Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Red Cabbage

Bite of braised pork and red cabbage on a fork.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Red Cabbage

Tender slow cooker pork chops and red cabbage are simmered with smoky bacon, sweet apples, onions, and red wine for an easy comfort food dinner that's perfect for busy days and cozy evenings.

Course dinner, Slow Cooker

Cuisine German/Eastern European

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 20

Servings

Calories 483kcal

Author Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

6 center cut pork chops boneless
Salt & pepper
¼ lb bacon
½ cup carrots thickly sliced
1 cup onion sliced
3 tablespoons butter
2 pounds red cabbage sliced
2 cups honey crisp apples cut in chunks
2 cloves garlic
1 ancho chiles , seeded - optional
⅛ teaspoon cloves
⅛ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup parsley chopped

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until the fat is rendered and the bacon begins to crisp. Transfer the bacon to the slow cooker, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper, then brown them in the bacon drippings for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. (Work in batches if needed.)
Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Nestle the browned pork chops on top of the cabbage mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and the cabbage has cooked down.
Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Storage:

Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

You can add the peeled garlic cloves whole when you put the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker. They'll cook right down. Be sure to take the bay leaves out and mash the garlic before serving!
Thick, center-cut chops create the best final product. Stay away from the really thin ones.
Good red wine (like a nice Bordeaux) provides the best flavor.

Nutrition