Mighty Mains
SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS
High on flavor, these fork-tender chops are the perfect end to a busy day.
Makes 4 servings
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 (1-ounce) package ranch seasoning mix, divided
4 (1½-inch-thick) pork loin chops
1 cup chicken broth
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley
1. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove onion from skillet; wipe skillet clean.
2. Sprinkle half of ranch seasoning onto pork chops. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet, and heat over medium-high heat. Add pork chops; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
3. In a 4-quart slow cooker, whisk together broth and remaining ranch seasoning until smooth. Add onion, and top with pork chops. Cover and cook on high until tender, about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
• KITCHEN TIP •
Easily switch up the flavor of these tender pork chops by using fajita or chili seasoning in place of ranch.
SLOW COOKER BRISKET
The combination of fall-apart tender brisket and smoky, silky onions is perfect all on its own, but this main dish is equally delicious served with tortillas and taco or fajita fixin’s.
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1 (3½-pound) flat-cut beef brisket (1½ to 2 inches thick)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 teaspoons ground ancho chile pepper
¾ teaspoon ground red pepper
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup beer
½ cup chili sauce
1 medium yellow onion, sliced ½ inch thick
Crackers, sliced Cheddar cheese, and pickle slices, to serve
