This budget-friendly dinner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. These delicious caramel apple pork chops will not taste at all like the budget-friendly meal they are. These are perfect for a large family or having guests over.
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Deliciousness on a Budget
Firstly let me start by saying I am no budget guru; I have struggled a lot with getting my grocery bill under control in the past. However the more our family grew the more creative ways I found to stretch our grocery budget while still making healthy, and delicious food for our family. These Caramel Apple Pork Chops are no exception. I’ve made these budget-friendly by buying a half pork loin and cutting out the pork chops myself. The whole thing only came out to around 8 dollars!
Do the caramel apples and pork pair well?
In my opinion yes! I came up with this combination one night when it seem like I was pretty much out of everything but a few ingredients. I was a little nervous about it being too sweet but I got to tell you the pork really calls for sweetness (in my opinion anyway). Besides, you can always add a little less sugar if you want even though you do need some to get that caramel consistency in your sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork loin
- 1 cup pork or chicken stock
- 2 apples of your choice
- 2 sweet onions
- 1 stick butter
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbs poultry seasoning or as needed
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar
- 2 tsp dried parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by cutting the pork loin into about two-inch pieces.
2. Rub each piece with poultry seasoning. (Make your own)
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350F.
4. Once hot, add butter and the pork chops once it melts.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. Make it in batches or use two.
While the pork chops are cooking, cut up apples. I like to use an apple cutter.
Place the apples in a glass bowl and mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cut onions into slices.
Flip pork chops. (Remember to check on the pork chops. They might need to be flipped sooner.)
Once pork chops are almost browned; remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the temperature a little. To the skillet add more butter as needed and once melted the apples and sugar mixture.
Once the apples have browned a bit add the onions.
When both apples and onions have cooked down some add the broth.
Allow the broth to thicken and the apples and onions to cook down more.
Add the pork chops back in mixing it in with the caramel apple sauce. Place it in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You want everything to look caramelized not burnt. Make sure to keep an eye on it and not overcook the pork.
Serve with sides of your choice. We enjoy them with homemade mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
How to avoid dried pork chops
Do keep in mind that pork loin is actually quite lean and can end up dry if overcooked so do keep an eye on it as you sear it. You want it almost cooked but not completely done so it can finish cooking with the caramel apples. The caramel apple sauce will keep the pork chops nice and moist and it is perfect for a second-day reheat.
Looking for more inspiration?
We all need a little help coming up with dinner sometimes especially if you have a small troop as I do. Check out some of my other recipes!
Easy Ham and Cheese Sandwich Rolls
Homemade Cashew Milk and Cream
Caramel Apple Pork Chops
These delicious and budget-friendly pork chops are the perfect dinner for any occasion. Full of fall flavors, these succulent pork chops are easy to make for a large family, batch cooking, or having guests over for dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork loin
- 1 cup pork or chicken stock
- 2 apples of your choice
- 2 sweet onions
- 1 stick butter
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbs poultry seasoning or as needed
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar
- 2 tsp dried parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by cutting the pork loin into about two-inch pieces.
- Rub each piece with poultry seasoning. (Make your own)
- Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350F.
- Once hot add butter and once it melts add the pork chops.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. Make it in batches or use two.
- While the pork chops are cooking, cut up apples. I like to use an apple cutter.
- Place the apples in a glass bowl and mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cut onions into slices.
- Flip pork chops. (Remember to check on the pork chops. They might need to be flipped sooner.)
- Once pork chops are almost browned; remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the temperature a little. To the skillet add more butter as needed and once melted the apples and sugar mixture.
- Once the apples have browned a bit add the onions.
- When both apples and onions have cooked down some add the broth.
- Allow the broth to thicken and the apples and onions to cook down more.
- Add the pork chops back in mixing it in with the caramel apple sauce. Place it in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You want everything to look caramelized not burnt. Make sure to keep an eye on it and not overcook the pork.
- Serve with sides of your choice. We enjoy them with homemade mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Notes
- This is a large meal written for a large family; so feel free to half the recipe.
- I have used several apples, and they all have worked great so far.
- While this is a fall-inspired recipe it can be enjoyed any time of the year!
Kitchen utensils used
Pin it for later
Super easy to make and came together in no time at all! Best part was I already had all the ingredients in my house, no making special trips to the grocery store for this. Even my picky eaters were happy with it. Made a side of quick baked potatoes and had a very satisfying weekday dinner. Thanks for sharing 🙂