer. Thick-cut bone-in pork chops hold up especially well in the slow cooker, becoming tender and flavorful as they braise in a simple sauce made from just a few pantry staples. It is the kind of practical, crowd-pleasing dish that suits a relaxed Labor Day gathering, whether you are feeding family at home or bringing a comforting main dish to a casual backyard meal.
Serve these pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to catch the savory sauce. For a Labor Day spread, add corn on the cob, green beans, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad for some freshness alongside the rich, slow-cooked meat. If you want something a little heartier, baked beans and soft dinner rolls also make excellent partners.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Chops
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 thick-cut bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray if desired for easier cleanup, then arrange the thick-cut bone-in pork chops in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops, making sure the tops are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork chops are very tender and cooked through.
5. Spoon some of the cooking sauce over each pork chop before serving, and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Variations & Tips
Make It Creamier: For a richer sauce, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream at the end of cooking. Add it after the pork is done and warm it gently so the sauce stays smooth.
Add Vegetables: Sliced onions, mushrooms, or baby potatoes can go into the slow cooker with the pork chops. This makes the dish more substantial and turns it into more of a complete one-pot meal.
Brown for Extra Flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This is optional, but it adds deeper color and a more roasted flavor to the finished dish.
Choose Thick-Cut Chops: Thin pork chops can overcook and dry out more easily in the slow cooker. Chops that are at least 1 inch thick are the best choice here because they stay juicier over the long cooking time.
Adjust the Sauce: If you like more gravy for spooning over potatoes or noodles, increase the chicken broth by an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup. The sauce will be a little looser but still flavorful and satisfying.