pork Archives - mom makes dinner

Slow Cooker Spare Ribs

Kelley — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:43:15 +0000

Sometimes you need to take your BBQ favorites inside but don’t want to sacrifice any of the flavor. My honey garlic spare ribs are slow cooked to perfection and are bursting with flavor. Let me show you how to make easy and delicious honey garlic slow cooker spare ribs!

Ribs are one of those foods that ALL my kids like! There aren’t many foods that all 4 kids like at the same time. Ribs are one of them! We try to make them at least once a month so that we know that we have at least one meal that everyone will love! These honey garlic spare ribs are our go-to on rib night!

What are Spare Ribs?

Spare ribs come from the belly portion of the pig. They tend to be thicker and meatier than the baby back ribs. (Now I have that old Chili’s jingle in my head.. I want my baby back baby back riiiibs). You can find them in most grocery stores or butcher shops.

Crock Pot Spare Rib Ingredients

One of the best things about these honey garlic ribs is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients! A few simple ingredients and you have amazing slow cooked ribs! You will need:

1 rack of baby back ribs
garlic
soy sauce
honey
onion powder
paprika powder
cumin

Spare ribs – Grab a rack of spare ribs from the meat section of the grocery store. You are going to want to grab one that is 8-10 pounds. Although that may sound like a lot, the bones factor in as well as the juices from the meat. That size rack of ribs should feed 4-6 people.

Garlic – I suggest 4 cloves of garlic for these slow cooker ribs. Here’s the thing about garlic though – you measure with your heart. Four cloves will make these ribs have a good garlic flavor. Want a stronger flavor? ADD MORE GARLIC! Heck, add powdered garlic and garlic cloves. We are measuring with our hearts here!

Soy Sauce – I used 2 different soy sauces for these ribs – dark and sweet. Can’t find one or the other? No worries! Any soy sauce will do as long as you have 1/2 cup total. I also love using coconut animos (a soy free soy sauce) in this recipe.

Honey – You will need a fourth of a cup of honey. This does two things – helps bind everything together and cuts the garlic just a bit. If you can – raw, local honey is best, but whatever honey you have on hand or prefer to use will work just fine.

Spices – Onion, paprika and cumin round out the ingredients for these ribs. I suggest starting with these spices and then adding your favorites. Spices are an easy way to personalize a recipe.

How to Make Ribs in the Slow Cooker

The good thing about these ribs is that the ingredients are easy to find and the prep is QUICK! There are only 4 steps from start to finish to make fall off the bone ribs in your slow cooker. Let’s get started –

Step 1 – Combine the spices to make a dry rub for the ribs. Mix together the onion powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the spices over the whole rack of ribs.

Step 2 – Make the marinade. Mince the garlic and add it to the soy sauces and honey. Mix until combined – the garlic will make it chunky. Use a pastry brush to brush over the dry rub. (Make sure the you rub the spices in so you don’t lose any when you add the marinade.) Reserve some of the marinade.

Step 3 – Cut the ribs. Some ribs may come pre-cut OR your ribs may fit in your slow cooker. Most racks of ribs will not – so you will need to cut them in half to get them in there. You can cut them before or after you add the marinade, your choice.

Step 4 – Cook. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 hours on high. Remember that marinade that we saved? Brush some of that one every hour or so to keep the ribs moist and juicy during cooking. No time to brush it on? Save it for the last 30 minutes of cooking and add it on the ribs. You want all that extra flavor – trust me!

Side dish recommendations

This is BBQ food so we need BBQ related sides here. Some of my suggestions for the side dishes for slow cooker spare ribs are:

Slow Cooker Spare Rib Tips and FAQs

This rib recipe is pretty straight forward and I would say it’s a beginner cook friendly recipe, but here are some quick tips and questions that may make it even easier.

How do you cook spare ribs in the slow cooker? Easy – start with a dry rub, add a marinade and cook for 4-5 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on HIGH. The marinade will keep the pork ribs juicy while cooking and you will get fall of the bone ribs when they are done.

TIP: Start with the spices listed in the recipe and add your own to customize the flavor!

Should ribs be covered in liquid in the slow cooker? No, they don’t have to be. Why? Because the ribs release their own juices while cooking, as done most meat. You can add a 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker if you would like, but it is not necessary when cooking the ribs.

TIP: Reserve some of the marinade to brush over the ribs will they are cooking. While the meat releases juices, this will keep the ribs moist.

What’s the difference between spare ribs and baby back ribs? Spare ribs come the belly area of the pig making them fattier and larger. Baby back ribs come from the spine area and they are thinner, less meat and more curved in nature.

Other slow cooker recipes to try

Looking for other slow cooker recipes to try? We love them in our house! Here are some of our favorites:

Slow cooker spare ribs

Slow Cooker Spare Ribs

Yield: 1 rack of ribs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

How to make tender, fall off the bone honey garlic spare ribs in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

1 rack of baby back ribs
4 cloves of garlic
¼ cup dark soy sauce
¼ cup sweet soy sauce
¼ cup raw honey
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika powder
½ tsp cumin

Instructions

Combine the onion powder, paprika powder and cumin, and rub the ribs with dry rub.
Mince the garlic and add the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce and honey. Mix until well combined. Brush over the ribs. Save some of the marinade.
Cut the ribs in half and place them in the slow cooker. Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Brush the rack of ribs every hour with the remaining marinade.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1742mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 21g

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Parmesan Pork Chops

Kelley — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:08:37 +0000

These Parmesan pork chops are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. They’re simple to make, and the flavor is fantastic. Serve them with some roasted broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.

We love pork for dinner! It’s a great alternative to chicken or beef and can easily be jazzed up. (Although I do love a plain juicy pork chop!) These Parmesan pork chops are just that – a jazzed up breaded pork chop that is easy enough for a busy weeknight meal.

What are Parmesan Pork Chops?

Parmesan pork chops are a delicious and easy to make dinner option. They are made by coating pork chops in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, then baking them in the oven. The result is a crispy, cheesy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior. They are similar to Parmesan chicken, except you use pork chops!

Parmesan pork chops can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Whether you are looking for an elegant dinner option or a casual weeknight meal, Parmesan pork chops are sure to please.

Bread Parmesan Pork Chops Ingredient List

For this recipe, you’ll need ingredients to season and crisp the chops. Here’s what you need for this easy weeknight meal:

Pork chops– I use center cut pork chops, but you could use bone-in pork chops as well.
Eggs– The eggs help the bread crumbs stick to the pork chops to make the exterior nice and crispy.
Panko bread crumbs– Panko bread crumbs are deliciously seasoned and perfect for a crispy pork chop.
Italian seasoning– To give flavor to the pork chops, you’ll mix the Italian seasoning with the flour.
Flour– Flour is needed to coat the pork chop and season it. It helps the egg stick to the chop so that the bread crumbs will stick.
Cooking oil– You can use canola oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or even butter to fry the pork chops.
Tomato sauce– You’ll need a little tomato sauce to make the casserole.
Shredded mozzarella cheese– I used shredded mozzarella cheese, but you can also use fresh mozzarella here too!

How to make Parmesan Pork Chops

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to make the best pork chops you’ve ever had. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Prepare the Breading

First, place the flour in one shallow bowl and the Panko bread crumbs in a second. Beat the eggs in a third dish.

Step 2: Prep Your Dishes

Next, have a clean plate ready and also grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside. Then, stir the Italian seasoning into the flour.

Step 3: Bread the Pork Chops

Coat your pork chops in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumbs. Place the pork chops on the plate as you coat them.

Step 4: Fry the Pork Chops

Place 1-2 Tablespoons cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, brown each pork chop for 3-4 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature. It should be 145?.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

Next, preheat oven to 450?. Then, scoop 2 Tablespoons of tomato sauce on each pork chop, and top with 2 Tablespoons of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Chops

Bake the pork chops for about 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Serve and Enjoy!

How to Make in the Slow Cooker

If you want to make this recipe in the slow cooker, follow the steps above up to frying the pork chop. Then, instead of placing it in the oven, put the slow cooker on high and cook in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours. Or, follow this Crock-pot Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe.

How to Make in the Instant Pot

If you want to use your Instant Pot, follow the recipe above using the searing or saute function to fry the pork chops. Then, add ¾ cup of water, and pressure cook the pork chops for 0-1 minute to melt the cheese.

Side Dish Recommendations

If you want to keep this recipe easy peasy, you can serve them with roasted veggies or salad. But, you can serve these chops with just about anything. Here are some ideas:

What Pork Chops Work Best for this Recipe?

Parmesan pork chops are a delicious and easy way to dress up your pork chops. But what kind of pork chop works best for this dish? I like to use boneless, trimmed pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. You can definitely use bone-in pork chops, but they will take a bit longer to cook. And while you could use thinner pork chops, they tend to dry out more easily. So, for the best results, go for the 1-inch thick boneless pork chops.

Can I Use Fresh Mozzarella?

Absolutely! Parmesan pork chops are a delicious and easy way to dress up your ordinary pork chop dinner. And while you can use any type of mozzarella cheese, fresh mozzarella makes these pork chops extra special. Fresh mozzarella is softer and more flavorful than its processed counterpart, so it really takes these pork chops to the next level.

More Pork Chop Recipes to Try

Love a good pork chop? I have some other great pork chop recipes you can try:

Parmesan Pork Chops

Yield: 4 pork chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

How to make a tender breaded pork chop covered in Mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

4 Small Pork Chops
2 Eggs
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Cooking Oil
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Shredded Cheese

Instructions

Place the flour in one shallow bowl and the Panko bread crumbs in a second. Beat the eggs in a third dish.
Have a clean plate ready and also grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside.
Stir the Italian seasoning into the flour.
Dredge each pork chop in the flour, then the egg mixture and then into the Panko bread crumbs.
Place on a plate as you coat all of the pork chops.
Place 1-2 Tablespoons cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, brown each pork chop, about 3-4 minutes per side until an inserted thermometer reaches 145F, and then place in the prepared casserole dish.
Preheat oven to 450F.
Scoop 2 Tablespoons of tomato sauce overtop of each pork chop, then top with 2 Tablespoons of shredded cheese.
Bake the pork chops for about 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Notes

Slow cooker instructions -

Follow the steps above up to frying the pork chop. Then, instead of placing it in the oven, put the slow cooker on high and cook in the slow cooker for 30 minutes - 1 hour.

Instant Pot instructions -

Follow the recipe above using the searing or saute function to fry the pork chops. Then, add ¾ cup of water, and pressure cook the pork chops for 0-1 minute to melt the cheese.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board.

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Baked Swedish Meatballs

Kelley — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:40:21 +0000

Seasoned ground meat mixed rolled into balls and smothered in a creamy gravy, these baked Swedish meatballs are absolutely delicious. They are perfect for a quick and easy dinner, as an appetizer, or for bringing to a potluck.

Meatballs are always a good idea at our house. Everyone loves them and eats them up. Whether it’s classic baked meatballs, our favorite freezer friendly Italian chicken meatballs or these easy baked Swedish meatballs, I can almost guarantee a compliant free dinner!

What Are Baked Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are different from traditional or Italian meatballs. The difference is in the ground meat and the sauce. Swedish meatballs use a 50-50 ratio of ground pork and ground beef. Additionally, they are seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg for flavoring whereas Italian meatballs rely more on Parmesan and garlic for flavoring. Then, they are smothered in a rich and creamy brown gravy making them the perfect comfort food.

Swedish Meatball Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need ingredients both for the meatballs themselves and for the delicious creamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ground meat– You will use a 50-50 ratio of ground beef and ground pork. So, make sure you grab both.
Egg– Because eggs are sticky, the egg helps to hold the meat together into a ball.
Spices and seasonings– You will mix salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and parsley into your ground meat for flavoring.
Breadcrumbs– Breadcrumbs help to absorb the moisture as the meatballs cook so there isn’t a ton of liquid on top of your meatballs when they are done.
Butter– For the sauce, you will need to melt the butter. I used salted butter for more flavoring, but you could use unsalted butter as well.
Flour– The flour is used as a thickener for the sauce. Be sure not to pack the flour. Instead, scoop it into the measuring cup with a spoon and level it off with a butter knife.
Beef broth– If you don’t have beef broth, you can make it using 3 bullion cubes and 3 cups of water. Simply boil the cubes with the water to melt them.
Worcestershire sauce– This sauce adds a delicious flavor to the gravy.
Heavy cream– The cream makes the sauce into a creamy and delicious gravy.

Gluten free options – Want to make these meatballs gluten free? I suggest a gluten free breadcrumb or pork rinds. Also, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour such as Krusteaz gluten free flour.

How to Make Baked Swedish Meatballs

With just a little preparation, these Swedish meatballs are so easy to make. It will be your new weeknight meal.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs and all the seasonings and spices together. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Roll the Balls

Use a ¼ inch ice cream scoop to make 1-2 inch meatballs. You can also roll them into small balls using your hands. Then, place them on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake the meatballs for 30-40 minutes. Make sure they are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Gravy Sauce

Next, melt the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Then, whisk in the flour and allow it to brown. Add in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and then the cream. Reduce the heat and allow it to thicken.

Step 6: Add Gravy to Meatballs

Finally, add the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Roll the meatballs to fully coat them with the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy!

How to Make Them In The Crock Pot

To make these Swedish meatballs in the crockpot, you would simply prepare the meatballs as you would in the directions above. Then, place the meatballs in the crockpot. Make the sauce on the skillet as you did above and pour it over the meatballs. Set your crockpot on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Or, you can follow this Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe.

How to Make Them In The Instant Pot

To make these Swedish meatballs using the Instant Pot, you would follow the steps above to make the meatballs. Then, place your meatballs on the trivet and put them in the Instant Pot. Make sure to put 1 cup of water in the inner pot at the bottom. You will then hit the manual or pressure cook button and cook your meatballs for 7 minutes. Use your skillet to make the sauce. If you are looking for more Instant Pot meatballs, don’t forget to check out my Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, too!

Side Dish Recommendations

These Swedish meatballs are an easy dinner that goes well over egg noddles, rice or mashed potatoes. Some sides to add to your meal are:

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Swedish meatballs are just as delicious the next day. Store your meatballs with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can keep them for 3-5 days in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Swedish Meatballs?

Absolutely! In fact, you can freeze them cooked or uncooked. Simply place them in a freezer Ziploc bag in the freezer for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook them as the directions state above.

Baked Swedish Meatballs

Yield: 24 meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

A delicious meatball in a decadent and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Meatballs:
½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
1 tablespoon dry onion, minced
1 egg
Salt & pepper to taste
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons parsley
Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
3 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
Mix all meatball ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Roll mixture into balls and place on baking sheet.
Bake 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
Prepare the sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
Whisk in flour and allow to brown for 1 minute.
Add in broth and Worcestershire sauce then cream.
Reduce heat slightly and allow sauce to thicken
Season to taste.
Add meatballs to skillet and coat with sauce.
Garnish with parsley, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Crock Pot - prepare the meatballs as you would in the directions above. Then, place
the uncooked meatballs in the crockpot. Make the sauce on the skillet as you did
above and pour it over the meatballs. Set your crockpot on high for 4-6
hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Instant Pot - make the meatballs. Then, place your meatballs on the trivet and put
them in the Instant Pot. Make sure to put 1 cup of water in the inner
pot at the bottom. You will then hit the manual or pressure cook button
and cook your meatballs for 7 minutes. Use your skillet to make the
sauce.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more pork recipes? We love using pork a few times a week! Some of our favorite recipes to make are:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board! THANK YOU for the support!

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Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Kelley — Mon, 09 May 2022 14:36:37 +0000

Nothing beats a dinner where I can put all the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and let the crock pot do all the work all day. These delicious and creamy crock pot pork chops are super simple and are sure to be loved by every member of your family.

When the weather starts to warm up, my Crock Pot becomes a permanent staple on our counter. We get busier with sports and just enjoying the nicer weather that I need a quick and easy dinner option most nights. These creamy slow cooker pork chops are a family favorite and only require 5 minutes of prep time! An easy dinner that everyone will enjoy? Yes, please!

What are creamy crock pot pork chops?

Crock pot pork chops are amazing pork chops smothered in mushroom soup and cooked to perfection in your favorite crock pot. They are an easy weeknight dinner that you can prep in the morning and enjoy in the evening. You only need a few common ingredients to make these creamy pork chops!

Slow cooker pork chop ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
8 oz sliced mushrooms
26 oz can cream of mushroom soup

Pork chops – You can use any kind of pork chops that you like for this recipe. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it will cook any chop to perfection. I used boneless thick cut pork chops.

Mushrooms – I love using baby bellas for these creamy mushroom pork chops. Feel free to grab your favorite mushroom. Want to save time? Buy pre-sliced ones!

Cream of mushroom – The canned cream of mushroom works great here. You can also use homemade cream of mushroom if you want to cut down on processed food.

How to cook pork chops and gravy in the crock pot

Add the pork chops in a single layer to the slow cooker.

Dump the mushrooms on top of the pork chops.

Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the pork chops and mushrooms.

Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours.

Serve over rice, stuffing, or your choice of side.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Want to make these creamy mushroom pork chops even faster? Use your Instant Pot! It’s very similar to a classic pork chop recipe, but with mushroom cream sauce. Follow the instructions below –

Place your pork chops in the bottom of your inner pot.
Add the mushrooms.
Pour over the cream of mushroom.
Add in 1 cup of water.
Pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Manually release the pressure.
Remove the chops.
Stir the mushroom sauce and serve.

Side dish recommendations

These delicious side dishes are some of our favorites to pair with crock pot pork chops!

Creamy pork chops FAQs

How do you keep pork chops from drying out in the crock pot?

You shouldn’t have to worry about your pork chops drying out in the crock pot because they will have the mushroom soup smothering them and that will keep them pretty juicy.

How long does it take to cook pork chops in the crock pot?

It depends on if you want to cook them on high or low. If you cook them on high, they can be done in as little as 4 hours but if you cook them on low it will take 6 to 8 hours.

Can you put raw pork in the slow cooker?

Yes you can! Your slow cooker can get up to a high enough temperature with the lid on that will allow it to cook your pork chops to an edible temperature.

Can you cook pork chops in the crock pot without liquid?

For this recipe, yes you can. If you decide not to use the mushroom soup, you will want to put about 1/2 a cup of water in the bottom of your crock pot to cook your pork chops.

How to store leftovers

You will either want to put your leftover crock pot pork chops in a freezable ziploc bag or in a lock tight plastic container. You can keep them in the fridge in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days or you can keep them in the freezer for about 3 months.

Can I freeze these creamy pork chops?

Absolutely! As I stated above, they can last in your freezer for about 3 months. You can use a ziplock freezer bag or a lock tight plastic container.

Other pork chop recipes to try

Love these amazing crock pot pork chops? Here are some other delicious pork chop recipes you will love.

Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Yield: 4 pork chops and mushroom gravy

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Make creamy pork chops in your slow cooker with this easy recipe!

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
8 oz sliced mushrooms
26 oz can cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

Add the pork chops in a single layer to the slow cooker.
Dump the mushrooms on top of the pork chops.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the pork chops and mushrooms.
Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours.
Serve over rice, stuffing, or your choice of side.

Notes

To make in your Instant Pot -

Place your pork chops in the bottom of your inner pot.

Add the mushrooms.

Pour over the cream of mushroom.

Add in 1 cup of water.

Pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Manually release the pressure.

Remove the chops.

Stir the mushroom sauce and serve.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite slow cooker board!

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Crock pot pork carnitas

Kelley — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:19:00 +0000

Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier with this carnitas recipe! Carnitas is a classic Mexican main course that consists of slow cooked meat simmered Mexicans herbs and spices. Pork carnitas are a great base for tacos, enchiladas, nachos and many other Mexican inspired dishes. Let me show you how to make crock pot pork carnitas today!

These crockpot pork carnitas are one of my all time favorites. It is super easy to put together and all I have to do is shred the meat and add the toppings when we get home. Carnitas are perfect for busy weeknights and great for meal prep. Make a batch of the shredded pork carnitas and then use them in tacos one night and enchiladas the next. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized and stored for later.

Crock pot pork carnitas

Ok.. so what are carnitas? Traditional carnitas are made from pork and simmered in spices along with lard or oil. The meat, most of the time a roast of some sort, is simmer until fork tender. They are then shredded into “little meats” and used in various different Mexican dishes. They are not spicy, but perfectly juicy and delicious. You can use the meat in tacos, nachos, enchiladas or even add them to rolls and enjoy them like pulled pork sandwiches.

Pork carnitas ingredients

I love this easy crock pot dinner because you don’t need a bunch of crazy ingredients. While this not an authentic carnitas recipe, it does taste very similar and is simple to make. To make carnitas in the crock pot you will need:

pork roast
onion
garlic
oregano
salt and pepper
cumin
red pepper flakes
juice of two oranges
Juice of 1 lime

Pork roast – You can use your favorite type of pork roast for this recipe. Bone in or boneless works here. I suggest a 1-2 pound roast, but you can always double the recipe if you want leftovers. Make sure you roast is thawed.

Onion – One large onion, diced or sliced.

Garlic – Minced garlic cloves work best for this pork carnitas recipe.

Spices – I keep it fairly mild when it comes to spices for my carnitas. I use oregano, cumin, a bit of red pepper flakes plus salt and pepper. I suggest making the recipe as is and then adjusting the spices to your tastes.

Oranges – You will need the juice of two oranges. It helps break down the meat, adds liquid and gives it a great flavor.

Lime – Same with the lime juice, it adds flavor and helps break down the meat.

How to make pork carnitas in the crock pot

Besides the simple ingredients, I love how easy this meal is to make. It takes about 5 minutes of prep time to create these tender carnitas perfect for your next dinner.

Step 1 Add the meat Place your roast, sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle your spices on top of the meat.

Step 2 Add the juice Squeeze your oranges and lime juice over the top of the seasoned meat.

Step 3 Cook Place the lid on your crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4 Shred and serve Once the meat is done cooking, take 2 forks and shred the roast into small pieces. Drizzle with more lime juice and cilantro and enjoy!

Optional step – If you want to add some crisp to your carnitas, place them on a baking sheet after shredding. Pour a bit of the juice over the meat and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp the edges. Watch the meat to make sure it doesn’t over cook in the oven.

What type of meat do I need for pork carnitas?

You will need a pork roast to make carnitas in the crock pot. I like using a boneless shoulder roast for my carnitas, but you can use a blade roast, rib roast or a pork butt roast. You can also use tenderloin or any other cut of pork. It’s a versatile recipe and most cuts of pork work.

Can I make crock pot carnitas without liquid?

While you can make carnitas without liquid, it is not recommended. The only liquid used in this recipe is orange and lime juice which helps break down the meat. The roast will release it’s own liquid during cooking, but the juices ensure that the meat is tender and juicy after cooking.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Looking to make carnitas even faster? Use your pressure cooker! The ingredients vary a bit but it’s still a simple recipe and ready much quicker. Follow these instructions for easy Instant Pot carnitas:

Sear the roast in the inner pot for a few minutes.
Remove any bits from the pot.
Place the meat back in the pot along with the spices and liquids.
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Shred the meat in the pot.
Place the meat on a baking sheet along with some liquid and put under the broiler for 4-5 minutes, optional.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave, on the stove top or in the oven. Add a bit of liquid when reheating.

Can I freeze pork carnitas?

Yes, you can easily freeze these crock pot pork carnitas. Follow the recipes as directed and then place the cooled meat in a Ziplock bag. Remove all the air and place in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Crock pot pork carnitas

Ingredients

1-2 pound pork roast, thawed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, diced or minced
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
juice of two large oranges
juice of 1 medium lime
cilantro, for topping
additional lime juice for topping

Instructions

In a crock pot place the meat in the bottom.

Add the onion and garlic.

Sprinkle all the spices on top.

Add the orange juice.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8.

Remove top and allow to cool slightly.

Using two forks, shred the meat.

Top with cilantro.

Enjoy!

Other Mexican recipes to try

Like this Mexican inspired recipe? Be sure to check out:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below.

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French Onion Pork Chops Recipe

Kelley — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:37:16 +0000

French Onion pork chops are a delicious dinner recipe that is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights and fancy enough for special occasions. Let me show you how to make your new favorite pork dinner – French onion pork chops!

We love pork chop night at our house. My kids gobble them up and most of the time we don’t even have leftovers. I love them because they are easy to make and delicious. Plus, no one complains on pork chop night. I love pork chop night.

These French Onion pork chops are fun twist on traditional pork chops. They are cheesy and full of flavor. The kids love this version just as much as plain chops. You take a classic pan fried pork chop and smother it in caramelized onions and cheese. Seriously, what’s not to love?!

Why you’ll love French onion pork chops

Pork chops are always a great idea for dinner. Some of the reasons we love this French onion version is:

Easy to make: These chops look decadent, but are really simple to make. They are even great for busy weeknights
Full of flavor: The flavor from the caramelized onions take regular pork chops and set them a step above.
Side dish friendly: You can add almost any side dish to these pork chops to round out your meal.

French onion pork chop ingredients

To make these pork chops you will need some fairly common ingredients. You will need to grab:

Pork Chops
Butter (unsalted)
Garlic (minced)
Yellow Onions
Garlic Powder
All-Purpose White Flour
Beef Broth
Mozzarella Cheese
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Fresh Parsley (garnish)

Ingredient FAQs and Substitutes

Pork chops – You will want boneless thick cut pork chops for this recipe. You can also use butterfly chops. I do not recommend using thin cut pork chops here.

Onions – I love using yellow onions, but you can use white, sweet or even Vidalia onions in this recipe.

Beef broth – Bone broth can be used or even chicken broth.

Mozzarella – Pre-shredded will work great in this pork chop recipe. You can also use fresh mozzarella or buy the brick and shred it yourself.

How to make French Onion pork chops

After you have gathered all of your ingredients, you will also need to grab:

Cutting board and knife
Large skillet
Spatula
Tongs or fork
Foil

Step 1 Saute the onions In your large skillet add the butter, onions and garlic. Allow to cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally so the onions don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2 Sear the pork chops Season your pork chops while your onions are cooking. Remove the caramelized onions and sear your pork chops on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Set the pork chops on a plate.

Step 3 Create the sauce Add in your flour and beef broth, stirring, to create a paste. Continue to add the broth until a sauce forms. Add your onions and pork chops back into your skillet.

Step 4 Add mozzarella cheese After you add the pork chops back into the skillet, top with mozzarella cheese. You can cook on the stove top for a few more minutes or pop it in the oven. Allow the cheese to melt and serve.

Do I have to bake French onion pork chops?

You can! In order to get the mozzarella cheese to melt you need to cook the pork chops a bit longer. You can do that on the stove top by adding a lid to your skillet, or add the pork chops, onions and sauce to a baking dish. Pop in the oven for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees to melt the cheese and cook the chops through. You can also place the skillet in the oven if it is oven safe.

Other cooking methods

This pork chop dinner is easy to make on the stove top, but you can also make it in your Instant Pot or even your Crock Pot. Follow the instructions below on how to make this using different cooking methods.

Instant Pot instructions

Using your Instant Pot will give you a tender and juicy pork chop! To make them you will need to:

Set your pressure cooker to saute and cook the onions, butter and garlic until tender.
Remove the onions.
Sear the pork chops and each side and remove.
Scrap the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck on bits.
Place the pork chops (you may have to stack them with a rack) and the onions back in the pot along with 1 cup of broth.
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Manually release the pressure.
Make a roux on the stove by combining a tablespoon of butter and flour.
Pour the roux into the pot and stir to combine.
Cover the pork chops with cheese and place the lid back on.
Allow the cheese to melt and then serve.

Crock Pot instructions

You can also make these in the Crock Pot!

Sear your pork chops in a skillet on the stove, about 2 minutes per side.
Add the seasoned pork chops, onions, garlic and broth to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours.
Remove the pork chops and place them in a baking dish. Cover with mozzarella and bake for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees to melt the cheese.
Create a roux or add cornstarch to the Crock Pot to thicken up the sauce.
Serve a pork chop with onions and sauce.

FAQs about French Onion Pork Chops

What kind of pork chops do I need?

You will need boneless thick cut pork chops for this recipe. If you have thin chops or bone-in, you will have to adjust your cook time.

Why do I have to pan sear the pork chops first?

Searing the pork chops helps lock in the juice and creates a great texture. You don’t have to sear them first but then you would need to increase your cook time.

Side dish suggestions

These pork chops lend to many different sides. Some of our favorite side dishes to add are:

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover pork chops in a Ziplock bag or a Tupperware in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 2, maybe 3, days. Reheat them in the microwave.

Can I freeze these pork chops?

Yes, you can freeze these pork chops. Place them in a Ziplock bag, remove the air and put them in the freezer. They will keep for 3 months. Allow to thaw and then reheat in the microwave or oven.

French Onion Pork Chops Recipe

Yield: 6 pork chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Make these decadent pork chops for an easy dinner everyone will love!

Ingredients

6 Pork Chops (boneless)
2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 large Yellow Onions (sliced, see note)
½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 tablespoons All-Purpose White Flour
1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Fresh Parsley (garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan and saute for 15 minutes to caramelize. Stir the onions periodically to avoid burning to the bottom of the pan.

2. While the onions are cooking, set your pork chops onto a plate in a single layer. Coat one side of the pork chops with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Once onions have caramelized, move from the pan to a small bowl and set aside. Turn the heat to medium-high and sear each side of the pork chops (approximately 2 minutes per side). Once each side of the pork chops have been seared, move them back to the plate and turn the heat down to a medium-low temperature.

4. Add in the flour to the skillet and stir. Pour in approximately one tablespoon of the beef broth to the pan (this should form a paste with the flour). Slowly add in the rest of the broth and stir.

5. Add the onions back in and then return to a medium heat. Let the broth come to a simmer, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce.

6. Once the sauce has thickened, add the pork chops back into the pan and top with the mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook for another 4-5 minutes (3-4 minutes if you prefer a slightly pink center).

6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Instant Pot -

Set your pressure cooker to saute and cook the onions, butter and garlic until tender.
Remove the onions.
Sear the pork chops and each side and remove.
Scrap the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck on bits.
Place the pork chops (you may have to stack them with a rack) and the onions back in the pot along with 1 cup of broth.
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Manually release the pressure.
Make a roux on the stove by combining a tablespoon of butter and flour.
Pour the roux into the pot and stir to combine.
Cover the pork chops with cheese and place the lid back on.
Allow the cheese to melt and then serve.

Crock pot -

Sear your pork chops in a skillet on the stove, about 2 minutes per side.
Add the seasoned pork chops, onions, garlic and broth to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours.
Remove
the pork chops and place them in a baking dish. Cover with mozzarella
and bake for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees to melt the cheese.
Create a roux or add cornstarch to the Crock Pot to thicken up the sauce.
Serve a pork chop with onions and sauce.

Other pork recipes to try

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below.

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Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders

Kelley — Tue, 12 May 2020 11:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite recipes for a crowd are these crockpot pulled pork sliders. They combine tender pulled pork with BBQ sauce on top of toasted slider buns. Top them with coleslaw or your favorite pickle and you have an easy meal that everyone will love. Let me show you how to make these pulled pork sliders today!

There is something about the smell of BBQ wafting through your house all day that just gives me all the happy vibes. These crockpot pulled pork sliders not only make your house smell great but they are also super easy to make and you only need a handful of ingredients with a few minutes prep.

Plus, they are perfect for a crowd and make great leftovers. On top of all that, they are kid approved! Yup – even my picky kiddo enjoys these pulled pork sliders.

What are pulled pork sliders?

Pulled pork sliders are a combination of slow cooked pork butt (or shoulder) that is then shredded and mixed with a sauce – usually a BBQ sauce. The meat is then placed on slider buns and topped with tour favorite toppings – such as coleslaw, pickles or pickles onions.

Pulled pork ingredients

To make these sliders you only need a handful of ingredients. Some recipes call for a whole laundry list of ingredients, but I have found that using the ingredients below gives them an amazing flavor without all the fuss. For the pulled pork you will need:

Pork butt or shoulder
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
BBQ sauce

To make the sliders you will also need:
Slider bun
Butter
Coleslaw
Other toppings

Pork – you need a big chunk of pork meat for your sliders. I suggest using a pork butt, shoulder or even tenderloin. Things like pork chops or ham steaks will not work here.

Spices – I like to keep my spices on the basic side since the majority of the flavor comes from your BBQ sauce. Feel free to adjust your spices to your taste.

BBQ sauce – feel free to use tour favorite BBQ sauce for your pulled pork sliders. You can use homemade BBQ sauce, your favorite pre-made sauce or if you want to keep this dish low carb, try a sugar free sauce.

Slider buns – you can find slider buns, which are smaller hamburger buns, in the bread aisle. If you can find slider buns, feel free to use hamburger buns or any type of bread you’d like. I bet these would be fabulous on focaccia or event ciabatta rolls. Use the butter to toast your buns for a little added flavor.

Coleslaw – I love adding coleslaw to the top of my crockpot pulled pork sliders. It adds texture, crunch and flavor. It gives a great tangy flavor to the sweet pulled pork. You can make your own coleslaw or buy the pre-made mix.

Other toppings – things like bread and butter pickles, pickled onions, feta cheese, and ranch dressing also make great additional toppings.

How to make pulled pork in the crockpot

Once you have all your ingredients you will also need to grab your crock pot, measuring cups and spoons.

Step 1: Place the pork in the crockpot.

Step 2: Cover the pork with your spices.

Step 3: Add your BBQ sauce to the top of the pork. Close the lid and slow cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 on high.

Step 4: Using two forks, shred your pork. If it’s too dry, mix in some more BBQ sauce or a bit of chicken broth.

Step 5: Toast your slider buns and place a few spoonfuls of pulled pork in your bun. Top with your favorite toppings.

How to make pulled pork sliders in the Instant Pot

Want to make this recipe in your instant pot? Follow the simple steps below. Note – you need need to add 1 cup of chicken broth to this recipe. All of the other ingredients are the same.

Place your pork on a trivet, sprinkle on your spices and add your BBQ sauce.
Add a cup of chicken broth to the pot and seal the valve.
Pressure cook on high for 90 minutes.
Allow to come to natural pressure, remove lid and shred.

What goes with pulled pork sandwiches?

These sliders made a great main dish or even appetizer for a BBQ or other meal. I suggest adding one of these sides with your sliders:

How to store leftovers

To store leftover pulled pork, place the shredded pork in an airtight container. You want to keep it separate from the buns and the sides. Place your container in the fridge to eat later. The pork will keep for up to a week if stored properly.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Absolutely! This pulled pork freezes well and makes a great freezer meal for the future. To freeze, make the recipe according to the directions. Allow the pork to cool completely before adding it to an airtight container or plastic baggy. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, allow the meat to thaw and then heat in the microwave, oven or stove top.

Crockpot pulled pork sliders

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

How to make the best pulled pork sliders in your crockpot!

Ingredients

3-4 pound pork shoulder, butt or loin - defrosted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups BBQ sauce
slider buns
coleslaw
pickles

Instructions

Place the pork in the crockpot.
Rub the spices onto the pork.
Cover the pork with BBQ sauce, making sure to allow some to drip into the crockpot.
Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Shred the pork with two forks and add more BBQ sauce as needed.
Toast your slider buns.
Add shredded pork to the bun along with your choice of toppings such as coleslaw, pickles or cheese.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 18g

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Crock pot dinners

Easy crock pot dinners that the whole family will love!