This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. With tender pork chops and perfectly cooked red potatoes infused with the savory tang of ranch seasoning, this dish is a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself.
The secret to its mouthwatering taste lies in the creamy ranch seasoning mixture, enhanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar for balance and olive oil to keep everything moist and flavorful. Adding butter cubes ensures the pork stays juicy while lending richness to the potatoes.
Whether you sear the pork chops for extra flavor or let the slow cooker work its magic from start to finish, this dish delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Serve it up straight from the crockpot for a dinner that’s as delicious as it is effortless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious! With tender, juicy pork chops and creamy, flavor-packed potatoes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of dry ranch seasoning, butter, and olive oil creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Bonus: the slow cooker does all the work for you, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Key Ingredients
Red Potatoes: These waxy, quartered potatoes hold their shape during cooking while soaking up the flavorful ranch seasoning and butter.
Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops: Both options work beautifully! Boneless pork chops cook quickly and are easy to eat, while bone-in chops add extra flavor and richness to the dish.
Olive Oil: A half cup of olive oil acts as the base for the ranch seasoning mixture, ensuring the potatoes and pork chops stay moist and flavorful.
Dry Ranch Seasoning: The star ingredient! This seasoning blend delivers a tangy, herby punch that transforms simple pork chops and potatoes into something spectacular.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just two teaspoons add a subtle tang that balances the richness of the butter and seasoning.
Butter: Cubed butter melts into the dish, enriching the potatoes and pork chops with creamy, buttery goodness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash the red potatoes thoroughly and cut them into quarters, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking. If using bone-in pork chops, note that they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to the bones.
(Optional) Sear the Pork Chops:
For added depth of flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and set aside.
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Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning, and 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar until well combined. This mixture will act as the flavorful coating for both the potatoes and the pork chops.
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Place the quartered potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the pork chops on top of the potatoes. Drizzle the ranch seasoning mixture evenly over the top, tossing gently to ensure the potatoes and pork chops are well coated.
Add Butter:
Cut the butter into small cubes and scatter them over the pork chops and potatoes. As the dish cooks, the butter will melt, enriching the flavors and keeping the meat moist.
Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Choose the high setting for approximately 3 hours or the low setting for 5–6 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the pork chops become tender and the potatoes cook to perfection, absorbing all the rich flavors.
Season to Taste:
After cooking, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Gently stir to distribute the flavors evenly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is a hearty, standalone meal, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more special:
Steamed Green Beans: A fresh, crunchy side that adds color and balance to the plate.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Perfect for mopping up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the crockpot.
Garden Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Corn on the Cob: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely, then store the pork chops and potatoes in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the pork.
Freezing Tips
To freeze, place the cooked pork chops and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Variations
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy upgrade.
Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Herb Lover’s Delight: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a burst of freshness.
Creamy Ranch: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Vegetable Medley: Add baby carrots or quartered onions to the potatoes for an even heartier meal.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The savory combination of ranch seasoning, butter, and tender pork chops paired with creamy potatoes is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, this recipe has you covered. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delicious results!
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs red potatoes quartered
- 6 boneless pork chops 3/4 inch thick (or bone-in)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp butter cubed
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the red potatoes for uniform sizes. If using bone-in pork chops, account for slightly longer cooking time.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden-brown. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, dry ranch seasoning, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Place potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange pork chops on top. Drizzle the ranch seasoning mixture over everything, tossing gently to coat.
- Scatter cubed butter over the pork chops and potatoes. It will melt during cooking, enriching the dish.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours, until pork chops are tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Gently stir before serving.