If you’ve been craving something that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole will hit the spot. It’s a dish that combines tender, juicy pork chops with creamy scalloped potatoes, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese. The flavors here are bold, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of casserole you’d want to serve on a cozy evening with family or friends, offering that perfect balance of rich, savory, and creamy goodness in every bite.
This recipe is all about layering the right
Ingredients
, creating a rich sauce, and baking it all together until perfection. The golden-brown pork chops are seared to lock in all that flavor, then placed right on top of potatoes that have been seasoned to perfection. Add a rich gravy-like sauce that ties everything together, and you’ve got a meal that’s truly special.
Let’s walk through how to make this delicious casserole from start to finish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) – You want that bone-in cut for added flavor and tenderness.
Salt and pepper – Seasoning to taste, of course.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For searing the pork chops and getting them crispy on the outside.
1 large onion, thinly sliced – A must for adding flavor to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced – For that aromatic base.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To help thicken up the sauce.
1 ½ cups milk – The creaminess factor!
1 cup chicken broth – For that savory depth in the sauce.
2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced – The star of the show! Use starchy potatoes for the best texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – A generous sprinkle on top for that irresistible melty finish.
1 teaspoon paprika – For a pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped – To garnish and add a bit of freshness.
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how you bring all of these
Ingredients
together. It’s really quite easy, but the results are impressive!
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven time to heat up while you prepare everything.
2. Season and Brown the Pork Chops:
Season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides. You’re not cooking them through yet, just getting that crispy, flavorful crust. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, toss in the onion and garlic, cooking them until they’re nice and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Next, add the flour and stir it into the onions and garlic to make a roux. Cook for about a minute, just to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Once it’s thickened, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside.
4. Layer the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to layer everything in the casserole dish! Start by arranging half of your thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Make sure the slices overlap just a little bit, covering the entire bottom of the dish.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. That cheesy goodness is going to melt right into the sauce.
6. Repeat Layers:
Layer the remaining potatoes on top of the cheese, then pour over the rest of the sauce. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the whole dish with a little paprika for some extra color and flavor.
7. Place the Pork Chops on Top:
Now, lay the seared pork chops right on top of your layered potatoes and sauce. The pork will get nice and tender as it bakes in the casserole.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This gives the potatoes time to cook through and become tender. After an hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked through, the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Notes
Type of Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work best for flavor and juiciness, but you can also use boneless if you prefer.
Potato Variety: For creamy, smooth potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets. They will hold up well in the casserole and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be made in advance! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Adding Vegetables: If you’d like to add a little extra veggie goodness, you could sauté some mushrooms or spinach and add them into the sauce.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to mix it up with Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimate of the
Nutrition
al content for each serving, assuming 6 servings in total:
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
This casserole is hearty and filling, offering a good balance of protein and carbs with plenty of cheesy goodness to satisfy your cravings.
Additional Information
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Recipe image credits to the rightful owner. 🌟
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