This dish is a cozy winner! Juicy pork chops are cooked in a tasty sauce, paired beautifully with creamy scalloped potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on your plate.
Who wouldn’t love tender meat and cheesy potatoes together? I make this when I want something comforting, and it always delivers smiles—plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and tenderness, but you could use boneless if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since boneless cooks faster.
Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth works too if you have that on hand. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter taste in case you want a meat-free option.
Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its tangy flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Gruyère or Monterey Jack would also work well, giving a nice meltiness and taste.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for scalloped dishes. If you’re in a rush, you can use pre-sliced potatoes; just make sure they’re thin for even cooking.
How Do I Make the Perfect Onion Gravy?
The gravy is what really brings the dish together. Focus on getting the onions nice and soft first. This step builds flavor! Here’s how:
- Cook onions and garlic on medium heat, stirring often until they’re soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over them, and stir for 1 minute. This prevents the raw flour taste and helps thicken your gravy.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to dissolve any browned bits—these add fantastic flavor!
- Simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens to a nice, pourable consistency.
parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake. So, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes total. Just enough time to set the table and enjoy a moment of relaxation while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows it to reach the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to go in.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously season the pork chops on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). This seasoning will enhance the flavor of the meat while cooking.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a beautiful crust and flavor to the chops. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
5. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for around 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Pour a third of the cream over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a third of the cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times (potatoes, cream, and cheese). This creates a delicious, creamy texture throughout!
7. Add the Pork Chops:
Place the seared pork chops right on top of the layered potatoes. They will soak in all the delicious flavors as they bake.
8. Pour the Onion Gravy:
Carefully pour the onion gravy sauce evenly over the pork chops and potatoes, ensuring everything is covered. This will infuse flavor into all the layers.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The foil helps the potatoes cook while keeping the chops moist.
10. Finish Baking:
After the initial bake time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown nicely and add a little extra crunch.
11. Rest and Serve:
Once done, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This makes serving easier and allows the flavors to settle. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty meal!
This recipe combines tender pork chops smothered in flavorful onion gravy with rich, cheesy scalloped potatoes, all baked together in one casserole for an easy, hearty comfort food experience. Perfect for family dinners or cozy get-togethers!
Easy Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh
FAQ for Easy Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops are a fine substitute! Just be aware that they will cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the indicated time.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! Chicken broth can easily replace beef broth with little difference in flavor. Vegetable broth is also an excellent option for a lighter taste.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you find the potatoes are a bit dry, adding a splash of milk or cream can help refresh the dish!
