If you’re searching for a comforting, no-fuss dinner with the kind of flavor that practically guarantees family requests for seconds, Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops are exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked beef, a creamy ranch-infused gravy, and enough savory depth to warm up anyone’s day. Whether you pop it into your slow cooker before work or prep it for a lazy Sunday, you’ll love how effortless and delicious these beef chops turn out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your short and sweet shopping list for Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops! Each ingredient may look simple, but together, they create layers of flavor, luscious sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth beef that makes the whole meal memorable. Don’t skip any—every one plays an important part!
- Beef blade or shoulder chops (4, about 2 to 2.5 pounds): These cuts become irresistibly tender after slow cooking, soaking up all that savory goodness.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, 1 oz): The zesty herb and buttermilk blend adds a signature ranch punch and perfect seasoning.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Provides creaminess and depth, making the sauce silky and satisfying.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory flavor and prevents the sauce from being too thick or salty.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a splash amps up the umami notes and rounds out the gravy.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a hint of garlicky warmth and savory boost.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle, cozy heat that balances the rich sauce.
- Cornstarch mixed with cold water (1 tablespoon each, optional): Stir this in at the end if you want a thicker, hug-your-potatoes kind of gravy.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish: The finishing touch! Fresh green parsley brightens and freshens every plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops
Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Ranch Gravy
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, ranch seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Take a moment to whisk until everything is smooth and lump-free—this step ensures your Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops have an even coating of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Layer the Chops in Your Slow Cooker
Arrange your beef blade or shoulder chops in an even layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. If your cooker is smaller, stack them as flat as you can and don’t worry—they’ll cook down and get tender. Pour the gravy mixture over the top, making sure every chop is blanketed in that rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Set and Forget the Magic
Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, slower cook is especially forgiving and ensures the beef breaks down into ultra-tender perfection. While you wait, you’ll have time to make sides, run errands, or simply relax—one of the many joys of this Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops recipe.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you love a thick, luscious gravy (who doesn’t?), whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into your slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The sauce will thicken up, making it even more irresistibly clingy on potatoes or noodles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cook time is up and the beef is fork-tender, sprinkle over some chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Dish up your Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops with plenty of creamy sauce, and get ready for the best comfort food you’ve had all week.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add gorgeous color, but it freshens up the slow-cooked flavors, making each serving feel complete. If you like a little extra zip, a tiny hit of cracked black pepper on top works wonders too!
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops beg to be paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a scoop of steamed white rice—all perfect vehicles for soaking up that creamy ranch gravy. To lighten things up, add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables alongside for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, lay the beef chops over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes on a platter, then drizzle on the sauce and sprinkle parsley right before serving to wow your guests. Leftovers make fantastic open-faced sandwiches on toasted sourdough or even a hearty filling for baked potatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any cooled remaining Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This dish keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days—just be sure to store the chops in as much sauce as possible to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled, layer the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. Label it and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops gently in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce is extra thick after chilling or freezing—it’ll bring everything back to that original creamy perfection without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops?
Absolutely! While blade or shoulder chops cook up beautifully tender, you can substitute with chuck steaks or even round steaks. Just look for cuts with some marbling, as a little fat keeps everything juicy through the long slow-cook.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker?
Browning is totally optional for this recipe. The slow cooker does a fantastic job of bringing out the beef’s flavor without any extra steps, making it a true “set it and forget it” meal. But if you have a few spare minutes, a quick sear will add extra depth!
Is ranch seasoning mix gluten free?
Many ranch mixes are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check your packaging to be sure, especially if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities. The other ingredients in Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops are naturally gluten-free, aside from the soup—look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup if needed.
Can I make this with pork chops instead?
Definitely! Pork chops are delicious in this recipe, too. Just reduce the total cook time slightly (by about an hour on low) since pork will become tender a bit faster than beef.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin at the end?
If you finish cooking and the gravy seems thin, simply stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and let it simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes on high. That’ll give you the rich, stick-to-your-sides sauce you want!
Final Thoughts
One bite of these Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops and you’ll see why they’re such a beloved weeknight staple in so many kitchens. The effortless prep, cozy flavors, and that craveable creamy gravy make this a recipe you’ll want to save and share. Don’t wait—give it a try, and let this comforting classic warm up your dinner table soon!
Print
Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender beef chops cooked in a savory ranch-seasoned gravy, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
Ingredients
Beef Chops:
- 4 beef blade or shoulder chops (about 2 to 2.5 pounds total)
Gravy:
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, ranch seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place the beef chops in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over the chops, cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until tender.
- Thicken (Optional): For a thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to complement the dish.
- You can use pork chops as a substitute, adjusting the cook time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beef chop with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
