These Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops are tender, flavorful, and juicy every time! Plus, the recipe is incredibly simple to make. You just need to toss a few ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re having a casual family dinner or hosting guests, these pork chops are perfect for any occasion. They’re fancy enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
You won’t believe how amazing these Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops turn out. Seriously, they’re one of those recipes that make you feel like a gourmet chef, but they’re so simple to put together. Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of pork chops that have been slowly simmering in a sweet ‘n savory beer sauce all day. It’s a game-changer, especially for busy weeknights.
These Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops are tender and flavorful! The beer adds a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at a casual family dinner or impress your guests at a dinner party. The kids love it, my husband can’t get enough of it, and I’m always thrilled with how easy it is to make.
And let’s talk about that sauce—oh my goodness! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to the brown sugar and ketchup. It’s like a little magic potion that transforms everyday pork chops into something special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.
What I Love About This Recipe
Easy to Make and Oh-So-Yummy: This dish is super easy to make and oh-so-yummy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
Super Flavorful: The beer sauce is super flavorful, adding a rich, deep taste that enhances the pork chops perfectly. It’s a delightful combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooker method ensures that the pork chops absorb all the wonderful flavors and stay incredibly moist.
Perfect for Weeknights and Guests: These pork chops smothered in a sweet ‘n savory beer sauce are easy and quick for weeknights yet fancy enough for guests. It’s the best of both worlds—convenience and elegance.
Potential Cons Of The Recipe
The slow cooking process takes several hours, which might not suit those looking for a quick fix. Lastly, pork chops can sometimes dry out if not cooked properly.
Tips To Mitigate These Cons
For those in a hurry, prepping the ingredients the night before can save time. To avoid dry pork chops, make sure to use chops that are well marbled with a bit of fat throughout. Leaner cuts will not be as tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Pork Chops: Use thick-cut pork chops. You can use bone-in or boneless. Look for chops that are well-marbled with a bit of fat throughout. Leaner cuts will not be as tender. The best pork chops for the crock pot include tenderloin chops, blade chops, or sirloin chops.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the pork chops’ natural flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory note.
- Oil: For browning the pork chops before slow cooking.
- Ketchup: Provides sweetness and tanginess.
- One Beer: Adds depth and richness; use a lager or ale.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balances the sauce.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Season And Sear The Pork Chops
Season pork chops with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In the slow cooker or a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; brown chops on both sides. If you are short on time, skip this step. Place the browned pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook
Mix ketchup, beer, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker and cover. Cook on the LOW for 7 – 8 hours or HIGH heat setting for 3 – 4 hours, or until fork-tender. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a plate; cover to keep warm.
- Thicken The Sauce
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and water until well blended; stir into sauce in slow cooker. Return pork chops to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on a HIGH heat setting for 15 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve pork chops with the sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Season generously! Don’t be shy about salt and pepper when seasoning your pork chops. It’s the first step in adding flavor.
- Seat the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor.
- Use a good quality beer for the best results.
- Cook low and slow. Set the slow cooker to low heat for the best results. This allows the pork chops to cook slowly and evenly, breaking down the connective tissue and making them tender.
- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops in the Instant Pot: First, sear your pork chops by using the “sauté” feature on your Instant Pot. Then, add in your sauce, seal, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Release the pressure, then add in your cornstarch mixture to add thickness and enjoy!
Food Allergy Swaps
- For gluten allergies, ensure the beer is gluten-free or replace it with gluten-free broth.
Variations & Additions
- Add sliced onions and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pork chops over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but keep in mind they might cook faster and can be less tender than bone-in chops.
A lager or ale works great. Avoid using beers with very strong or bitter flavors.
The pork chops will have a rich, savory flavor with a subtle hint of beer. If you’re concerned about the beer taste being too strong, you can use a lighter beer or even dilute the beer with some broth. Conversely, if you want a stronger beer flavor, you can choose a more robust, darker beer.
The alcohol in the beer largely evaporates during the cooking process, especially with slow cooking. However, trace amounts of alcohol may remain. If you are cooking for kids or are concerned about the alcohol content, I highly recommend using a non-alcoholic beer.
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Recipe Card 📖
Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 – 8 pork chops (thick with bone-in is best)
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 bottle (330 ml) of beer (you can use your favorite non-alcoholic beer)
- 4 tablespoons (48 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
- fresh chopped parsley to garnish (optional)
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; brown chops on both sides, about 3 minutes each side. Transfer the browned pork chop to the slow cooker.
- Mix ketchup, beer and brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker and cover.
- Cook on LOW heat setting for 7 – 8 hours (preferred) or on HIGH for 3 – 4 hours, or until fork-tender. Remove pork chops from slow cooker, and place on a plate; cover to keep warm.
- In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and water until well blended; stir into sauce in slow cooker, whisking together until it’s completely smooth. This way, you don’t end up with a lumpy sauce. Return pork chops to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH heat setting for 15 minutes or until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve pork chops with the sauce.
- Season generously! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper when seasoning your pork chops. It’s the first step in adding flavor.
- Seat the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor.
- Use a good quality beer for the best results.
- Cook low and slow. Set the slow cooker to low heat for the best results. This allows the pork chops to cook slowly and evenly, breaking down the connective tissue and making them tender.
- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Slow Cooker Beer Pork Chops in the Instant Pot: First, sear your pork chops by using the “sauté” feature on your instant pot. Then, add in your sauce, seal, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Release the pressure, then add in your cornstarch mixture to add thickness and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
I will try this recipe, It is similar to what I have done in the past, with the addition of beer should enhance the flavor. Now, all you screwballs that are terrorized by the possibility of getting a drop of alcohol, I have news for you. When it boils the alcohol is gone. Its boiling point is less than water. In a crockpot, long gone.
Made these today in the slow cooker with 4 thick boneless pork chops. The only change I made was using Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning in place of the recommended spices. I used Negro Modelo beer because it’s the only dark beer I like to drink. Totally delicious and plenty of sauce was created. We both thought this would also make a fabulous pulled pork sandwich recipe!
Hello Lee! It sounds like you nailed it! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know.
This is delicious! I will prepare this evening for my partner. Thank you very much
Thanks for your interest in my recipe, Marco! Please come back and let me know how you like it. ?