For an easy and hearty dinner, Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes is the perfect choice. This dish features tender, flavorful pork chops paired with sweet potatoes that cook to perfection in a rich, savory broth. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the hard work, this meal is perfect for busy days when you want a nutritious, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a delicious combination of savory pork chops and sweet, tender potatoes, all cooked together with fragrant spices. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork chops stay juicy and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes absorb all the delicious juices and spices. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal, and the subtle sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the savory pork and spices.
Ingredients
4-6 boneless thick-cut pork chops: Choose thick-cut pork chops for extra juiciness and tenderness.
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture after cooking.
1/2 white onion, diced: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
16 ounces chicken broth: Acts as the cooking liquid, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
1/3 cup orange juice: Enhances the sweetness and complements the savory flavors.
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a touch of spice to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Pairs beautifully with cinnamon to elevate the flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance the sweetness.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: A small amount adds a caramelized sweetness to the pork and potatoes.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the white onion.
Layer the Slow Cooker:
Place the cubed sweet potatoes and diced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top of the potatoes and onions.
Add the Pork Chops:
Lay the boneless pork chops on top of the sweet potatoes and onions in the slow cooker.
Add the Liquid and Sugar:
Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar over the pork chops.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of everything.
Cook the Meal:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and serve with the sweet potatoes and onions.
Spoon the flavorful broth and juices over the top for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
Adjusting Seasonings: If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
Extra Tender Pork Chops: If you like your pork chops super tender, cook them on low heat as suggested. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for about 4 hours, but low cooking yields the best results.
Sweet Potato Texture: For slightly firmer sweet potatoes, check for doneness around the 7-hour mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food with the convenience of a slow cooker. The combination of sweet potatoes and pork is a classic, and the added spices and orange juice bring it to a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and flavor!