Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you need to make this easy slow cooker dinner.

For the Pork Chops

  • 4 thick-cut pork chops, boneless or bone-in
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

That's it!

Four main ingredients are all you need.

Choosing the Best Apples

You have some flexibility here.

For a sweeter result, try Fuji or Gala apples.

For a more noticeable tart contrast against the apple pie filling, Granny Smith is a great choice.

You can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples if you happen to have a few different varieties in the kitchen.

Helpful Tools

You don't need anything fancy.

You'll want:

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoon
  • Serving spoon
  • Meat thermometer

A meat thermometer is especially useful for checking that the pork has reached a safe internal temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

The four-ingredient version is delicious as written, but there's plenty of room to make it your own.

Use Different Apples

Try Granny Smith for tartness, Gala or Fuji for sweetness, or a combination.

Bone-In or Boneless Pork Chops

Both work.

Bone-in chops can bring extra flavor, while boneless chops are especially easy to serve.

Whatever you choose, thick-cut chops are preferable because they are less likely to dry out during slow cooking.

Add a Pinch of Salt

If you don't mind going beyond the four main ingredients, a small pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness.

Add a Little Apple Juice

A splash of apple juice can increase the apple flavor and provide additional liquid.

You don't need much—the apple pie filling already contributes moisture.

Add Warm Fall Spices

For a slightly more complex flavor, you could add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice.

Just don't overdo it.

The cinnamon-and-apple combination should remain the star.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

This might be one of the easiest fall dinners you'll make all season.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired.

This isn't absolutely necessary, but it can make cleanup a little easier.

Step 2: Add the Apples

Spread the sliced apples across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Try to create an even layer.

Step 3: Add the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops over the apples in a single layer.

If your slow cooker is crowded, avoid stacking the chops tightly if possible so they cook more evenly.

Step 4: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Spoon the apple pie filling over the pork chops.

There's no need to spread it perfectly. As everything cooks, the filling will become part of the warm apple sauce.

Step 5: Sprinkle With Cinnamon

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top.

And now comes the hard part:

Put the lid on and walk away!

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

LOW: 4–6 hours

HIGH: 2–3 hours

Slow cookers vary, so start checking toward the earlier end of the cooking range.

The pork is ready when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a short rest, according to USDA guidance for whole cuts of pork.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the pork is cooked, let it rest briefly.

Then spoon the warm apples and sauce over each pork chop.

And please don't leave all that sauce behind in the slow cooker!

That's the best part.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

Because these pork chops have a sweet apple sauce, I like pairing them with sides that are simple and savory.

Mashed Potatoes

This is probably my first choice.

The creamy potatoes soak up that warm cinnamon-apple sauce beautifully.

Buttered Egg Noodles

A simple bowl of buttery noodles makes the meal hearty without competing with the pork and apples.

Fluffy Rice

Rice is another easy way to catch every drop of sauce.

Green Beans

Fresh or roasted green beans provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Roasted Carrots

For a full fall-inspired dinner, roasted carrots make a lovely addition.

Crisp Green Salad

If the meal feels particularly rich, a simple salad with a lightly tangy dressing can brighten everything up.

Warm Dinner Rolls

And if you're serving this for Sunday dinner?

Put some warm rolls on the table.

You'll thank me later when you're using them to mop up that apple sauce.

Grandma's Best Tips for This Recipe

Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops

Thin pork chops are more likely to become dry during longer slow cooking.

Thicker chops give you a little more room for error.

Don't Overcook Them

More time isn't necessarily better with pork chops.

Slow cookers continue cooking even after the food reaches its target temperature, so begin checking toward the early end of the suggested cooking window.

Don't Add Too Much Liquid

The apple pie filling and apples already provide moisture.

Adding a large amount of extra liquid can make the finished sauce thinner than you'd like.

Choose Your Apples Carefully

If you prefer a less sweet dinner, tart Granny Smith apples can provide a welcome contrast.

For a sweeter, more dessert-like flavor, choose Fuji or Gala.

Let the Pork Rest

Give the pork a few minutes to rest before serving.

This also gives you a moment to spoon those beautiful warm apples and sauce over the top.

Don't Forget the Sauce

Seriously.

Spoon it over the pork and the side dishes.

That is where so much of the flavor is hiding!

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them promptly in airtight containers.

For best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

When reheating, warm the pork and apples gently until heated through. A little extra apple sauce, broth, or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops?

You can freeze the cooked pork, but the texture of the apples and sauce may change after thawing.

For the best quality, store the pork and sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container and use within about 2 to 3 months.

Thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe at a Glance

Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

Servings: 4

Prep time: About 10 minutes

Cook time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: Fall dinners, Sunday supper, apple season, busy weeknights

Main ingredients: Pork chops, apples, apple pie filling, cinnamon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use thin pork chops?

You can, but thick-cut pork chops are a better choice for the slow cooker. Thin chops can cook quickly and may become dry.

Should I peel the apples?

You don't have to.

Leaving the peel on can provide a little extra texture and color. If your family prefers very soft apples, peeling them is perfectly fine.

What type of apples are best?

It depends on the flavor you want. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Fuji and Gala create a sweeter result.

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Absolutely. Bone-in pork chops work well in this recipe.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes. Homemade apple pie filling can be substituted for the canned version. Just keep the amount roughly the same.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Yes. Choose tart apples such as Granny Smith and serve the pork with savory sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or green vegetables.

You can also reduce the amount of sweet additions if you're adapting the recipe.

Can I add onions?

Definitely. Thinly sliced onion can add a savory contrast to the apples and pork.

It would technically turn this into more than a four-ingredient recipe, but sometimes that's exactly what you want!

Can I add brown sugar?

You can, but I wouldn't rush to do it.

The apple pie filling is already sweet, so additional sugar may make the finished dish sweeter than necessary.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the pork. Whole cuts of pork should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a brief rest.

Why did my pork chops turn out dry?

The most common issue is overcooking, especially with thinner chops.

Slow cooker temperatures and cooking times vary, so begin checking the pork early rather than automatically cooking it for the maximum time.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition will vary depending on the size and cut of the pork chops, the brand of apple pie filling, and the exact ingredients used.

As a rough estimate, one serving may provide approximately:

  • Calories: 400–500
  • Protein: 30–40 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35–50 g
  • Fat: 15–25 g
  • Sugar: 20–30 g

These figures are estimates rather than laboratory-tested nutrition values. For precise nutrition information, calculate using the exact products and quantities you use.

The Coziest Part of Apple Season

There's something special about recipes that become connected to a particular time of year.

For my grandma, September meant apples.

And for everyone else in the house, September meant following that incredible cinnamon-and-apple smell into the kitchen to see what was for dinner.

These slow cooker apple cinnamon pork chops are simple enough for a busy weeknight but cozy enough for a Sunday supper. You get tender pork, soft apples, and a warm sauce with almost no hands-on cooking.

And that is exactly the kind of recipe I love when the weather starts turning cool.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, rice, green beans, or warm rolls, and you've got a meal that feels like fall from the very first bite.

So if the apples are coming in where you live, grab a few and pull out the slow cooker.

You might just understand why Grandma made this every September.

And if your family starts wandering into the kitchen asking, "What smells so good?"

Just smile.

Dinner is almost ready!

More Cozy Apple Recipes to Try

If you're in the mood to make the most of apple season, keep the cozy flavors going with:

  • Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
  • Classic Apple Crisp
  • Homemade Apple Pie
  • Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
  • Caramel Apple Dessert Bars
  • Baked Cinnamon Apples
  • Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

There are never too many excuses to fill the kitchen with that warm apple-and-cinnamon smell!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make these Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops, I'd love to hear how they turned out!

Leave a review and tell me which apples you used.

Did you go with tart Granny Smith?

Sweet Gala?

Or a mixture of whatever was sitting in the fruit bowl?

And if you take a photo, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this cozy fall dinner, too.

There's something wonderful about passing along the recipes that make a house smell like home.

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