This Easy Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is a cozy dish that brings family together. Juicy pork chops are nestled among creamy scalloped potatoes—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add richness to the dish. If you want a leaner option, boneless pork chops work well too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as boneless chops cook faster!
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for layers of creamy goodness. If you need a low-carb version, cauliflower can be sliced and used as a substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a classic flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Gouda for a twist. If dairy-free, vegan cheese is available, it can be used as a substitute.
Onions and Garlic: Both add depth to the flavor. Leeks instead of onions offer a nice alternative, and shallots can add a subtler sweetness. You could also skip the onion altogether for a quicker version!
How Do I Create a Creamy Sauce Without Lumps?
Making a smooth sauce can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll master it! Start by making a roux with flour and butter, cooking for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in cold milk. This helps to prevent lumps!
- Cook the roux on medium heat for just a minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk slowly, off the heat at first, whisking as you go.
- Put it back on medium heat and keep stirring until it thickens—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
If lumps do form, strain the mixture or use an immersion blender to smooth it out before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
Easy Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 25 minutes to prep and 1 hour and 5 minutes to cook, for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Season and Brown the Pork Chops:
Generously season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides for flavor. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have a nice golden color. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and sliced onions, and sauté them until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and optional paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Place the browned pork chops on top of the sauce, followed by the remaining sliced potatoes. Finally, pour the rest of the cheese sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
6. Bake and Finish:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your hearty, comforting Easy Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes! You can absolutely use boneless pork chops for this recipe. Just be aware that they will cook faster than bone-in chops, so monitor the cooking time closely. Brown them for about 2-3 minutes per side instead.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What Should I Do If My Potatoes Are Still Hard After Baking?
If the potatoes aren’t fully tender after the initial baking time, don’t worry! Cover the casserole with foil again and pop it back in the oven, checking every 10 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Baking times can vary based on thickness and type of potatoes used.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! Leftover casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
