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.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 beef chop with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: apple butter, beef chops, one pan, sweet and savory, gluten free, easy dinner, fall recipe