Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garden Vegetables
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Slow cooker (4-5 quart)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 medium onion cut into wedges
- 1 small yellow summer squash thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless pork loin chops about 1 lb / 450 g
- 4 small red potatoes halved
- 1 cup baby-cut carrots
Instructions
- Mix the seasoned salt and garlic-pepper blend in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the pork chops.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork chops for about 4 minutes, turning once.
- Spray a 4 to 5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Top with the carrots, potatoes, and onion.
- Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Combine the squash, basil, remaining olive oil, and remaining seasoning mixture in a bowl.
- Spoon the squash mixture over the vegetables.
- Increase the slow cooker to High.
- Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the squash is crisp-tender.
- Serve immediately.
Notes & Wine Advice
Notes
Slow cooking keeps the pork chops tender while the vegetables absorb the savory cooking juices. Browning the pork first adds extra flavor and gives the finished dish a richer taste.Serving Suggestions
Serve these pork chops with crusty bread, steamed green beans, or a simple green salad. For a heartier dinner, add extra potatoes or serve the dish with warm dinner rolls.Variations
Replace the yellow squash with zucchini for a fresh green version. Add mushrooms, celery, or sweet potatoes to create a richer vegetable medley.Wine Advice
A glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the tender pork, basil, and vegetables. If you prefer red wine, choose a light red wine that supports the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.Nutrition values
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About Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a comforting family dinner with tender pork, hearty vegetables, and simple seasoning. This recipe brings together boneless pork loin chops, baby carrots, red potatoes, onion, yellow squash, and fresh basil in one easy slow cooker meal. The result is warm, satisfying, and practical for busy home cooks who want a complete dinner without spending hours at the stove.
The slow cooker makes this dish especially useful for weeknight cooking. After a short browning step, the pork chops go into the slow cooker with the carrots, potatoes, and onion. These ingredients cook gently until the meat turns tender and the vegetables absorb the savory juices. Near the end, the squash and basil are added so they keep their fresher flavor and texture.
This recipe works well because it balances comfort and convenience. The pork provides protein, the potatoes make the meal filling, and the vegetables add color, sweetness, and freshness. It is not a complicated dish, yet it delivers the kind of cozy flavor people often look for in homemade comfort food.
If you enjoy practical dinners for the whole household, explore our Family Dinner Recipes collection for more easy meal ideas.
Another benefit of this dish is flexibility. You can replace the yellow squash with zucchini, add mushrooms, or include sweet potatoes for a deeper autumn flavor. Green beans, celery, or bell peppers also work well if you want to use vegetables already in your kitchen. That makes this recipe useful for reducing food waste and building dinner around what you have on hand.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops also fit nicely into autumn and winter menus. The potatoes, carrots, and onion give the dish a hearty base, while the fresh basil keeps it from feeling too heavy. It is a good option for family dinners, casual entertaining, or a relaxed weekend meal.
Food safety matters when cooking pork. Always handle raw pork carefully, keep utensils clean, and cook meat to a safe internal temperature. The FDA Food Safety Guidelines offer helpful information about safe food handling, storage, and preparation.
Because this recipe uses olive oil instead of butter and does not include cream, cheese, or milk, it can fit a dairy-free meal plan. Always check the seasoned salt and garlic-pepper blend if you cook for someone with allergies, since seasoning blends can vary by brand.
For home cooks who want reliable comfort food with little fuss, Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a strong choice. The recipe is simple, affordable, and satisfying, with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and enough flexibility to make it your own.