Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy [Instant Pot]

Since the beginning of the year, work has been full of long days. I usually start around 6am and get home around 5pm. By that point, I want nothing to do in the kitchen but dinner has to get on the table somehow. I’ve planned some prepared meals for the week, but even if I didn’t, my kitchen is fully stocked with enough ingredients to have a week night “Iron Chef” challenge with myself. It was one of those nights and I ended up throwing whatever I had in the IP… and before I knew it, dinner was ready.

These Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy came together in the same amount of time it took me to change into more comfortable clothes, help my son with homework and have a cup of tea! The dish itself was perfectly comforting with tender pork chops drenched in a rich mushroom gravy with a hint of bacon goodness.

Putting together this dish is easy in 3 steps. Saute, Pressure and Stir. Saute is exactly that; sauteing bacon, onion, garlic and mushrooms until softened, Pressure is adding seasoned pork chops into your Instant Pot and allowing it to come to pressure so it can do it’s magic.

And lastly, Stir is finishing up the dish with cream of mushroom soup (I used fat free but any kind will do). The soup gives the dish a richness combined with beef broth and natural juices from the pork to create a gravy.

About Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed by many generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States. It is where pork is a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes.

The term “smothered” refers to a cooking technique where the meat is cooked slowly in a covered pot, typically with vegetables and a flavorful liquid. This technique helps to create tender and juicy meat that is infused with the flavors of the cooking liquid.

The addition of mushroom gravy to the dish is a popular variation that adds an earthy flavor and richness to the dish. Mushrooms have long been a staple in Southern cooking. It is often used in dishes such as stews, casseroles, and gravies.

In terms of cultural significance, Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy is a dish that is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine. It has become a beloved comfort food for many people in the region. The dish is often served with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. Also, a staple at family gatherings, church dinners, and other community events.

In addition to its cultural significance, the dish also represents a fusion of African, European, and Native American culinary traditions. The use of pork, mushrooms and various spices and seasonings in the dish reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Southern cuisine over the centuries.

Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

original Joelen recipe

Yield: 4-6

Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 4-6 pork chops
• salt & pepper to tastes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup beef or bone broth
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 can (10.5 oz) low sodium or fat free cream of mushroom soup
• fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How To Make Smothered Pork Chops

1. Plug in the IP and hit SAUTE.
2. Add the bacon (if using), mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, onion and garlic. Cook until bacon starts to brown and the mushrooms and onions are translucent.
3. Season your pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
4. Once bacon starts to brown and onion is translucent, add the pork chops, broth and thyme.
5. Secure the lid of the IP and ensure the valve is set to SEALING.
6. Press CANCEL to stop the saute setting. Press MANUAL and adjust the time to the number of minutes below on HIGH pressure.
7. – Fresh thin, bone in – 3 minutes
   – Fresh thin, boneless – 2 minutes
   – Fresh average cut, bone in – 10 minutes
   – Fresh average cut, boneless – 7 minutes
   – Fresh thick, bone in – 12 minutes
   – Fresh thick, boneless – 10 minutes
   – Frozen thin, bone in – 7 minutes
   – Frozen thin, boneless – 5 minutes
   – Frozen average cut, bone in – 15 minutes
   – Frozen average cut, boneless – 12 minutes 
   – Frozen thick, bone in – 20 minutes
   – Frozen thick, boneless – 15 minutes
8. The display will reflect ON while the IP comes to pressure. Allow a few minutes for your IP to come to pressure.
9. Once at pressure, the display will reflect the number of minutes you initially set and will begin to countdown to 0 minutes.
10. When the IP beeps after pressure cooking for the number of minutes you initially set, allow your IP to naturally release pressure. While naturally releasing pressure (also known as NRP or NR), the display will reflect numbers counting up from 1. The numbers indicate how many minutes the IP has stopped cooking since it beeped (or how many minutes it has been naturally releasing pressure).  No need to touch your IP while it naturally releases pressure completely.
11. The pin at the top of your IP will drop when all pressure has been released and it’s safe to open.
12. Open up your IP when the pin has dropped (allow a few minutes for this to happen).
13. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and stir in to thicken; about 3-5 minutes. The already hot pot will warm the soup to incorporate it thoroughly without adjusting any settings. No need to press any buttons on the IP. Alternately, you can combine a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl and stir in. Then add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. 
14. Serve with your choice of sides and garnish with fresh parsley.

Benefits of Smothered Pork Chops

Time-saving

Using an Instant Pot to cook this dish can save you a significant amount of time compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The pressure cooking function of an Instant Pot allows the meat to cook faster and more evenly. It results in tender and juicy pork chops in less time.

Flavorful

Cooking pork chops with mushroom gravy in an Instant Pot helps to infuse the meat with the flavors of the cooking liquid, resulting in a rich and savory dish.

Nutritious

Pork chops are a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. The mushrooms in the gravy provide additional nutrients such as potassium, copper, and vitamin D.

Versatile

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. You can customize this dish by adding different herbs and spices to the gravy to suit your taste.

Easy cleanup

Instant Pots are for easy cleanup, as the cooking pot and lid are dishwashers safe. This makes cleanup a breeze, especially when compared to cooking with multiple pots and pans on a stovetop.

Tips for Making Smothered Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy in an Instant Pot

Here are some tips for making Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy in an Instant Pot:

Use chicken or beef broth

While you can use water as the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot, using chicken or beef broth will add more flavor to the dish.

Add aromatics 

Adding chopped onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Instant Pot along with the cooking liquid can add more depth and flavor to the dish.

Don’t overcook the pork chops

Pork chops can dry out quickly if overcooked, so it’s important to cook them for the appropriate amount of time. Follow the instructions for your specific Instant Pot model. However, you can cook pork chops under high pressure for around 10-12 minutes.

Thicken the gravy

After cooking the pork chops in the Instant Pot, you can thicken the mushroom gravy by mixing together a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, and then adding it to the cooking liquid. Turn on the sauté function of the Instant Pot and stir until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Let the pork chops rest

After cooking, let the pork chops rest in the Instant Pot for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Print

Conclusion

This classic dish is known for its tender and juicy pork chops smothered in a rich and flavorful mushroom gravy. Using an Instant Pot to make this dish can also save you time and effort in the kitchen, as the pressure cooking function allows the pork chops to cook faster and more evenly. The end result is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Plus, the versatility of the dish means that you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different herbs and spices to the gravy or serving it with your favorite sides. So why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort right in your own kitchen?