When the school year gets busy, a simple slow cooker supper can feel like a lifesaver, and this 5-ingredient pork dinner is the kind of meal that lets you get ahead without a lot of fuss. Raw boneless pork cutlets cook low and slow with a few pantry staples until they turn tender and flavorful, giving you a hearty main dish that feels comforting and filling on even the busiest weeknight.
This pork is especially good served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles so the sauce has something to soak into. For a complete family meal, add steamed green beans, roasted carrots, corn, or a crisp salad, and if you want to stretch the meal a little further, warm dinner rolls or thick slices of bread are always welcome at the table.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Back to School Feast
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 pounds raw boneless pork cutlets
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin film of oil if desired for easier cleanup. Arrange the raw boneless pork cutlets in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork cutlets, making sure each piece is covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
4. Once the pork is done, gently spoon some of the sauce over the top and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and your favorite vegetable on the side.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers very simple flavors, use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom and make sure the sauce is whisked extra smooth. Serving the pork over mashed potatoes can also make it more familiar and kid-friendly.
Add extra flavor: A little garlic powder, black pepper, or a spoonful of sour cream stirred into the sauce at the end can give this dish a richer taste without making it complicated. If you like a deeper savory flavor, a few sliced onions can be tucked around the pork before cooking.
Make the sauce thicker: If the finished sauce seems a little thin, remove the pork and whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
Change up the sides: This recipe is easy to turn into a full comfort-food plate with buttered noodles, rice pilaf, or even stuffing. A bright vegetable on the side helps balance the richness and makes the plate look especially inviting.