When you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, this Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes recipe is the answer. It combines tender, juicy pork chops with perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in a flavorful, slightly sweet and savory sauce—all cooked hands-free in your slow cooker.
This dish is great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or lazy weekends when you want a wholesome and filling meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops (Optional)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear each chop for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Add them to the bottom of your greased slow cooker along with the sliced onions.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, maple syrup (or brown sugar), Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, cinnamon, and herbs.
Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker
- Place seared (or raw) pork chops on top of the sweet potatoes. Pour the sauce evenly over everything.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until pork chops are fork-tender and sweet potatoes are soft but not mushy.
Step 6: Serve
- Spoon sweet potatoes onto plates, place a pork chop on top, and drizzle with sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Variation:
- Spicy Option: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Apple Twist: Add 1 sliced apple for extra sweetness and fall flavor.
- Creamy Style: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk before serving.
- Balsamic Flavor: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar for a tangier sauce.
COOKING Note:
For best results, avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes. Cut them into larger chunks if using a long cook time to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Greens: Serve alongside steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded meal.
- With Bread: A warm roll or piece of cornbread is great for soaking up the sauce.
- Meal Prep: Store individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- With Rice: Spoon everything over white or brown rice to stretch the dish further.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate pork chops in the sauce for 1 hour before cooking.
- Use thick-cut pork chops to keep them juicy during slow cooking.
- Let pork chops rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Swap out sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots if preferred.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 servings):
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: ~36g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~580mg
Exact values may vary depending on ingredients used.
❓FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
- Yes! Bone-in pork chops work well and often stay juicier. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes of cook time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes. Prep everything the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Is there a sugar-free version?
- Omit the maple syrup/brown sugar or use a sugar-free syrup alternative. The dish will be more savory.
What if my pork chops are dry?
- Make sure to use thick chops and don’t overcook. Also, searing the meat beforehand helps seal in moisture.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s a wholesome, hands-off meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma and your plate with flavor-packed goodness.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight solution, this slow cooker recipe delivers warmth, satisfaction, and plenty of leftovers