This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is the perfect balance messiness and flavor, which means it visits the menu quite often, be it, on busy weeknights or slow weekends. This dish, with tender pork chops and perfectly cooked red potatoes seasoned with the savory tang of ranch seasoning, is a hearty, comforting meal that almost cooks itself.
The taste is mouthwatering, and the secret to it lies in a creamy ranch seasoning mixture, spiced up with just a bit of apple cider vinegar to balance it and enriched with olive oil to keep it moist and full of flavor. Adding cubes of butter keeps the pork juicy, while imparting richness to the potatoes.
Sear the pork chops for extra flavor, if you’d like, or let the slow cooker do its thing from start to finish — either way, you’ll end up with something both deeply satisfying and easy to prepare. Based on crockpot dinner that is delicious and easy — just plate up right from the crokpot!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A one-pot wonder, this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is quick to put together and just as tasty! It’s ready with tender, juicy pork chops and creamy, flavor-packed potatoes, and it’s great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The seasoning, butter, and olive oil make them so richly flavored, it’s unbelievably good! Bonus: the slow cooker does the work for you, leaving you with a little cleanup and a lot of happy.
Key Ingredients
Red Potatoes: These waxy potatoes, which are quartered, hold their shape in cooking while soaking up the flavorful ranch seasoning and butter.
Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops: Both kinds work beautifully! Boneless pork chops are fast to cook and easy to eat, bone-in chops bring additional flavor and richness to the plate.
Olive Oil: A half cup of olive oil serves as the base for the ranch seasoning mixture, which keeps the potatoes and pork chops moist and flavorful.
Dry Ranch Seasoning: The star ingredient! This seasoning mixture packs a tangy, herby wallop that makes simple pork chops and potatoes spectacular.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just two teaspoons create a tang that offsets the richness of the butter and seasoning.
Butter: The butter, cubed, melts into the dish, permeating the potatoes and pork chops with creamy, buttery goodness.
The full list of ingredients with amounts and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-By-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash the red potatoes well and cut them into four quarters in even sizes, so they all cook through evenly. If using bone-in pork chops, your cook time may differ slightly due to the bone.
(Optional) Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil for depth of flavor. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown crust. Move the seared pork chops to a plate and reserve.
Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning and 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, whisking until thoroughly mixed. This combination will be the flavor coating for the potatoes and pork chops.
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Arrange the quartered potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. And place the pork chops on top of the potatoes. Evenly drizzle the ranch seasoning mixture over the top, then toss gently to coat the potatoes and the pork chops completely.
Add Butter:
Cut the butter into small cubes and scatter over the pork chops and potatoes. The butter will melt during the cook, enriching the flavors and ensuring that the meat stays moist.
Cook:
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook. High for about 3 hours, or low for 5–6 hours. The pork chops develop tenderness over the cooking time and the potatoes become fork tender while soaking in the juices.
Season to Taste:
If necessary, after cooking, taste the dish and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Lightly mix to blend the flavors before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes dish is a hearty, stand-alone meal, but serving it with the right sides can really elevate it:
Steamed Green Beans: A fresh, crunchy side to provide a bit of color and a little balance on the plate.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Just right for soaking up those delicious juices at the bottom of the crockpot.
Garden Salad: A crunchy, light salad would balance the rich meal with another hit of vinegar.
Corn on the Cob: A classic that’s always a winner.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Let the dish cool completely (this is important) and store the pork chops and potatoes in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in microwave or oven so as not to dry out pork.
Freezing Tips
For freezing, put the pork chops and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.
Variations
Cheesy Turn: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan on the dish during the last half hour of cooking for a cheesy boost.
Spicy Ranch: Stir in a bit of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
Herb Lover’s Delight: Don’t be shy with the fresh herbs; parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra bright flavor.
Creamy ranch: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Vegetable Medley: For an even heartier meal, add baby carrots or quartered onions to the potatoes.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish that is so easy, yet makes a big impact on flavor. Ranch seasoning, butter and juicy pork chops with ooey gooey potatoes = family favorite! Whether you want a comforting weeknight meal or something to please a crowd, this recipe delivers. Serve with your preferred sides, and enjoy the delicious outcome!
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.