If you’ve been searching for the ultimate pepper belly pete pork chops recipe, you’re in for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to recreate at home. Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this dish delivers tender pork chops cooked low and slow, soaking up rich, savory flavors that make every bite memorable. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly feels like a classic, perfect for anyone who loves hearty, satisfying dinners.
This copycat pepper belly pete pork chops recipe captures everything people love about the original-from the juicy pork to the deeply flavorful mushroom gravy. By using simple ingredients and a slow-cooking method, the pork becomes incredibly tender while the gravy turns silky and rich. It’s an ideal choice for home cooks who want restaurant-style results without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
As a delicious take on pepper belly pete’s slow cooker pork chops with gravy, this recipe fits seamlessly into your rotation of reliable crockpot pork chop recipes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner to practically cook itself, yet still impress at the table. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.
What Are Pepper Belly Pete Pork Chops and How Do They Taste?
Pepper belly pete pork chops are succulent pork chop steaks cooked low and slow in a luscious mushroom-infused gravy. This dish features perfectly seasoned boneless or bone-in chops that are first seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a savory sauce made with caramelized onions, garlic, earthy mushrooms, and rich chicken broth.
The taste profile is deeply comforting-each bite offers tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with a peppery kick, complemented by umami-rich mushrooms and aromatic vegetables.
The gravy is velvety and packed with flavor, making it perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. Unlike dry, overcooked pork chops, this method ensures moist, flavorful meat every single time.
Pepper Belly Pete Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chop steaks (boneless or bone-in, about ½ to 1 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste (about 1-2 pinches per side for seasoning, plus 1 teaspoon for sauce)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1-2 pinches per side for seasoning, plus 1 pinch for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, diced into small cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or diced into small cubes
- 150 grams (about 5-6 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose wheat flour
- 400 ml (about 1¾ cups) chicken broth
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large skillet with lid (or Dutch oven)
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Serving plate
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Copycat Pepper Belly Pete Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper on one side of each pork chop, spreading it evenly across the surface. Flip them over and repeat the seasoning on the other side. This double-sided seasoning ensures flavor penetrates the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir until fully melted and foaming. Add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Fry them until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. The goal is a beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet with the remaining butter and flavorful drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until slightly golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned, releasing their moisture, about 4-5 minutes. This step concentrates the earthy, umami flavor.
Step 5: Create the Gravy Base
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well until combined and the flour is fully absorbed, about 1 minute. The flour will help thicken the sauce and create that signature gravy consistency.
Step 6: Add Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in the 400 ml chicken broth and stir until everything is well combined, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir once more to incorporate all seasonings.
Step 7: Simmer the Pork Chops
Add the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook over low heat for 25 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from heat. Serve the pork chops with the mushroom gravy generously spooned over the top. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables!
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Classic Comfort Pairing:
Serve your pepper belly pete pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of buttered green beans. The velvety potatoes soak up the mushroom gravy beautifully, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. Add a dollop of sour cream to your mashed potatoes for extra richness.
2. Low-Carb Option:
Skip the starchy sides and pair these crockpot pork chop recipes with cauliflower mash and roasted Brussels sprouts. You’ll get all the flavor without the carbs, making this dish keto-friendly. The cauliflower absorbs the savory gravy just as well as traditional potatoes.
3. Italian-Inspired Twist:
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and a splash of white wine to the gravy for a Tuscan flair. Serve alongside creamy polenta and sautéed spinach with garlic. This Mediterranean variation adds herbaceous notes that complement the pork beautifully.
4. Southern Style:
Transform this copycat pepper belly pete pork chops recipe by adding a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the gravy and serving over cheese grits with collard greens on the side. The spicy kick elevates the dish to new heights.
5. Hearty Mushroom Upgrade:
Use a mix of different mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms instead of just one variety. This creates a more complex, deeply savory gravy with layers of umami flavor that mushroom lovers will adore.
6. Asian Fusion:
Add ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil to the gravy, then serve over jasmine rice with stir-fried bok choy. This unexpected twist brings international flair while maintaining the dish’s comforting essence.
7. Family-Style Presentation:
Arrange the pork chops on a large serving platter, pour the gravy over top, and surround with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and baby potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s perfect for Sunday dinners or entertaining guests.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
1. Choose the Right Cut:
For the best pepper belly pete pork chops, select chops that are at least ½ inch thick, ideally closer to 1 inch. Thicker cuts remain juicier during the cooking process and won’t dry out. Bone-in chops tend to have more flavor, while boneless are easier to eat-both work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing:
The golden-brown crust formed during searing isn’t just for looks-it’s where the flavor lives! This Maillard reaction creates complex, savory notes that elevate your copycat pepper belly pete pork chops recipe from good to extraordinary. Make sure your skillet is hot enough and resist the urge to move the chops around too much.
3. Room Temperature Matters:
Take your pork chops out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly, preventing the exterior from overcooking while the center remains underdone. This simple step dramatically improves texture and juiciness.
4. Perfect Mushroom Prep:
Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms in the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown. If needed, cook them in batches to achieve that beautiful caramelization. Properly browned mushrooms add a deep, earthy richness to your pepper belly pete’s slow cooker pork chops with gravy.
5. Deglaze for Maximum Flavor:
When you add the chicken broth, use your wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are pure concentrated flavor and will make your gravy incredibly rich and delicious.
6. Low and Slow Wins the Race:
Once you’ve added the pork chops back to the gravy, resist the temptation to cook on high heat. Low, gentle simmering allows the meat to become fork-tender while the flavors meld together beautifully. This patience is what separates good crockpot pork chop recipes from great ones.
7. Rest Before Serving:
After removing the skillet from heat, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Use this time to prepare your side dishes or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover pepper belly pete pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in 30-second intervals. The gravy may thicken when cold-simply add a bit of broth or water when reheating to restore the perfect consistency.
Pepper Belly Pete Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper on one side of each pork chop, spreading it evenly across the surface. Flip them over and repeat the seasoning on the other side. This double-sided seasoning ensures flavor penetrates the meat.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir until fully melted and foaming. Add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Fry them until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. The goal is a beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet with the remaining butter and flavorful drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until slightly golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned, releasing their moisture, about 4-5 minutes. This step concentrates the earthy, umami flavor.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well until combined and the flour is fully absorbed, about 1 minute. The flour will help thicken the sauce and create that signature gravy consistency.
- Pour in the 400 ml chicken broth and stir until everything is well combined, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir once more to incorporate all seasonings.
- Add the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook over low heat for 25 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from heat. Serve the pork chops with the mushroom gravy generously spooned over the top. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables!
Video
Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
Q: Can I make this pepper belly pete pork chops recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! After searing the pork chops and sautéing the vegetables as directed, transfer everything to your crockpot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This makes it perfect for pepper belly pete’s slow cooker pork chops with gravy when you want a hands-off dinner.
Q: What’s the best substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?
A: Beef broth works wonderfully and adds a richer, deeper flavor to your copycat pepper belly pete pork chops recipe. Vegetable broth is another option, though it will be slightly lighter. You can also use water mixed with a bouillon cube in a pinch.
Q: My gravy is too thin. How do I thicken it?
A: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering gravy and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the sauce naturally.
Q: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork chops?
A: Yes, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Tenderloin is leaner and cooks faster, so reduce the simmering time to 15-20 minutes. Slice the tenderloin into medallions for more even cooking and better sauce coverage.
Q: How do I know when the pork chops are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The meat should be slightly pink in the center but not raw. Overcooked pork becomes dry and tough, so don’t exceed 150°F.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! These crockpot pork chop recipes freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers with the gravy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Q: What type of mushrooms work best?
A: Button mushrooms, cremini (baby bella), or a mix of wild mushrooms all work beautifully. Each variety brings its own flavor profile-cremini are earthier, while shiitake adds a more intense umami punch to your pepper belly pete pork chops.
This pepper belly pete pork chops recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be created right in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and a little patience, you’ll have tender, flavorful pork chops bathed in rich mushroom gravy that rivals any steakhouse.
Whether you’re making this copycat pepper belly pete pork chops recipe for a cozy family dinner or adapting it as one of your go-to crockpot pork chop recipes, the results are consistently delicious. The combination of perfectly seasoned meat and savory gravy makes every bite memorable. Give this recipe a try tonight-your taste buds will thank you!
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Be sure to follow CopyCat Cooking on Pinterest and YouTube for more delicious recipe inspiration. Your support and feedback mean everything to us!
I have yet to eat a good pork chop so I stopped completely, but this gives me hope!