Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice
Slow cooker pork chops and rice with cheese is a great dinner, is budget-friendly, and is one of the easiest meals to make. The recipe is a great way to jazz up pork chops and create a filling, hearty meal for the family.
DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own.
We love pork chops around here, and I especially love cooking dinner in the slow cooker.
The pork chops and rice are the perfect examples of how to prep an easy meal for the family without spending a bunch of time in the kitchen.
When the pork chops finish cooking, they fall off the fork and are a cinch to shred because they are just so tender.
All-in-all, I might spend a total of fifteen minutes getting the dish ready and into the slow cooker, including the time to add the rice toward the end.
If you love slow cooker meals, try a delicious and hearty sausage and peppers recipe.
It Starts on the Farm
We ate a lot of pork growing up because it’s a great dinner to serve the family. My grandfather had a few pigs on his farm and there was never a shortage of pork in that house.
He grew cotton and had quite a few farm animals including chickens, horses, and cows (My younger cousin and I even got in some biiiiig trouble as kids because we left the gate open to the cow pasture and accidentally let most of the cows in the barn, where they tried to eat the feed – oops)!
But, if you ask my older cousin and sister, they will tell you that wasn’t the first–or last time we got in trouble – ha!
I fondly remember climbing up on the back of the barn many times, with my cousin, and we’d sit and look out at the beautiful white cotton fields and watch the pigs in their pen below.
The Changing Industry
Although my grandfather only had a few pigs, the way farmers work with them has changed quite a bit over the years.
Farmers are working hard to make sure the pigs are taken care of in every way, as well as creating more sustainable farms that help not only the farmers but everyone.
Pig farmers have improved their farming by using less water, less energy, and even less land. You can read about more fascinating changes at Porkcares.org.
Here are some things that are happening in the industry, as noted on Pork.org. Farmers are:
- “Producing safe food
- Protecting and promoting animal well-being
- Ensuring practices to protect public health
- Safeguarding natural resources in all of our practices
- Providing a work environment that is safe and consistent with our other ethical principles
- Contributing to a better quality of life in our communities.”
Many youths are involved in 4H clubs and have a hand in farming activities. The students learn planning, record keeping, goal setting, service to others, and so much more before they are even out of high school. So, when you’re eating pork, you’re helping benefit a long list of people.
Benefits of Pork
Did you know that some of the leanest cuts of pork actually have fewer calories than chicken? So, if you’re trying to lose some weight or keep it off, try switching things out with pork.
As I get older, I have to add more vitamins and minerals to my diet and it’s not always an easy task, but pork has been helpful because it has a tremendous amount of nutrients that help make it easier to get what’s needed.
Here are some examples of nutrients found in a 3-oz. cut of pork, according to Pork.org/:
- Iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B12, and B6.
Pork.org states, “Pork is naturally low in sodium and a ‘good’ source of potassium – two nutrients that, when coupled, can help regulate blood pressure. The American Heart Association has certified the pork tenderloin and pork sirloin roast meet the criteria as heart-healthy foods…
So, pork is not only flavorful but good for you, according to the National Institute of Health.
You can use pork chops in so many recipes, such as slow cooker pork chops and gravy, baked pork chops, grilled pork chops, shredded pork, breaded pork chops, and more.
You can make this recipe in two different ways. In the video, I added the liquid first, but in the steps below, I added it later, and either way will work.
Full recipe and printable instructions below
Start by spraying the slow cooker with some non-stick spray. It’s not a big deal if you skip this step, but you’ll have a much easier time cleaning up the slow cooker when you’re done cooking.
Next, add the boneless pork chops to the slow cooker
Spread the mushroom soup over the top of the pork chops.
One of the great things about this recipe is you can utilize ingredients that are already prepared, such as the mushroom soup because it will allow you to get the meal cooking fast and you can get to work, or take the kids to school and get on with your day while your dinner cooks.
Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, and pepper on the top of the pork chops.
Pour the chicken broth and water over the top of everything.
Finally, add the butter to the slow cooker and place the lid on top.
I cooked the pork chops on low for seven hours, which I think helps make the pork chops more tender. They will still cook and taste great at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time, but they will fall apart when you cook them on low for more time.
After seven hours, shred the pork chops. I usually take a couple of forks and shred it in the slow cooker.
How Do I Know The Pork Chops Are Done?
You can easily check the pork by using a digital thermometer, and once the temperature reaches 145 degrees, it’s safe to eat.
When you’re cooking in the slow cooker, you can check the pork before you shred it with a digital thermometer. Be sure to place the thermometer in the thickest part of the pork chop. If the temperature reads 145 degrees, the pork chops are done.
It shouldn’t be an issue when cooking in the slow cooker for seven hours because the meat is cooking for an extended period of time. When finished, the pork will have a blush of pink, like the photo above.
To see more information about cooking pork, as well as pictures, go to Pork.org.
Next, pour the rice over the top. I take a spoon and make sure the rice makes its way under the liquid so it will cook properly.
Now, pour one more cup of water over the top of everything.
Replace the lid and cook the rice for 45 minutes to one hour. I turn the heat up to high because you will need to get the heat back in there again.
Once the time is up, stir everything together and make sure the rice is cooked. Every once in a while, the rice might need to cook a tad longer. If it seems too dry, add about 1/4 cup water to the slow cooker and let it cook for about 15 more minutes, and that should help.
Finally, after the rice is done add the shredded cheese to the slow cooker and give everything a good stir.
We usually dish up our slow cooker pork chops and rice in a bowl, but you can also add it to a salad. My husband loves to top his salad with this meal.
You can also reheat the meal and top some toast for a leftover dinner. I have two growing teenage boys and this meal makes plenty, with leftovers.
If you are wanting smaller portions, just divide the recipe in half.
What About Making Pork Chops With Rice And Canned Tomatoes?
You can definitely add a can of diced tomatoes to the recipe when you start the cooking process. A lot of people love the addition of the tomatoes.
I Don’t Like Pork Chops And Rice With Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Can I Make It With Something Else?
Absolutely. You can switch it out for cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or cream of cheddar cheese soup. It will have a little bit of a different flavor, but still be amazing!
What Are Some Of The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Pork Chops and Rice?
When you slow cooker pork chops and rice, the pork chops become incredibly tender and juicy. The rice will absorb the flavors in the slow cooker, which creates a wonderful and tasty dish.
One of the advantages of using a slow cooker is that it will cook everything evenly. There won’t be any dry parts, and everything is cooked to perfection.
The pork chops will practically melt in your mouth, making them an absolute delight to eat.
In addition to the tenderness, slow cooking also allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
As the pork chops simmer in the sauce, they absorb all the delicious spices and aromatics, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
More Delicious Pork Recipes
- Honey garlic pork chops from Cafe Delights – this is a wonderful recipe for tender pork chops.
- Ham and potato casserole – this doesn’t require a long cooking time because you’re using store-bought ham. You can even add some green beans on the side that the whole family will love.
- Stuffed bell peppers – the entire family will love this recipe. Plus, you can create a lot of variety. Add some rice and make it a rice recipe.
- Slow cooker Italian tortellini – this is one of those slow cooker recipes that is perfect for picky eaters. It’s one of our family favorites and is always a huge hit.
Variations And Adaptations For Different Flavors
While the classic slow cooker pork chops and rice is already a fantastic meal, you can change things around now and again for some different flavors. Here are some ideas:
1. Switch out the cream of mushroom soup: If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, cream of cheese, or cream of celery soup instead.
2. Add some vegetables: For a complete one-pot meal, you can add vegetables. Try sliced carrots, peas, or corn in the slow cooker, along with the pork chops and rice. This adds extra nutrition and color to the dish. Add some sliced onion instead of onion flakes.
3. Make it spicy: If you like things spicy, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Feel free to try different things. It’s a great meal that allows for variations. You really don’t need any side dishes with this recipe because it’s a complete meal.
And add some corn casserole on the side or some homemade dinner rolls.
Get The Recipe For Slow Cooker Pork Chops And Rice Below
This is a simple recipe that is easy to make and turns out delicious every time. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go take care of other things.
You’ll end up with tender and juicy pork chops every time.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 10.5 ounce. can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 stick of butter cubed
- 2 cups Minute rice
- 1 cup water to add toward the end with the rice
- 1 to 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add the pork chops.
- Next, add the mushroom soup, chicken broth, water, garlic powder, onion flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed stick of butter on top.
- Replace the lid and cook ON LOW HEAT for seven hours.
- After seven hours, remove the lid and shred the pork chops with a fork.
- Add the rice and one more cup of water. Stir to make sure the rice is covered with liquid, and replace the lid.
- Cook ON HIGH for 45 minutes to one more hour or until rice is done cooking.
- Remove the lid, add the shredded cheese, and stir.
- Enjoy!
