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Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe! It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a busy day — super simple to throw together but packed with comforting flavors. The ranch seasoning adds that irresistible tang, while slow-cooking the pork chops alongside baby potatoes makes for a one-pot dinner that’s as hassle-free as it is delicious.

Honestly, I love pulling this out when I want something hearty without standing over the stove. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free for other things. Plus, the potatoes soak up the porky, buttery goodness, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth perfect. You’re going to want to keep this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe in your weeknight rotation, trust me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but work together like a dream. You’re basically layering savory ranch flavors with tender pork chops and creamy potatoes, which means the combo never gets old. When you’re shopping, pick baby potatoes that are about uniform in size so they cook evenly, and if you can, get fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

  • Ranch seasoning: This is your flavor superstar! I like to use a good quality packet or homemade blend for a fresh punch.
  • Butter: Softened butter helps that ranch seasoning stick perfectly to the pork chops and adds richness.
  • Bone-in pork chops: I recommend bone-in because they stay juicy during the slow cooking, but boneless works too if you adjust potatoes.
  • Baby potatoes: Quartered to cook through at the same pace as the pork — don’t skip cutting them!
  • Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds subtle depth without overwhelming the dish.
  • Fresh parsley (optional): A quick sprinkle at the end brings freshness and a nice green contrast.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there. Don’t be afraid to experiment and tune it to what you like best — it’s all about making this recipe work for your taste buds and lifestyle.

  • Use boneless pork chops: I’ve swapped to boneless for quicker cooking at times, but just remember to cut potatoes smaller (eighths) so they don’t stay too firm.
  • Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in baby carrots or green beans during the last hour for more color and nutrition.
  • Spicy ranch twist: Mixing in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce with the ranch seasoning takes this to a fun, tangy heat level that my family loves.
  • Dairy-free: You can swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free ranch seasoning to keep this friendly for lactose-intolerant eaters.

How to Make Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season with Ranch Butter

Start by mixing half of the ranch seasoning into the softened butter until it’s a smooth, flavorful paste. I usually use my hands here—it’s the easiest way to coat the pork evenly. Rub this mixture generously all over your pork chops; this creates a tasty crust and locks in moisture as it cooks.

Step 2: Quick Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional)

If you’ve got the time and want that extra golden color, quickly sear your pork chops in a hot skillet—about 30 seconds per side does the trick. This step isn’t mandatory, but it adds a lovely depth that really lifts the final dish. Don’t worry if you skip it; flavor remains amazing thanks to the slow cooking.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Pork in the Crockpot

Place your quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes, then sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning on top—this helps season the spuds as they cook. Now, nestle your pork chops right on top of the potatoes for balanced cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, 3 to 4 hours on high works too. The magic here is low and slow, allowing flavors to meld and the pork to become beautifully tender. When done, your kitchen will smell fantastic, and the potatoes should be melt-in-your-mouth soft.

How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe

A white plate holds three main parts: a large piece of lightly browned pork chop with some green herb bits on top in the lower right area, smooth green beans with a fresh glossy look arranged in a neat bundle along the right edge above the chop, and red-skinned potatoes quartered and stacked in the upper left quadrant showing creamy off-white inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens up the whole plate visually and adds a fresh, herbal pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a little cracked black pepper right before serving for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

I like to keep it simple since the slow cooker meal is so full of flavor—steamed green beans or a crisp side salad make great complements. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach with garlic just elevate the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this recipe family-style on a rustic wooden board with little ramekins of extra ranch sauce and crusty bread on the side. It’s cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual gathering or weekend dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The pork chops stay juicy and the potatoes absorb even more flavor overnight, making for an amazing lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, pack the pork chops and potatoes separately in freezer-safe bags to keep textures intact. I find freezing works well and helps me prep meals ahead, especially for busy weeks.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming leftovers gently in a skillet or oven at low heat to keep the pork tender and avoid drying it out. Microwaving works too if you cover the dish to trap moisture, but watch the time so it doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless pork chops for the Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just keep in mind that boneless pork chops cook faster, so you’ll want to cut your baby potatoes smaller—into eighths—so they cook through at the same rate. Adjust cooking time accordingly, usually a bit less on low or high settings.

  2. Is it necessary to sear the pork chops before slow cooking?

    Searing is optional but highly recommended if you have the time. It creates a more flavorful crust and enhances the deep, savory taste. If you’re in a hurry, skipping it won’t ruin the dish—the slow cooker will still do its magic and make juicy pork chops.

  3. Can I add other vegetables to the Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe?

    Yes! Vegetables like baby carrots, green beans, or even sliced bell peppers can be added during the last hour of cooking. This personalizes the meal and adds nutrition without complicating the timing too much.

  4. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too mushy?

    Make sure to quarter the baby potatoes evenly and avoid overcooking by following recommended slow cooker times. If you use thinner pork chops or boneless cuts, smaller potato pieces help cook everything evenly without getting mushy.

  5. What kind of ranch seasoning works best?

    I typically use a good-quality store-bought ranch seasoning packet, but homemade blends with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder work just as well and add a fresh touch. Choose one without added MSG or preservatives if you prefer cleaner labels.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe is genuinely one of my kitchen go-tos when I want something easy, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s great for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become a staple for your family like it did for mine. Plus, you can tweak and tinker with it to suit your tastes perfectly. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing, and this recipe proves it!

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Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes Recipe

  • Author: Any
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe offers a flavorful and comforting meal featuring tender bone-in pork chops seasoned with ranch spices, slow-cooked alongside baby potatoes in a savory broth. The slow cooker method makes it an easy, hands-off dish perfect for busy days.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pork Chops

  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning, divided in half
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 4 to 6 bone-in pork chops

For the Vegetables and Broth

  • 2 pounds baby potatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ranch Butter: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning with the softened butter until well combined, forming a flavorful ranch butter spread.
  2. Season Pork Chops: Rub the ranch butter mixture evenly over all sides of the bone-in pork chops to infuse them with herb and spice flavors.
  3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they develop a light golden-brown crust; this step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if pressed for time.
  4. Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the quartered baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth, then sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning over the potatoes and broth.
  5. Add Pork Chops and Cook: Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potato mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle the pork chops and potatoes with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting crockpot meal.

Notes

  • If short on time, you can omit the searing step, though it enhances the pork chops with a nice browned exterior.
  • If using boneless pork chops or thinner cuts, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces (eighths) to ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Crockpot pork chops, ranch seasoning pork chops, slow cooker pork chops recipe, pork and potatoes crockpot, easy slow cooker dinner

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