Sweet potatoes and pork chops are a match made in culinary heaven. Their natural sweetness and savory flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. This crock-pot recipe makes tender, juicy pork chops and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with minimal effort. Let's dive into the delicious details!
Why Use a Crock-Pot for This Recipe?
The crock-pot is the perfect appliance for this recipe because it allows the pork chops and sweet potatoes to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in incredibly tender meat and melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes. The low and slow cooking method also infuses the flavors throughout the dish, creating a depth of taste that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Plus, it's hands-off cooking at its finest – set it and forget it!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Pork Chops: Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-1.5 inches thick. Aim for about 2-3 pounds total.
- Sweet Potatoes: 2-3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. The amount can be adjusted to your preference.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Broth: 1 cup chicken or pork broth. You can also use apple cider for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs and spices you enjoy. Consider adding a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired spices.
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Layer in the Crock-Pot: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crock-pot. Arrange the pork chops on top of the onion and garlic. Place the cubed sweet potatoes around the pork chops.
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Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour the chicken or pork broth (or apple cider) over the ingredients. You can add a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
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Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
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Serve: Serve the sweet potatoes and pork chops hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the crock-pot: Ensure there's enough space between the ingredients for even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked through to the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add apples: Diced apples add a lovely sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Use different root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash can be used in place of or in addition to sweet potatoes.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
While you can use frozen sweet potatoes, they may require a longer cooking time. It's best to thaw them completely before adding them to the crock-pot to ensure even cooking.
What if my pork chops are thin?
If you're using thinner pork chops, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Check them frequently with a meat thermometer.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. The cooking time will be significantly shorter, typically around 20-25 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
What are some side dishes that pair well with this?
This dish pairs perfectly with simple green salads, steamed green beans, or crusty bread.
This crock-pot sweet potato and pork chop recipe is a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender pork chops and sweet potatoes create a flavorful combination that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
