How often have you wondered what to make for dinner at the last minute? This frozen pork chops in Instant Pot recipe solves that dilemma. These deliciously creamy pork steaks are so good that you’ll keep them in the freezer just for moments like that since you can use them frozen! These Instant Pot pork chops are tender, juicy, and smothered in a creamy sour cream gravy. It comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal.
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What makes this recipe the perfect easy pressure cooker dinner is that you can use frozen pork chops or steaks. Even better? These recipe taste great with any kind of cut of pork chops.
So, what’s stopping you? Let’s make some tasty pork steaks!
This recipe makes the most of your Instant Pot by creating perfectly cooked meat with minimal effort. The pressure cooking locks in moisture while the sauté function lets you create a flavorful base with onions and broth. The addition of sour cream adds richness to the gravy, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, this recipe works with frozen pork chops, so you don’t need to worry if you forgot to defrost your meat!
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Pork Chops (Steaks) – in the Instant Pot?
A few months ago, I saw a photo on Instagram of pork chops smothered in gravy, and that gave me an idea.
Why not make it in the Instant Pot? Since the Instant Pot uses pressure and steam to cook foods, it would be the perfect way to cook any type of pork chop without getting dry pork chops.
After trying several variations of the perfect, creamy sauce, these Instant Pot sour cream pork chops were born.
Why We Love These Frozen Pork Chops in Instant Pot
- Time-Saving Convenience
With the Instant Pot, you can have tender, perfectly cooked pork chops in under 30 minutes. Even if you’re using frozen meat, there’s no need to thaw them first—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Rich and Flavorful Gravy
The combination of sautéed onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream creates a creamy, savory gravy that’s bursting with flavor. No additional seasoning is needed, making this dish simple yet delicious. - Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving a quick weeknight dinner or hosting guests, these pork chops are versatile enough to impress. Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Butter, ghee, or coconut oil – Used for sautéing the onions, these options add richness and flavor. Butter provides a classic taste, ghee offers a nutty depth, and coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative. You may also use olive oil.
- Onions – Sautéed onions are the base of the gravy, adding sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can also be used.
- Pork chops – Choose bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Both options work well, but bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
- Beef stock – Adds a savory depth to the gravy. Substitute with chicken or vegetable stock if preferred, though beef stock provides the richest flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – This tangy, umami-rich ingredient enhances the gravy. Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional) – These thickeners are perfect for creating a rich, creamy gravy. For a low-carb or keto option, skip them and reduce the stock using the sauté function.
- Sour cream – The star ingredient that creates the creamy, tangy gravy. For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
- Salt and pepper – Optional, as the broth and Worcestershire sauce already provide plenty of seasoning. Add to taste if needed.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Although you can use thinly cut pork chops for Instant Pot pork chop recipes, avoid those thinner than ½” in thickness.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-infused gravy: Add rosemary or thyme to the broth for a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat and add more spices.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-rich addition to the sauce.
- Garlic lovers: Add minced garlic to the sautéed onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese with the sour cream for a cheesy gravy.
Equipment Used in Our Recipe
- Instant Pot
- Instant read thermometer
How to Make the Best Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Sauté the onions in the butter, ghee, or oil until softened.
- Deglaze the pan with broth and Worcestershire sauce. Deglazing is just a fancy word for a cooking technique that removes and dissolves browned food residue from a pan to add flavor.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Deglazing your Instant Pot before pressure cooking will help to avoid the “burn notice” that occurs when food burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Add the thawed or frozen pork chops to the Instant Pot and pressure cook them on high pressure.
- Create the creamy gravy by adding cornstarch. Whisk the sour cream for the yummy sour cream gravy sauce.
- For serving, plate the meat and pour over the creamy sour cream gravy sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.
Low Carb, Keto Pork Chops
At just 4 net carbs, these Instant Pork Chops are low carb and keto friendly. If you are aiming for even lower carbs, see the recipe for how to thicken the sauce without cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Instant Pot pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the rich sour cream gravy. Try it also with loaded potato casserole and easy homemade biscuit recipe with self rising flour would pair perfectly with this dish to make the ideal dinner. Top them with sauteed mushrooms for an even more delicious dinner! Add roasted carrots or sautéed green beans for a pop of color and flavor. For a comforting side, try buttered egg noodles or a fluffy dinner roll. Drinks like iced tea or a light white wine, such as Chardonnay, complement the dish beautifully. Finish with a simple dessert like apple crisp or vanilla pudding to round out the meal.
Recipe FAQs
Use a quick read or instant thermometer to check the temperature of the center of the pork chops. If it reads 145ºF, they are done.
Yes, you can. Use a skillet to sauté the onions, as in step 1. Then, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove them from the skillet to a plate and cover. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Return the pork chops to the pan and simmer until they are 145ºF (5-10 minutes). Add cornstarch and sour cream as directed in the recipe instructions.
No, it doesn’t matter with this Instant Pork Chops recipe. Bone in pork chops may add a little flavor to these sour cream pork chops, though.
Yes, they are low in carbs, but you can make them lower by leaving out the cornstarch. See the recipe below for how to make them without cornstarch.
Add 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time if your pork chops are more than 3/4 inches thick. And, be sure to use a 10-minute natural pressure release.
As I mentioned above, any cut of pork chops or pork steaks will work here. Although each of the cuts has different characteristics like the amount of fat or flavor, they’ll work perfectly.
Here’s an example of different cuts of pork chops and steaks and what they’re called:
Blade steaks
Center-cut chops
Loin chops
Boneless chops
Pork sirloin steak
Choose the pork chop cut you use based on your preference, what’s in the fridge or freezer, or how much you want to spend.
Since the pressure cooker uses pressure and steam to cook foods, dry chops and tough meat aren’t a concer
Yes, you can use frozen for this Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe. Ordinarily, I would sear them for a tad more flavor. But, when you need dinner on the table quickly, I say go for it!
Believe me, these creamy pork chops will be delicious anyway. And, the sautéed onions will leave such a scrumptious fond on the pot so that you won’t notice the difference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
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If you tried this instant pot sour cream pork chop recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Instant Pot Sour Cream Pork Chops
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into slivers
- 4 pork chops, 1/2" to 3/4" thick (for frozen or chops thicker than 3/4", see recipe notes below)
- 1 cup beef broth or stock (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional for low carb or keto)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté mode. Add the ghee, butter, or oil to heat. When the pot is ready (mine says HOT), add the onions. Stir occasionally, sautéing until they are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the pan to deglaze by stirring until the bottom of the pan is smooth and clear. Deglazing your Instant Pot before pressure cooking will help to avoid the “burn notice” that occurs when food burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Lay your pork chops right over the onions and broth. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to close. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking is done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. Then perform a quick release by carefully turning the lever. Use instant read thermometer to check that pork chops are 145º F.
- Remove pork chops to a plate and cover. For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water and whisk until it’s creamy and smooth. To thicken without the cornstarch, press cancel and set pot to saute for 5 minutes. This will help reduce the stock, for a low carb or keto sauce.
- Turn off pot and add sour cream. Stir until a smooth, creamy gravy sauce forms. Dip the pork chops back into the pot. Serve pork chops with sour cream gravy poured over and sprinkled with dried parsley.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Ieva says
That gravy was absolutely delicious! GReat pork chops for weeknight dinner – so quick and super tasty – empty plates all around and lots of disappointment since I’ve not made enough for seconds.:)
Heather says
Such an easy and flavorful dinner, comfort food at its best! Thanks!
Debbie says
This was really good! And easy!
Renae says
I’m so glad you like it!
Julie Fernandez says
Thank you so much, I ordered one…
ckf8687 says
Looks delish…what is that metal gadget you used to deglazed called? Thanks, stay safe
Renae says
I call it a gravy whisk. This one is by Cutco, but I don’t think they’re making them anymore. OXO makes a similar whisk, but the handle is shorter.
Mary Duncan says
Looks interesting. I’m new to the Instant Pot. 2 questions:
1. Could you use frozen chops, and if so, how would it change the timing?
2. Have you tried it with chicken or vegetable broth?
Renae says
1. Pressure cook them for 12 minutes for frozen. Nothing else changes on the timing. I would still sauté the onions and deglaze the pot in the directions, then place the frozen pork chops on top.
2. You can use chicken or vegetable broth. It shouldn’t affect the flavor greatly.