Pork cutlets are a quick, easy and budget-friendly dinner option. But dry, overcooked pork can ruin a meal The good news is that by using a crock pot, you can cook pork cutlets to tender, juicy perfection every time.
In this article, I’ll explain how to choose the right cut of pork, prepare and season the meat, and use your crock pot to achieve mouth-wateringly delicious pork cutlets. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to serve up juicy, flavorful pork cutlets that your family will love.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The first step is selecting the right cut of pork for crock pot cooking. The best options are:
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Pork loin chops – Pork loin chops are cut from the loin section and are tender and lean. Opt for chops that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
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Boneless pork chops – These chops from the loin or shoulder are thick and will remain moist during slow cooking Get chops at least 1 inch thick.
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Pork tenderloin – Whole or sliced pork tenderloin cooks up extremely tender and works well
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Pork shoulder steaks – Cut from the shoulder, these affordable steaks have great flavor. Choose steaks 1-2 inches thick.
Thin cutlets or chops under 1/2 inch thick aren’t ideal as they will likely dry out. Focus on thicker chops, steaks or roasts for the best results.
Prepping the Pork
Take a few minutes to prep the pork before cooking:
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Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture prevents boiling.
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Trim off any excess fat to prevent greasiness. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavor and moisture.
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Pound the meat gently with a meat mallet if the pieces are uneven in thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
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Season the pork well on both sides with salt, pepper and other spices or herbs if desired.
Choosing a Flavorful Liquid
The liquid ingredients you add to the crock pot play a key role in keeping pork cutlets moist and adding flavor. Here are some tasty options:
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Chicken or beef broth – Use low sodium varieties for the best flavor.
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Condensed cream soups – Mushroom, celery or cream of chicken all work well.
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Barbecue sauce – For pulled pork flavor.
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Marinara sauce – For Italian-seasoned pork.
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Apple cider or juice – Provides a subtle sweetness.
Aim for 1 to 1 1/2 cups of liquid total per 3 to 4 pork chops or about 1 pound of meat.
Layering the Ingredients
Layering the ingredients correctly in the crock pot results in even cooking and full flavor:
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Pour a small amount of the liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Place the seasoned pork pieces down in a single layer if possible.
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Pour the remaining liquid over the meat.
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Add any additional ingredients like sliced onions, garlic, diced apple or seasoning mix.
Low, Slow Cooking
The key to juicy crock pot pork is low, slow cooking. Follow these tips:
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Cook on the low setting for best results. High can cause overcooking.
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Allow 7-9 hours for bone-in chops, 5-7 hours for boneless or tenderloins.
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Pork should easily shred apart when fully cooked.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pork should reach 145°F.
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Avoid lifting the lid which extends cooking time.
Finishing Touches
Before serving, you can finish the pork to intensify flavors:
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Remove the pork and keep warm.
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Turn the crock pot to high and simmer the liquid to reduce and thicken.
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Mix together a slurry of cornstarch and water. Whisk into the sauce to help thicken.
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Stir in a pat of butter or cream for extra richness.
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Pour the gravy over the pork or serve on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot pork cutlets pair nicely with a variety of sides:
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Mashed potatoes or rice – The perfect base to soak up the yummy gravy.
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Roasted vegetables – Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower.
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Salad – A green salad balances out the richness.
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Biscuits or rolls – Great for sopping up extra gravy.
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Applesauce – Offers a hint of sweetness with the pork.
So don’t be afraid to cook up pork in the slow cooker. With the right cut, seasoning and cooking method, you’ll have tender and mouthwatering pork cutlets in no time. Try out a recipe and see how easy it is!
Sample Crock Pot Pork Cutlet Recipes
To get you started, here are a couple delicious sample recipes for cooking pork cutlets in the crock pot:
Crock Pot Savory Pork Cutlets
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 packets dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Grease crock pot with cooking spray. Place pork chops inside.
- In a bowl, mix together mushroom soup and onion soup mix packets. Pour over pork chops.
- Pour chicken broth over top.
- Cook on low heat setting for 4-6 hours until pork is very tender.
- Serve pork cutlets with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles.
Easy Italian Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Place pork chops in crock pot and top with onion, garlic and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, mix together marinara sauce and water. Pour over pork.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Remove chops and shred meat. Return to crock pot and stir into sauce.
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles or polenta.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to cooking pork in the crock pot, you may have a few questions. Here are some common FAQs:
What size crock pot do I need?
For 3-4 pork chops, a 5-6 quart slow cooker is sufficient. For larger quantities or a whole pork tenderloin, use a 6-7 quart size.
Can I prep the night before?
Absolutely! Get everything assembled in the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop the chilled crock into the heated base and turn on.
Do I need to add liquid during cooking?
No, the pork will release juices and liquids won’t evaporate from a closed crock pot. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
My crock pot doesn’t have a low setting?
That’s ok! Use the high setting and reduce total cook time by 2-3 hours. Check pork early and continue cooking if needed.
Can I substitute boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can swap boneless chicken breasts for the pork. Cook for 4-6 hours on low until chicken is 165°F.
Get Creative with Your Own Crock Pot Pork Dishes
Once you get the basic method down, feel free to get creative with spices, sauces and ingredients. Try bbq sauce, Italian dressing or ranch seasoning for new flavors. Stir in vegetables like onions, peppers, potatoes or Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless for making tasty crock pot pork cutlet dishes your whole family will love.