Ranch Crock Pot Pork Chops and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

There’s a certain magic that happens when simple, humble ingredients transform into something truly comforting and delicious. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a recipe variation for crock pot pork chops that promised a creamy, savory sauce. It was one of those evenings where the day had been long, and the idea of a fuss-free, flavorful meal felt like a culinary lifeline. The allure of tender pork chops bathed in a rich ranch-infused gravy, served alongside velvety mashed potatoes, was irresistible. This dish quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings, a testament to its satisfying simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy and pork)

Ingredients

For the Ranch Crock Pot Pork Chops:

• 6 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
• 10 ounces cream of chicken soup

For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 5 tablespoons butter, not margarine
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh grated
• 6 cloves roasted garlic (directions below)
• 1 – 1 ½ cup skim milk, warmed
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 1 bulb garlic

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized crock pot (slow cooker)
• Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small bowl (for mashing garlic)
• Serving plates

Instructions

Let’s get this comforting meal started! The beauty of this dish lies in its dual approach: one part slow-cooked to tender perfection, and the other part whipped into creamy, garlicky bliss.

Preparing the Roasted Garlic

First, let’s tackle the aromatic foundation for our mashed potatoes. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharp bite into a sweet, nutty essence that will elevate your mash to an entirely new level.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Take a bulb of garlic. Keep the skins on the cloves for this step.
3. Lightly wrap the entire garlic bulb in aluminum foil.
4. Place the foil-wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.
5. Once the hour is up, carefully remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
6. After cooling, remove the roasted garlic from its skins.
7. Place the softened cloves into a small bowl. Mash the garlic with a fork until it is completely mashed into a smooth paste. Set aside. You should have enough mashed roasted garlic from one bulb for your recipe.

Cooking the Ranch Crock Pot Pork Chops

This is where the magic of slow cooking truly shines, transforming even tougher cuts of pork into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

1. In a medium-sized crock pot, place the 6 pork chops.
2. Sprinkle the 1 ounce of ranch dressing mix evenly over the pork chops.
3. Pour the 10 ounces of cream of chicken soup over the ranch dressing mix and pork chops.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 4 hours, or on low heat for 6 hours. The pork chops should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable when done.

Making the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

While the pork is slowly braising, we’ll whip up the creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes.

1. Place the 4 lbs of potatoes, peeled and cubed, into a large pot.
2. Cover the potatoes with cold water.
3. Place the pot on the stovetop over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
4. Once the water is vigorously boiling, cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce them, indicating they are fork-tender.
5. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
6. Transfer the drained potatoes to the work bowl of a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer.
7. Mix the potatoes on low speed until they are mashed.
8. Add the 5 tablespoons of butter, the 1 cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese, and the 6 cloves of mashed roasted garlic to the mixer.
9. Gradually add 1 to 1 ½ cups of warmed skim milk, mixing as you go, until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Season with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer thinner mashed potatoes, continue to add more warmed milk, slowly, until your desired consistency is achieved.

Serving the Dish

The moment of truth! Bringing all these elements together is incredibly satisfying.

1. Scoop a generous portion of the Parmesan mashed potatoes onto each serving plate.
2. Top the mashed potatoes with the tender ranch pork chops.
3. Spoon the rich, creamy gravy from the crock pot over the pork chops and potatoes.
4. For a touch of freshness and color, garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pork Chop Thickness: While the recipe specifies 1/2 inch thick pork chops, you can use slightly thicker cuts. If you do, you might need to adjust the crock pot cooking time slightly to ensure they are fork-tender.
• Cream of Chicken Soup Substitution: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup is a good alternative that will still yield a delicious result.
• Garlic Roasting: For even more intense garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic bulb alongside the pork chops if your oven temperature allows, or roast it a day in advance and store the mashed garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Mashed Potato Consistency: The amount of milk needed for mashed potatoes can vary depending on the type of potato and how much moisture they retain after draining. Always add milk gradually to achieve your preferred creaminess.
• Make Ahead: The roasted garlic can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The mashed potatoes can also be made a few hours ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or gently reheated on the stovetop with a little extra milk.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately after preparation, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The creamy mashed potatoes are at their peak when freshly made, and the hot, saucy pork chops offer maximum comfort.

Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pork chops and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the pork chops and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave. For the mashed potatoes, reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy consistency, or microwave them. Be careful not to overheat the mashed potatoes, as they can become gummy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	792.8 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	35.5 g	54%
Saturated Fat	15.9 g	79%
Cholesterol	182 mg	60%
Sodium	1986.1 mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate	60.5 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	6.8 g	27%
Sugars	2.8 g	11%
Protein	56.8 g	113%

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a Lighter Option: While the recipe uses skim milk, you can experiment with a lighter version of cream of chicken soup or even a homemade sauce base if you’re looking to control sodium content.
• Herbaceous Twist: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or parsley directly into the mashed potatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crock pot with the pork chops.
• Dairy-Free Mash: While challenging to replicate the exact richness, you could experiment with a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or soy) and a vegan butter substitute for the mashed potatoes. The Parmesan cheese would also need to be replaced with a nutritional yeast blend for cheesy flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A: Yes, boneless pork chops can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed, ensuring they are cooked through and tender.

Q: How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out in the crock pot?
A: Ensure the crock pot is not overfilled and the lid is sealed properly. The cream of chicken soup and ranch mix will create a moist environment, and cooking on low heat for a longer duration generally yields more tender results.

Q: My mashed potatoes seem a little gluey, what did I do wrong?
A: Overmixing can release too much starch from the potatoes, leading to a gluey texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the potatoes are mashed. Using a stand mixer on low speed or a potato ricer can help prevent this.

Q: Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or gently reheat them on the stovetop with a little extra milk or butter.

Q: How long will the roasted garlic last if I make it in advance?
A: Mashed roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This Ranch Crock Pot Pork Chops and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to a cozy, delicious experience. It’s the kind of dish that speaks of home, comfort, and the joy of simple pleasures. Whether you’re looking for a solution to a busy weeknight dinner dilemma or a reliable favorite for a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress. I encourage you to give it a try, savor the rich flavors, and perhaps even create your own cherished memories around this comforting plate. Feel free to share your thoughts and any delicious variations you discover. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.