Some days, I just crave a hearty comfort dish that doesn’t take forever — and that’s exactly why I love making Pressure Cooker Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce. With my pressure cooker, the chops turn out juicy and tender, and the tomato sauce soaks right in. This one is perfect for busy weeknights, especially when I don’t want to babysit the stove. If you’re building up your favorite pressure cooker recipes, this is one to keep in rotation. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping the sear makes a difference, so I always brown them first — it adds that deep flavor. And just like when I treat myself to air fryer donuts, this dish feels like a reward at the end of a long day.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. I like to use thick-cut chops so they stay moist under pressure.
- Pork chops — Bone-in or boneless, just aim for thicker cuts.
- Olive oil — For searing.
- Onion & garlic — Fresh always makes the sauce sing.
- Crushed tomatoes — Canned works perfectly.
- Tomato paste — Deepens the sauce flavor.
- Seasonings — Salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- Pressure cooker — My Instant Pot never fails, though any model works.
Quick note: whenever I’m setting up for pressure cooking, I like to prep my veggies while I wait for the sear. It saves me those little extra minutes, just like when I multitask while making Greek pasta salad.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Cooker Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce
This dish comes together quickly, and I promise you’ll feel like you’ve cooked something fancy without all the effort. Just like when I make Instant Pot oatmeal, it’s mostly about layering flavors and letting the machine do the work.
Step 1 — Sear the pork chops
Season the chops with salt and pepper, then brown them in olive oil on the sauté setting. This step locks in flavor, so don’t skip it! I usually let each side get golden before moving on.
Step 2 — Sauté onion and garlic
After removing the chops, toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes. My kitchen always smells incredible at this point.
Step 3 — Build the sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and a pinch of sugar. Stir well, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4 — Pressure cook
Return the pork chops to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
Step 5 — Serve
Transfer chops to a plate and spoon sauce over the top. I like serving this with rice, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to mop up every drop.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Use bone-in chops for extra tenderness.
- Add sliced bell peppers for a sweet kick.
- If the sauce tastes too tangy, stir in a splash of cream.
- No Italian seasoning? Mix oregano and basil instead.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot — work in batches when searing.
- Try using crushed fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
- Double the sauce recipe — it freezes beautifully.
- Add chili flakes if you like it spicy.
Serving Ideas & Variations
These chops pair well with so many sides. My kids love them with buttered noodles, but I’ll often serve them over polenta or rice. You can also:
- Top with fresh basil and Parmesan for an Italian touch.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables.
- Use the leftovers to make pork sandwiches.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Shred the chops and stir into pasta.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Overcooking chops — Stick to thick cuts and the 10-minute pressure cook.
- Burn notice on pot — Always deglaze the pot with liquid after searing.
- Sauce too thin — Simmer on sauté for a few minutes after cooking.
- Dry pork — Bone-in cuts stay juicier; avoid very lean chops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you’ll need to skip the sear and add 3–4 minutes to the cook time. The sauce still turns out delicious.
After cooking, switch to sauté mode and simmer until the sauce reduces to your liking.
Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even crusty bread make perfect pairings for soaking up the sauce.
Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
You’ll Also Love
- Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry — full of warm spices and creamy sauce.
- Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken — a complete meal with very little effort.
- Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup — hearty, healthy, and comforting.
If you’re looking for more cozy dinner ideas, check out all my pressure cooker recipes.
Pressure Cooker Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Season and sear pork chops in olive oil using sauté mode. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, seasoning, and sugar.
- Nestle chops into sauce. Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Serve chops with sauce spooned over top.
