There are some recipes that earn a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation, and these slow cooker 4-ingredient root beer pork chops are one of them. The soda helps create an unexpectedly rich, sweet-savory sauce while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple pork chops into a tender dinner that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did. It is the kind of practical meal I love keeping in my back pocket for busy workdays when I still want something warm and homemade on the table.
Serve these pork chops over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the sticky sauce. If you want to round things out, add a simple green vegetable like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Root Beer Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
1 cup root beer
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then place the pork chops in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the root beer, barbecue sauce, and dry onion soup mix until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the pork chops are very tender and cooked through.
5. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops before serving, and serve hot with your favorite side.
Variations & Tips
Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops also work well here and can stay especially juicy in the slow cooker. Just be aware they may need a little extra cooking time depending on thickness.
Choose your barbecue sauce wisely: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, the flavor of the barbecue sauce really stands out. A smoky sauce gives the dish a deeper savory note, while a sweeter sauce makes it more kid-friendly.
Make it a shredded pork version: If your pork chops become extra tender, you can shred them right into the sauce and serve the mixture on sandwich buns, over rice, or stuffed into baked potatoes for a different dinner the next day.
Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the cooked pork chops and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until reduced, then spoon it back over the meat.
Meal prep tip: You can mix the sauce the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator, so all you have to do in the morning is add the pork chops and pour it over before work. It is one of those small prep steps that makes a busy weekday feel much easier.