Ultimate Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes: Your New Weeknight Favorite

There’s a rhythm to meal planning that every home cook knows well. Some weeks, the menu revolves entirely around chicken – from savory roasts to quick stir-fries. Other times, I find myself drawn to the hearty appeal of beef. While seafood has been a delightful rarity on my recent meal rotations (a trend I’m actively working to reverse!), lately, my culinary compass consistently points towards pork. It feels like a rediscovery after a period where pork, apart from the essential bacon, didn’t feature as prominently. But now, I’m embracing its versatility with open arms, constantly seeking out new and comforting pork dishes.

Many of the recipes gracing my table lately are treasured classics from my own recipe archives, tried and true favorites that never disappoint. However, every so often, a new culinary gem emerges, proving itself worthy of a permanent spot in the rotation. Today, I’m thrilled to share one such discovery: a truly exceptional slow cooker recipe that delivers both incredible flavor and effortless preparation – the Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes.

Revolutionizing a Classic: Homemade Creamy Ranch Sauce

This dish is a delightful reimagining of a beloved slow cooker staple, one that many of us grew up with, often relying on canned condensed soups for convenience. While there’s certainly a time and place for convenience, I promise you, opting for a homemade sauce in this recipe elevates it to an entirely new level. Far from being a “food snob,” I genuinely believe that creating your own sauce from scratch not only results in a flavor that’s exponentially richer and more nuanced but is also surprisingly simple to achieve. Yes, it takes a few more minutes than simply popping open a can, but the depth of flavor and creamy texture you’ll achieve are undeniably worth every second of effort. You’ll taste the difference, and your family will too!

What makes this particular slow cooker recipe even more appealing is its all-in-one nature. I’m a huge fan of meals where the main course and side dish cook simultaneously, simplifying both preparation and cleanup. Here, tender pork chops and perfectly cooked potatoes are enveloped in that luscious, savory ranch sauce. The sauce generously coats every piece of pork and potato, infusing them with incredible flavor and ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. Pair this complete meal with a simple, fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables, and dinner is not just done, it’s done spectacularly.

The Essential Kitchen Companion: Finding the Perfect Slow Cooker

Let’s take a moment to discuss the unsung hero of this recipe: the slow cooker itself. For a long time, I confess, I wasn’t its biggest advocate. If you’ve followed my culinary journey on Taste and Tell, you might recall my previous reservations. I’m now beginning to suspect that my lukewarm enthusiasm stemmed from not having the right appliance. That all changed when the wonderful team at KitchenAid generously provided me with their 6-quart Slow Cooker with the Easy Serve Lid. And let me tell you, I never thought these words would pass my lips, but I am absolutely in love with this slow cooker!

My previous slow cooker ran notoriously hot, often overcooking dishes or finishing them far too quickly, which defeated the purpose of “slow” cooking. This KitchenAid model, however, cooks to absolute perfection, consistently delivering tender, flavorful results. It’s truly a game-changer. Beyond its flawless cooking performance, there are several features that make this appliance stand out. It boasts four distinct temperature settings: Warm, Low, Medium, and High. The inclusion of a “Medium” setting is a fantastic innovation I hadn’t encountered before, offering greater flexibility and control over cooking times and temperatures.

Another brilliant design element is the hinged lid. This feature is incredibly practical, especially when entertaining or taking the slow cooker to a potluck. You no longer have to find a spot to balance a hot, condensation-dripping lid; the sides simply lift up for effortless serving. And while it might seem like a small detail, the ability to neatly wind the power cord on the bottom for easy storage is something I genuinely appreciate. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform a good appliance into an exceptional one. Honestly, I’m not sure you could find a more user-friendly or effective slow cooker on the market.

Why This Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Recipe Will Be a Family Favorite

The combination of savory pork, creamy ranch, and tender potatoes is a match made in culinary heaven. Pork chops, especially when slow-cooked, become incredibly tender and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce beautifully. Baby potatoes, with their delicate skin and creamy interior, break down just enough to thicken the sauce slightly while retaining their comforting texture. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a comforting, flavorful journey that evokes the warmth of home cooking without the stress of complex preparation.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but the desire for a wholesome, satisfying meal is high. Simply prep your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to an aroma that promises a delicious dinner. It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for even more delicious leftovers. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or new to its wonders, this Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is designed for success and maximum enjoyment.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes (No Canned Soup!)

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes

Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
8 hours

Total Time:
8 hours 15 minutes

Servings:
4-6 servings

Pork chops and potatoes are covered in a homemade cream sauce, then cooked all day in the slow cooker for an easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, scrubbed and cut into halves or fourths
• 2 lbs bone-in pork chops
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended for creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the scrubbed and cut baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Carefully lay the bone-in pork chops on top of the potatoes, ensuring they are nestled comfortably.
2. Next, prepare the rich, homemade ranch cream sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step helps thicken the sauce and remove any raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to incorporate it smoothly into the roux. Follow with the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture begins to thicken and smooth out. Stir in the dry ranch seasoning and continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring, until the sauce achieves a thick, gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Carefully pour the creamy ranch sauce evenly over the pork chops and potatoes in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or until the pork chops are incredibly tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker, so check for doneness towards the end of the cooking window.
6. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, complete meal!
7. Chef’s Tip for Thicker Sauce: If you find the sauce isn’t as thick as you prefer after the cooking time, remove the lid from the slow cooker and turn the setting to HIGH. Let it simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Disclaimer: While a KitchenAid slow cooker was provided for review purposes, no monetary compensation was received for this article. All views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the product.**