There is something mighty comforting about a supper that asks so little of you and still comes out tasting like you fussed half the afternoon. These slow cooker 4-ingredient root beer pork chops are just the kind of weeknight recipe that earns a permanent place in a family kitchen, with tender chops simmered low and slow in a sweet-savory sauce that turns glossy and rich by dinnertime. It is the sort of practical Midwestern supper that feels right at home on a busy day, using simple pantry staples to make pork chops soft enough to cut with a fork.
Serve these pork chops with a big spoonful of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice to catch every bit of that dark, sticky sauce. A side of green beans, sweet corn, or a crisp cabbage slaw balances the sweetness nicely, and if you are feeding a hungry table, warm dinner rolls make a fine addition for sopping up the extra glaze.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Root Beer Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 thick-cut boneless pork chops, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1 can or bottle root beer, 12 ounces
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 packet onion soup mix
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if you like easier cleanup, then place the pork chops in the bottom in an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the root beer, barbecue sauce, and onion soup mix until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the pork chops are very tender and the sauce has darkened and thickened.
5. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops before serving, and plate with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles if you like.
Variations & Tips
Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops work nicely too, and many folks think they bring a little extra flavor. Just be sure they are thick enough so they stay tender through the long cooking time.
Choose your barbecue sauce carefully: A smoky sauce gives this dish more depth, while a sweeter sauce makes it taste almost like a sticky country-style glaze. If your family likes a little heat, a honey-chipotle style sauce is mighty good here too.
Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker gravy-like finish, remove the cooked pork chops and pour the sauce into a saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until reduced, then spoon it back over the meat.
Make it a full meal: Tuck in baby carrots or a layer of sliced onions beneath the pork chops at the start if you want to stretch supper a bit. The onions especially melt right down into the sauce and add even more flavor.
Store leftovers well: Leftover pork chops keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently with extra sauce so the meat stays moist, and serve over toast or potatoes for an easy second supper.