Here’s the breakdown of the recipe you’ve described:
Ingredients:
- 14 regular cut pork chops (enough for 3 meals)
- 1 large can of cream of mushroom soup (for each meal batch)
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (for each can of mushroom soup)
- Pepper (for seasoning)
- Cooking oil spray (for the crock pot)
For the mashed potatoes:
- Real potatoes (or instant potatoes for easier prep)
For serving:
- Garlic bread
Construction:
- Prep the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Pork Chops: Place your 14 regular cut pork chops inside the crock pot. Sprinkle them with pepper. You can skip adding salt since the onion soup mix already provides enough flavor.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a separate bowl, mix the onion soup packets with the cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour Over Meat: Pour the soup mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cook: Set your crock pot to cook on high for 4 hours. This allows you to start the meal later in the day, making it a convenient option for busy evenings.
- Mashed Potatoes: While the pork chops are cooking, make mashed potatoes. You can peel and boil real potatoes for a homemade touch or opt for instant mashed potatoes to save time.
- Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked and tender, serve them with mashed potatoes and garlic bread.
Variations:
- Different Meat Options: You can substitute the pork chops for other meats like chicken or beef. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of meat.
- Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, you could add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the crock pot.
- Gravy Additions: You can experiment with adding other cream soups like cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the onion soup mix for a bit of heat.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: This recipe can be easily scaled for larger or smaller servings. The meat portion you’ve mentioned should be enough for multiple meals, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Low and Slow: If you have more time, you can cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours to tenderize the pork chops even more.
- Serving Suggestions: If you want to make it more hearty, serve the pork chops with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad.
This recipe is all about simplicity and convenience, perfect for busy days when you still want a satisfying homemade meal!