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Apple Butter Beef Chops

Apple Butter Beef Chops

Apple Butter Beef Chops combine tender, juicy beef chops with a sweet and spiced apple butter glaze, creating a perfect harmony of savory and sweet flavors. This simple one-pan recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, delivering comforting yet gourmet results with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 4 bone-in or boneless beef chops, about 1-inch thick

Sauce & Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or 1 sprig whole)

Cooking Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Chops: Pat your beef chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and achieve a good sear.
  2. Sear the Chops: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chops and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a rich, golden crust. Remove the chops and set aside on a plate.
  3. Cook the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to build flavor.
  4. Add Apple Butter and Vinegar: Stir in the apple butter and apple cider vinegar, mixing well until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the onions with a glossy, sweet glaze.
  5. Simmer with Beef Chops: Return the beef chops to the pan, nestling them in the sauce. Add fresh thyme or rosemary, cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the flavors and become tender.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the beef chops and herbs from the pan. Stir the sauce once more, then spoon it generously over the chops before serving for a luscious finish.

Notes

  • Let beef chops come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to maintain a golden crust.
  • Use high-quality or homemade apple butter for the best flavor depth.
  • Simmer on low heat to keep beef tender and prevent sauce from burning.
  • Allow chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for maximum juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, beef chops, one pan, sweet and savory, gluten free, easy dinner, fall recipe