If you are looking for a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting meal to warm your soul, this Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender pork chops, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and a rich, creamy gravy that melds all those tastes into pure magic. What makes this dish so special is how effortlessly the simple ingredients combine to create a luscious sauce, turning a weeknight dinner into something worth savoring. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together brilliantly. Each one adds a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or richness that you won’t want to skip.
- 2 lbs. pork chops (boneless): Choose thick-cut chops to ensure juicy, tender meat after cooking.
- 1 oz. dry ranch packet: This adds a delightful herb and spice blend that flavors the sauce deeply.
- 0.87 oz. brown gravy packet: Essential for that rich, velvety gravy that coats every bite.
- 12 oz. jar of sliced pepperoncini with juice: These give a perfect tangy kick and slight heat, balancing out the buttery richness.
- 1 stick/8 Tbsp butter: Butter is the secret ingredient that melts into the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
How to Make Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and quickly sear them for about a minute on each side. The goal here is to get a nice color on the meat surface to enhance flavor—not to cook them through at this stage.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer the browned pork chops to your slow cooker. Pour the entire jar of sliced pepperoncini along with all the juice on top of the meat. This juice will infuse the pork chops with that signature tangy zest.
Step 3: Add The Ranch, Gravy, and Butter
Sprinkle both the dry ranch and brown gravy packets evenly over the pork chops and peppers. Then, place the entire stick of butter on top. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it cook on low for 6 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the pork while the butter and seasoning meld into a luscious sauce.
How to Serve Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even more, try garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A few extra pepperoncini rings on top will also add texture and zestiness to each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up the delicious pepperoncini gravy. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad offer a fresh, crunchy counterpart to the rich main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pork chops over a bed of wild rice or even toasted garlic bread to mop up the sauce. You could also try layering the pork and gravy over roasted vegetables for a hearty one-pan style presentation that’s both rustic and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and pork chops together to retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place the pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chops can be used, but remember that they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender. Adjust your slow cooker time accordingly and be sure to check for doneness.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers provide a mild heat and tang, but if you can’t find them, banana peppers or mild pickled peppers offer a similar flavor profile as a substitute.
Is there a way to make this recipe faster?
While slow cooking is key for the tenderness and flavor, you could try using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot method for about 30 minutes on high, but the flavor deepens best with slow, low heat.
Can this recipe be made on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Although designed for the slow cooker, you could simmer everything gently on the stove in a covered pan for 1.5 to 2 hours, but watch the liquid level closely to avoid drying out the pork.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Cooked pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. In the slow cooker, 6 hours on low usually ensures they are tender and safely cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe is truly a gem that blends simplicity with mouthwatering flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a comfort meal without fuss, yet wants to impress with rich, layered taste. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing the warmth and joy it brings with the people you love.
Print
Mississippi Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mississippi Pork Chops recipe features tender, slow-cooked boneless pork chops smothered in a rich blend of ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs boneless pork chops
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
Other Ingredients
- 12 oz jar sliced pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Brown the Pork Chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chops. Quickly brown the pork chops for about 1 minute on each side just to develop some color without fully cooking them.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Arrange the browned pork chops in an 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the entire jar of sliced pepperoncini peppers along with the juice evenly over the pork chops.
- Add Seasonings and Butter: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning packet and brown gravy mix evenly over the pork chops and peppers. Place the stick of butter on top of the ingredients.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the low setting for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork chops to become tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the pork chops hot with the flavorful sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy your comforting Mississippi Pork Chops!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of the pepperoncini juice into the slow cooker before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the pork chops after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Using boneless pork chops helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
