Slow Cooker Southern Pork Chops and Butter Beans Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the presentation, serve the pork chops directly over a generous portion of the butter beans and spoon the thickened onion broth over the top. This ensures that every bite is packed with the savory flavors developed during the slow cooking process.

If the sauce is thinner than desired, it can be reduced in a saucepan for a few minutes after removing the pork, though the natural juices are typically perfect as is.

Consider the size of your slow cooker when choosing the number of pork chops. A 4-quart or 6-quart cooker is ideal for this recipe, as it allows the ingredients to fit comfortably without being packed too tightly.

Using a larger slow cooker than necessary is generally better than one that is too small, as it allows for better air circulation and more consistent results across the entire dish for a perfect, tender outcome.

Variations

• Spicy Pork and Beans: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the onion soup mix. This provides a gentle heat that complements the savory broth and enhances the richness of the butter beans.
• Herbed Pork and Beans: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary during the seasoning step. The woody herbs add a fragrant depth to the onion broth, creating a more rustic and aromatic profile that pairs perfectly with the tender pork chops.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water until warmed through to at least 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the pork from drying out. Place the container in the refrigerator promptly, ensuring it has cooled for no more than two hours after cooking. Properly stored, the pork chops and butter beans will remain flavorful and safe to consume for up to three days, making them an excellent option for quick and easy meals later in the week.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process as directed, allowing for a fresh, hot dinner ready at the end of the day.

Serving ideas

Serve these tender pork chops hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or steamed greens to complement the savory onion broth. The creamy butter beans act as a substantial side dish on their own, absorbing the rich juices from the pork. For a classic Southern presentation, plate the pork chop on top of a generous scoop of the beans, ensuring a balance of meat and legumes in every serving.

When plating, spoon the remaining onion-infused broth from the slow cooker over the pork chops to keep them moist and flavorful. The soft, braised surface of the meat pairs beautifully with the tender beans, creating a comforting texture contrast.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm, as the sauce is at its peak consistency and the pork is at its most tender state right after the resting period.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Southern Pork Chops and Butter Beans

Prep 5 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 count bone-in pork chops
• 2 cups butter beans
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in pork chops into the base of the slow cooker, fanning them out to ensure even cooking. Add the butter beans around the pork chops.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the pork chops and beans. Pour the chicken broth over the top of the ingredients to provide moisture for braising.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

780 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.