Description
Smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table, delivering a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite home cook. Creamy potatoes and tender pork come together in one delicious pan, making weeknight dinner feel special without any extra fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 Boneless pork chops
- 4 cups Thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 Small onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- ½ cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Optional Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a precise 375°F, ensuring your rack sits in the center position for even cooking.
- Mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a small bowl.
- Thoroughly coat each pork chop with the seasoning mix, pressing the spices gently into the meat.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the seasoned pork chops for exactly 3-4 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust.
- Remove the chops and reduce heat to medium, melting 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
- Sauté the thinly sliced onion for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
- Dust 2 tablespoons flour over the onions, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups milk and ½ cup chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon paprika.
- Fold 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until completely melted and smooth.
- Grease a large baking dish and layer half of the 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom.
- Arrange the browned pork chops directly on top of the potato layer.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and chops.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness during baking.
- Choose a sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the overall depth of the casserole’s taste profile.
- Always let the pork chops rest after cooking to help retain their moisture and tenderness.
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg