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Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Recipe

Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (or boneless, if preferred)
  • 6-8 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by lightly greasing the bottom of your Crockpot with a small amount of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Pork Chops: Rub the dry ranch seasoning evenly over the pork chops. This seasoning will infuse the meat with that classic ranch flavor while cooking. If you want a bit more flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Layer the Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the Crockpot, creating a layer. You can also add onion slices if you like, as they’ll add extra flavor to the dish. These potatoes will absorb the flavor from the ranch seasoning and the broth as they cook, becoming tender and delicious.
  4. Add the Pork Chops: Layer the seasoned pork chops on top of the potatoes. The pork will cook down into the potatoes, making them even more flavorful.
  5. Add Butter and Broth: Cube the butter and scatter the pieces over the pork chops. Add the apple cider vinegar to the Crockpot. This small amount of vinegar helps balance the richness of the butter and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Finally, pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork chops and potatoes to provide moisture as everything cooks.
  6. Cook the Dish: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops will become tender and infused with the flavors of the ranch seasoning, and the potatoes will be soft and savory.
  7. Serve: Once the pork chops are fully cooked and the potatoes are tender, serve the dish straight from the Crockpot. You can garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness if desired.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

The nutritional values are based on 4 servings (one pork chop and potatoes) using the ingredients listed. Note that the amount of butter and ranch seasoning may affect the overall calorie count.

Nutrition per Serving (1 pork chop with potatoes):

  • Calories: 450–500 kcal
  • Protein: 30–35 g (from the pork chops)
  • Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
    • Fiber: 4–5 g (from potatoes)
    • Sugars: 3–5 g (natural sugars from the potatoes and onions)
  • Fat: 20–25 g
    • Saturated Fat: 8–10 g (from butter and pork)
  • Cholesterol: 70–80 mg
  • Sodium: 700–900 mg (depending on ranch seasoning and chicken broth)
  • Potassium: 700–900 mg (from potatoes)
  • Vitamin A: 4–6% DV (from butter)
  • Vitamin C: 10–15% DV (from potatoes and onions)
  • Calcium: 2–4% DV
  • Iron: 10–12% DV

Key Nutritional Benefits:

  • Protein-Rich: The pork chops provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
  • High in Potassium: The potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.
  • Healthy Fats: The butter adds richness and flavor, while the chicken broth keeps the dish moist and enhances the savory profile of the pork chops and potatoes.
  • Low Effort, High Flavor: This dish is a great example of how you can make a satisfying meal with minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking.

Tips and Variations:

  • Make it Lighter: If you want to cut down on calories and fat, you can use boneless, skinless pork chops and substitute the butter with olive oil or a small amount of low-fat margarine. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content.
  • Add More Veggies: You can mix in other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn for a heartier meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for vegetables that may cook faster.
  • Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning. If you love garlic, you can add minced garlic to the potatoes and pork chops for even more flavor.
  • Use Different Potatoes: If you prefer, you can use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense option. The cooking time will be similar.
  • Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers! The flavors meld together even more after a day or two in the fridge, making it an excellent meal prep dish.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes:

  • Effortless: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is practically foolproof. You can throw everything into the Crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
  • One-Pot Meal: Not only is this a comforting meal, but it’s also a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean afterward.
  • Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures that the pork chops turn out incredibly tender, while the potatoes absorb all the delicious ranch seasoning and butter for a mouthwatering side dish.
  • Kid-Friendly: With its simple, familiar flavors, this meal is perfect for the whole family. The potatoes and tender pork are easy to eat, making it a great option for young eaters.

Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner. The combination of tender pork chops, seasoned potatoes, and rich, buttery flavor will make this a family favorite in no time. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy