Tender, Saucy & Full of Italian Flavor
These Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Italian Pork Chops are the kind of easy comfort-food dinner that makes busy evenings much simpler. With just three main ingredients, you can create tender, juicy pork chops coated in a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs.
The slow cooker does nearly all the work, allowing the pork to gently cook while the tomato sauce develops a savory, aromatic flavor. Serve these pork chops over pasta, mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or alongside crusty garlic bread for an effortless family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds bone-in pork chops, about 4 medium chops, 3/4- to 1-inch thick
- 1 (24-ounce) jar thick Italian-style tomato pasta sauce, preferably with basil and oregano
- 1 (0.7- to 1-ounce) packet dry Italian salad dressing and seasoning mix
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Trim away any large pieces of excess surface fat.
This helps prevent the sauce from becoming unnecessarily greasy during slow cooking.
2. Make the Italian Sauce
Pour the Italian-style tomato sauce into a medium bowl.
Add the dry Italian dressing and seasoning mix and whisk until thoroughly combined. The seasoning blend adds herbs and savory flavor without requiring a long list of spices.
3. Add the Pork Chops
Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
If necessary, the chops can slightly overlap, but avoid stacking them tightly whenever possible so the sauce can circulate around the meat.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the pork chops.
Use a spoon to spread the sauce across the tops, making sure the chops are well coated.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C):
- LOW: 4–6 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the slow cooker.
Avoid cooking lean pork chops substantially longer than necessary, as they can become dry.
6. Rest the Pork
Carefully transfer the cooked pork chops to a serving platter.
Let them rest for 3–5 minutes, then spoon some of the warm Italian tomato sauce over the top.
7. Serve
Serve the pork chops immediately with your favorite sides and plenty of the flavorful tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These saucy Italian pork chops are especially delicious served with:
- Spaghetti
- Penne pasta
- Egg noodles
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Creamy polenta
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Crisp garden salad
- Crusty garlic bread
The extra tomato sauce is perfect for spooning over pasta or dipping warm garlic bread.
Helpful Tips
Choose bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and can stay more tender during slow cooking.
Don’t skip drying the pork: Patting the chops dry helps the sauce adhere better.
Searing is optional: For deeper flavor, quickly brown the pork chops in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This isn’t necessary, but it adds another layer of savory flavor.
Watch the cooking time: Pork chops are leaner than pork shoulder, so they don’t need an extremely long cooking time.
Check the thickest part: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest chop to confirm it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Easy Variations
For a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the pork during the final few minutes of cooking.
You can also add sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or fresh spinach for extra vegetables.
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently until heated through. Store the pork and sauce together so the meat stays moist.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Italian Pork Chops are proof that a delicious homemade dinner doesn’t require a long ingredient list. Tender bone-in pork chops slowly simmer in a rich Italian tomato sauce, creating a comforting meal with very little hands-on effort.
Serve them with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, and let the flavorful sauce bring the whole meal together.