Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Apple Pie Pork Chops bring together tender pork, sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a savory touch of soy sauce in one simple dinner. This recipe works well on busy days because the slow cooker handles most of the cooking while the sauce turns rich and comforting.
I first made this dish on a cold weeknight when the house felt too quiet and dinner needed to be simple. A few pork chops sat in the fridge, and a can of apple pie filling waited in the pantry. As the slow cooker warmed, the kitchen filled with the cozy scent of apples and cinnamon. By dinnertime, the pork turned tender, and the sauce tasted sweet, savory, and familiar. Everyone went back for extra sauce over mashed potatoes, and the recipe quickly became a dependable family favorite.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Lay the pork chops in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker, allowing slight overlap if needed.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the apple pie filling, applesauce, soy sauce, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the pork chops, covering each chop with apples and sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the pork is tender and reaches 145°F.
- Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed. Serve pork chops topped with warm apple sauce.
Notes
Why This Recipe Works
Sweet and Savory Balance
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Apple Pie Pork Chops taste comforting because each ingredient has a clear job. Apple pie filling gives the dish sweetness and body. Meanwhile, applesauce smooths the sauce and helps it coat the pork. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, so the meal does not taste like dessert.
Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the meat. Garlic powder brings a gentle savory flavor that blends into the sauce. As a result, every bite tastes cozy, balanced, and satisfying.
Beginner-Friendly Cooking
This recipe suits beginners because it uses simple steps. First, spray the slow cooker. Then, place the pork chops inside. After that, mix the sauce and spoon it over the meat.
Because the slow cooker cooks gently, the pork becomes tender without constant checking. However, use a meat thermometer near the end. Pork chops should reach 145°F before serving.
Ingredients and Helpful Tips
What You Need
For Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Apple Pie Pork Chops, use 4 boneless pork chops, 1 can or jar of apple pie filling, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Choose pork chops about 1 inch thick. Thinner chops may cook faster, so check them earlier. Also, unsweetened applesauce keeps the sauce from becoming too sugary.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Bone-in pork chops also work well. However, they usually need about 30 extra minutes on LOW. For a tangier flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar.
For less sweetness, use half the apple pie filling and add extra applesauce with a splash of chicken broth. For extra fall flavor, add a small pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
How to Assemble
Lightly spray a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Next, place the pork chops in a single layer. The edges can overlap slightly, but keep them mostly flat so they cook evenly.
In a medium bowl, stir together the apple pie filling, applesauce, soy sauce, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Then, spoon the apple mixture evenly over the pork chops. Cover each chop with apples and sauce.
How Long to Cook
Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Since slow cookers vary, check tenderness near the end.
Once the pork reaches 145°F, taste the sauce. Add a small pinch of salt only if needed. Then, serve the pork chops with plenty of warm apple sauce spooned over the top.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Best Side Dishes
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Apple Pie Pork Chops taste great with mashed potatoes because the sauce soaks in beautifully. Buttered egg noodles and white rice also work well.
For a fresh side, serve steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a tossed salad. Dinner rolls or crusty bread help scoop up the extra sauce. For brightness, add coleslaw or pickles on the side.
Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pork and sauce together so the meat stays moist.
To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQ
Can I use frozen pork chops?
Use thawed pork chops for the best texture and safer, more even cooking.
Can I make this less sweet?
Yes. Use half the apple pie filling, add more applesauce, and include a splash of chicken broth.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes. Add about 30 minutes to the LOW cook time and check for 145°F.
What can I serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, green beans, broccoli, salad, or rolls all pair well.
Can I add onions?
Yes. Thinly sliced onions add savory flavor and cook down nicely under the apple sauce.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Apple Pie Pork Chops make a warm, easy dinner with very little prep. The sweet apple sauce, tender pork, cinnamon, soy sauce, and garlic powder create a simple meal that feels comforting without extra work. Serve it over potatoes, noodles, or rice, and save the leftovers for another cozy plate the next day.
