Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops Without a Seasoning Packet
These Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops are slow cooked with onions, mushrooms, garlic, and a simple homemade ranch blend. The cooking liquid is finished with cream cheese, a small amount of heavy cream, and xanthan gum to make a rich mushroom gravy.
This is a THM S, low carb meal that does not rely on a packaged ranch seasoning mix. All of the exact amounts and directions are in the recipe card, but these tips will help you get the best texture and flavor.
Why Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops Work Best
Thick-cut bone-in pork chops are the best choice for this slow cooker recipe. They hold up better during the long cooking time and stay more tender than thin or boneless chops.
The recipe uses four chops weighing about three pounds total. Since pork chops can vary quite a bit in size, the number of portions may also vary.
Is Searing the Pork Chops Necessary?
Searing is optional, but it adds color and another layer of flavor. Patting the pork dry first helps it brown instead of steaming in the skillet.
If you need to simplify the prep, you can skip the searing step and place the seasoned pork directly into the slow cooker. The finished chops will not have the same browned exterior, but the slow cooker will still do the main work.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Adds Fresh Flavor
This recipe gets its ranch flavor from dried herbs and pantry seasonings rather than a packet. Parsley, dill, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and optional chives create that familiar savory ranch profile while giving you control over what goes into the dish.
Half of the blend seasons the pork, while the rest flavors the cooking liquid. This helps carry the ranch flavor through both the meat and the gravy.
How the Creamy Mushroom Gravy Comes Together
The onions and mushrooms cook beneath the pork chops, where they absorb the seasoned cooking juices. After the pork is tender, the hot liquid is finished with softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Dijon mustard is optional, but it can add a little extra savory depth.
For the smoothest gravy:
– Soften and cube the cream cheese so it blends more easily.
– Remove the pork chops before stirring the gravy.
– Whisk the xanthan gum in gradually to help prevent clumps.
– Give the gravy a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Only a small amount of xanthan gum is needed. The gravy will also thicken slightly as it cools, so avoid adding extra too quickly.
Slow Cooker Tips for Tender Ranch Pork Chops
A few practical details make a difference with crockpot pork chops:
– Use a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker so the ingredients fit comfortably.
– Arrange the onions and mushrooms beneath the chops as directed in the recipe card.
– Cook on LOW for the specified time rather than substituting thin chops, which can dry out more easily.
– Keep the pork warm while you finish the gravy, then return it to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over the top.
What to Serve with Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
For a complete THM S, low carb meal, pair the pork chops and mushroom gravy with:
– Cauliflower mash
– Roasted vegetables
– Green beans
– A fresh salad
Cauliflower mash is especially useful when you want something to serve beneath the creamy mushroom gravy. Green beans or a salad add a fresh, simple contrast to the rich sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Bone-in chops are recommended because thick-cut bone-in pork chops stay more tender in the slow cooker. Thin or boneless chops may not hold up as well during the full cooking time. I would cook for less time, even if using thinner bone-in pork chops. Thicker chops will take longer to cook and hold up a little better.
Can I skip searing the pork chops?
Yes. Searing adds flavor and color, but the recipe notes that it can be skipped when needed.
Do I need a ranch seasoning packet?
No. This recipe uses a homemade ranch seasoning blend made with dried herbs and common seasonings.
Why is my gravy still a little thin?
The xanthan gum needs several minutes to thicken the hot gravy. It will also continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Add the xanthan gum slowly and whisk well, since a little goes a long way.
Is the Dijon mustard required?
No. The Dijon mustard is optional, so you can leave it out if you prefer.
A Practical THM S, Low Carn Slow Cooker Dinner
These Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops combine tender bone-in pork with mushrooms, onions, homemade ranch seasoning, and creamy gravy. With no seasoning packet needed and only a short hands-on prep time, this is a practical option when you want a comforting THM S dinner from the slow cooker.
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy- THM S (No Packet Needed)
Ingredients
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill weed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried chives optional
For the Pork Chops
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops about 3 lbs total
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp butter for searing
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard optional
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum for thickening the gravy
- Fresh parsley or chives for serving (optional)
- —
Instructions
- Prepare the ranch seasoning. Mix together the parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chives. Set aside.
- Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the homemade ranch seasoning. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. (This step adds flavor but can be skipped if needed.)
- Sear the pork chops a few minutes on each side.
- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker. Place the seared pork chops on top.
- Whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, and remaining ranch seasoning. Pour over the pork chops.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Remove cooked pork chops to a plate.
- Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and keep warm. Stir the softened cream cheese into the hot cooking liquid until smooth. Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, if using. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum while whisking well to prevent clumps. Allow the gravy to thicken for several minutes. Return the pork chops to the slow cooker and spoon the gravy over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve with your favorite THM S sides. I used dried parsley.
Notes
* I used **4 bone-in pork chops weighing about 3 pounds total**. Depending on the size of your chops, serving sizes may vary.
* I made this with **homemade ranch seasoning instead of a packet** for better ingredient control and a fresher flavor.
* I reduced the cream from many similar recipes and used only **2 tablespoons of heavy cream**. The gravy is still rich and creamy thanks to the cream cheese, mushrooms, and flavorful cooking juices.
* I used **¼ teaspoon xanthan gum** to help thicken the gravy. Add it slowly while whisking because a little goes a long way.
* The gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
* For a complete THM S, Low carb meal, serve with cauliflower mash, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad.
