Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these unbelievably creamy pork chops, perfectly slow-cooked to tender perfection. Smothered in a rich, tangy sauce infused with classic ranch seasoning and velvety cream cheese, this dish promises a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s an ideal main course for a cozy family dinner, pairing beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or savory rice-a-roni. Our crockpot pork chops with ranch dressing recipe truly delivers the creamiest, most succulent pork chops with minimal effort. Simply gather your ingredients, toss them into your slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a truly effortless, “set-it-and-forget-it” meal, and these crockpot ranch pork chops fit the bill perfectly. With just a handful of common pantry staples, you can conjure up incredibly juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops bathed in a savory, herb-packed cream sauce that melts in your mouth. This recipe wisely avoids relying on canned soups, instead crafting its luscious creamy base from rich cream cheese and evaporated milk, ensuring a smooth, decadent finish that elevates the entire dish.
The flavor profile of these slow cooker pork chops with ranch dressing is both wonderfully simple and surprisingly bold. The addition of ranch seasoning provides that quintessential blend of aromatic herbs and spices that America loves, while the gentle, prolonged cooking process of the slow cooker locks in every ounce of moisture, naturally enhancing the inherent flavor of the pork. A touch of butter and judicious seasoning go a long way in transforming this into a beloved family favorite. Remember to always verify doneness with a reliable meat thermometer; pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring both safety and optimal tenderness.
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Why You Will Love These Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
- It’s an Effortless “Dump-and-Go” Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of these crockpot ranch pork chops is their remarkable simplicity. This truly is a “dump-and-go” meal, requiring minimal hands-on time. You simply place your pork chops, along with the ranch seasoning and a rich creamy base, into your slow cooker, set the timer, and walk away. There’s no need for constant monitoring, tedious stirring, or endless flipping, making this recipe an absolute lifesaver for demanding weeknights or when you simply crave a delicious, hands-free cooking experience. Discover more of our best slow cooker recipes for similar convenience and flavor! - The Pork Chops Turn Out Exceptionally Tender & Juicy Every Time
Cooking pork chops in a slow cooker is a foolproof method for achieving unparalleled tenderness and juiciness. Unlike faster cooking methods like stovetop searing or oven baking, which can sometimes lead to dry or tough pork, the gentle, low-and-slow heat of the crockpot allows the meat fibers to break down gradually. This process ensures that the pork chops absorb all the rich, creamy ranch flavors, resulting in meat that is incredibly moist, fork-tender, and bursting with taste. Even thicker cuts, like bone-in pork chops, are transformed into melt-in-your-mouth perfection after just a few hours of slow cooking. - It’s a Crowd-Pleasing, Family-Friendly Meal
If your goal is to prepare a dinner that will delight everyone at the table, this crockpot ranch pork chops recipe is an undeniable winner. The creamy, ranch-infused sauce strikes a perfect balance of savory and herbaceous notes without ever being overwhelming, appealing to even the pickiest eaters. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes and fluffy rice to comforting buttered noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that both children and adults will eagerly devour. With its minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your regular meal rotation.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting these succulent creamy ranch pork chops requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients:
- Pork Chops: The star of our dish. For best results, refer to our pro tip below for guidance on selecting the ideal cut that will become wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.
- Evaporated Milk: This is key for creating our rich, creamy sauce. Evaporated milk is thicker and more concentrated than regular milk, and crucially, it’s far less likely to curdle under the slow cooker’s heat. If you don’t have it on hand, check our FAQs for easy substitutions using half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Packet: The iconic flavor base! You can easily find this dry seasoning mix in most grocery stores. For those who prefer a homemade touch or want to control ingredients, we’ve included instructions in the recipe notes for crafting your own blend.
- Chicken Bouillon: Adds an extra layer of savory depth and umami to the sauce, beautifully complementing the pork and ranch flavors. Chicken broth or stock can be used as a liquid substitute, though you might adjust the evaporated milk slightly.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that irresistibly smooth, tangy, and rich sauce. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for effortless blending at the end of the cooking process.
- Corn Starch (optional): This is your go-to ingredient if you desire a thicker, more gravy-like sauce. If you prefer a thinner, more pourable consistency, feel free to omit it.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Get creative and customize your creamy ranch pork chops with these delicious twists:
- Enhanced with Mushrooms or Onions: For an extra layer of earthy flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms or chopped onions in a pan with a bit of butter until softened and slightly caramelized before adding them to the slow cooker.
- A Zesty Brightness: A small splash of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end of cooking can brighten the rich, creamy sauce, adding a delightful zesty kick.
- Low-Carb Friendly Option: Easily transform this into a low-carb meal by serving the flavorful pork chops and sauce over fluffy cauliflower rice or creamy cauliflower mash instead of traditional rice or pasta.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning. Always remember to season with salt and black pepper to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Cheesy Indulgence: For an even richer, cheesier experience, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip: Selecting the Perfect Pork Chops
To ensure your pork chops emerge from the slow cooker incredibly tender and juicy, the secret lies in choosing the right cut of meat. Not all pork chops are created equal when it comes to slow cooking!
Lean cuts of pork chops are not recommended for this recipe. While lean cuts are great for quick searing, they lack the necessary fat and marbling to stay moist and tender during the long, slow cooking process. Using them will likely result in dry, tough pork. Instead, you should absolutely opt for a cut with a good amount of fat and marbling distributed throughout the meat. This fat renders down slowly, basting the meat from within and keeping it incredibly succulent.
Look for chops that are bone-in and thicker, ideally between 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. The bone not only adds flavor but also helps the chop retain moisture and cook more evenly. Key cuts to seek out at your butcher or grocery store include:
- Center Cut Pork Chops (sometimes labeled loin chops or rib chops, but ensure they have good marbling).
- Blade Chops (from the shoulder, excellent marbling and flavor).
- Shoulder Chops (also from the shoulder, very flavorful and good for slow cooking).
- Sirloin Chops (from the hip area, can be good if well-marbled).
If you’re unsure at the store, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher for “pork chops suitable for slow cooking.” They can guide you to the best options that will give you that melt-in-your-mouth Hidden Valley ranch pork in your slow cooker. For even more expert advice, check out our comprehensive post on how to tenderize pork.
Recommended Equipment for This Recipe
This recipe keeps kitchen equipment to a minimum, focusing on efficiency and ease:
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): The essential tool for this “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. A 6-quart slow cooker is typically ideal for this quantity of pork chops.
- Medium Bowl: Used for whisking together the creamy sauce base before adding it to the slow cooker.
How to Master Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
This delightful creamy pork chops recipe is renowned for its “dump and go” simplicity. What exactly does “dump and go” mean? It signifies that all the ingredients are simply placed into the crock of your slow cooker, the cooking time is set, and then you can confidently leave the Crockpot unattended to work its culinary magic. There’s absolutely no need for any preliminary cooking steps, such as searing the pork chops in a large skillet on the stovetop, making this recipe incredibly convenient and truly hands-off.
For those in search of a highly-rated and reliable slow cooker, the model I personally use boasts several features that enhance the cooking experience:
- It includes a lid equipped with convenient locking latches, which are incredibly useful for safely transporting the crock pot to gatherings like potlucks and barbecues. This design also ensures excellent heat retention during both cooking and warming cycles.
- The unit features a built-in probe thermometer that accurately indicates when your roast or meal has reached its perfect internal temperature, automatically switching to a warm mode once done.
- Being a digital slow cooker, once the main cooking cycle concludes, it intelligently defaults to a warm setting. This keeps your delicious food at the ideal serving temperature until you’re ready to enjoy your meal, providing ultimate flexibility.
Prepare the Meat in 3 Easy Steps
Achieving the most mouthwatering ranch pork chops in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these three simple steps for perfect results:
- First, carefully place your chosen pork chops into the crock of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. In a separate medium bowl, combine the evaporated milk, the entire packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning, and the chicken bouillon. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Next, pour this fragrant evaporated milk mixture evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated. Securely cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and allow it to cook for approximately 3-5 hours. The precise cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and your slow cooker’s efficiency.
- Once the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145ºF (which you should verify with a reliable meat thermometer), carefully remove them from the slow cooker and transfer them to a plate, tenting them with foil to keep warm. Add the softened cream cheese directly to the hot sauce remaining in the Crockpot. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese completely melts and is thoroughly incorporated, creating a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce. If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry with cornstarch as described in the recipe card notes. Return the pork chops to the pot if not serving immediately, and keep on the warm setting.
What if I want to sear the meat first?
While this recipe is designed as a convenient “dump and go” meal, for those with a little extra time, considering searing the pork chops beforehand can elevate the dish significantly. Searing offers two main benefits: first, it creates a beautiful, appetizing golden-brown crust on the exterior of the meat, enhancing its visual presentation. Second, and perhaps more importantly, searing locks in additional flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface, adding a delicious depth that’s hard to resist. If you choose to sear, do so in a hot skillet with a little oil for a minute or two per side until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker to proceed with the recipe.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip: The Magic of Low and Slow
For the absolute best results with this recipe, I cannot stress enough the importance of cooking your pork chops on the LOW setting in your Crockpot. This “low and slow” approach is crucial, especially when working with the appropriately marbled chops we discussed earlier. The sustained, gentle heat allows the intramuscular fat within the pork to slowly render down, continuously basting the meat and preventing it from drying out. This meticulous process ensures that your pork chops remain incredibly tender, wonderfully juicy, and infused with maximum flavor. Trust the low setting; it’s the secret to succulent success.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
These creamy ranch pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic comforting dinner, serve them generously over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, soft egg noodles, your favorite pasta, or fluffy white rice. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with any of these starchy accompaniments.
If you’re looking for lighter or lower-carb options, consider serving the pork chops and their delicious sauce alongside creamy cauliflower mash or flavorful riced cauliflower. They also complement crisp, vibrant roasted vegetables beautifully; think tender-crisp green beans, steamed broccoli florets, glazed carrots, or a simple, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette. To add a final touch of elegance and freshness, garnish your finished dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Complete your balanced meal with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade, and for dessert, a warm fruit crumble or cobbler would be a perfect sweet ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand or simply prefer an alternative, you can still make this easy pork chop recipe creamy and delicious with a few simple swaps:
– Half-and-half: Use 10 ounces of half-and-half for a similar creamy consistency.
– Heavy cream: 10 ounces of heavy cream will provide an even richer, more luxurious sauce.
– Regular milk: If only regular milk is available, you’ll need to simmer and reduce 16 ounces down to approximately 10 ounces to achieve the necessary thickness and concentrated flavor. This step should be done on the stovetop before adding to the slow cooker.
To adapt this crockpot Hidden Valley ranch pork chops recipe for a keto diet, simply make the following adjustments:
– Eliminate corn starch: Do not use corn starch for thickening the sauce, as it contains carbohydrates.
– Adjust evaporated milk or add more cream cheese: Decrease the amount of evaporated milk to 7 ounces, or for an even richer and thicker keto-friendly sauce, increase the amount of cream cheese. The cream cheese will naturally thicken the sauce without adding carbs.
Store any leftover creamy ranch pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Due to the dairy-based, creamy sauce, we generally do not recommend freezing this pork chops recipe, as the sauce’s texture can change upon thawing.
Craving More Easy & Comforting Dinners? Here are some other family favorites to try:
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Quarters: Flavorful and smoky, perfect for your grill.
- Meatballs in Spicy Sauce: A zesty twist on a classic comfort food.
- Breaded Lemon Chicken: Crispy, tangy, and always a hit.
- Taco Stuffed Peppers: A healthy and fun way to enjoy taco night.
If you tried this ranch pork chops with cream cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback helps others discover delicious meals! Thanks for visiting!
Creamy Pork Chops
Renae Gerhardstein
These creamy pork chops are rich, tender, and full of flavor! Make crockpot pork chops with ranch dressing in just a few easy steps.
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- crock pot (slow cooker)
- medium bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork chops bone-in or boneless, 3/4″ – 1″ thick, and well-marbled
- 10 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix (dried seasoning, see notes for making your own)
- 2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning or 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place pork chops in the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, dry ranch seasoning, and bouillon until smooth.
- Pour the evaporated milk mixture over the pork chops. Set Crockpot to low setting and cook for 3-5 hours. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF. For the most tender and juicy pork, do not overcook them. (In my slow cooker, 1″ pork chops typically take about 3 1/2 hours).
- Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a plate. Add the softened cream cheese to the Crockpot, and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. To thicken the cream sauce further (if needed), mix 2 tablespoons of cold water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the cream sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened to your desired consistency. If not serving immediately, return the chops to the slow cooker and keep on the warm setting until ready to serve.
Notes
- Well-marbled bone-in or boneless pork chops, 3/4″ – 1″ thick, will yield the best results. Look for center cut, sirloin chops, blade steaks, or loin chops.
- I recommend cooking this on the low setting in the Crockpot. Cooking chops low and slow allows the fat to keep the meat tender and juicy, ensuring the absolute best results.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix: If you prefer to make your own dry ranch seasoning, combine: 2 Tablespoons buttermilk powder (optional), 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried dill. Use 1-2 tablespoons of this mix in place of a packet.
- Recipe Variations:
- Add mushrooms or onions: Sauté them in a pan or skillet with a bit of butter first for extra flavor.
- Zesty kick: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta.
- Storing Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Due to the creamy, dairy-based sauce, I do not recommend freezing this pork chops recipe, as the texture may change.