Not Yo’ Mama’s Italian Style Pork Chops
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
Dive into a dish that takes the classic flavors of Italy and transforms them into a mouthwatering experience with just a little bit of help from your crockpot. These Italian-style pork chops are braised in a rich and flavorful sauce that melds beautifully with the tender meat. Serve this dish over a bed of cooked noodles or rice, or even better, alongside a loaf of crusty Italian bread that’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce. To complement this savory dish, consider enjoying it with a glass of Chianti wine—its robust flavor pairs exceptionally well with the richness of the pork chops. 🍷🍞
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork Chops
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. This step will help to lock in the juices and add a delicious sear to the chops. -
Assemble the Crockpot
Transfer the browned pork chops to the bottom of your crockpot. They will serve as the base for the flavorful sauce and vegetables that follow. -
Layer the Vegetables
Spread the sliced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and quartered artichoke hearts evenly over the pork chops in the crockpot. These vegetables will not only add a depth of flavor but also a delightful texture to the dish. -
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, brown sugar, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir well to blend all the ingredients together into a cohesive sauce. -
Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops and vegetables in the crockpot. The sauce will infuse the pork chops and vegetables with a robust Italian flavor as it cooks. -
Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on high for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or on low for 5 to 8 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Depending on your crockpot model, the cooking times may vary, so be sure to check for doneness. The pork should be tender and easily shred with a fork. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork chops are ready, serve them with cooked noodles, rice, or a generous slice of crusty Italian bread. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra red pepper flakes over the top before serving. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 514.7
- Fat: 25.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Cholesterol: 137.3 milligrams
- Sodium: 734.5 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 26.6 grams
- Fiber: 11 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Protein: 46.1 grams
This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. The combination of savory pork, tangy tomato sauce, and vibrant vegetables creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this Italian-inspired dish and let your crockpot do the work for you! 🍽️🍲
