Pork Chops & Potatoes Casserole: A Comforting, One-Pan Meal
Pork chops and potatoes casserole is a timeless comfort food dish that brings together tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese in a flavorful, hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for an easy yet delicious one-pan meal, this casserole is the perfect solution. With layers of seasoned pork chops, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of making this classic dish, offer tips for success, and explore different variations. I’ll also highlight internal links to related recipes that complement this meal perfectly.
Ingredients for Pork Chops & Potatoes Casserole
To make this pork chops & potatoes casserole, you’ll need:
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops.
- Potatoes: 4 medium-sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Milk: 1 cup of milk to create a smooth sauce.
- Onions: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
These ingredients work together to create a savory, creamy casserole. If you’re looking for a comforting soup to pair with this dish, check out this ultimate comfort food potato soup recipe.
How to Make Pork Chops & Potatoes Casserole
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Brown the Pork Chops
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside. - Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Layer half of the potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Assemble the Casserole
Layer the sliced onions over the potatoes, then place the pork chops on top. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining potato slices over the pork chops. - Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
For another one-pot comfort food recipe, try slow-cooker baked ziti, which is equally satisfying and easy to prepare.
Tips for Success
To ensure your pork chops & potatoes casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Thick-cut pork chops will retain their juiciness during the baking process, while thinner cuts may dry out.
- Thinly Slice the Potatoes: For even cooking, make sure to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Cover the Casserole Initially: Covering the dish with foil helps the potatoes cook through without drying out. Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese to melt and brown.
Variations of Pork Chops & Potatoes Casserole
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Cheesy Variation: Add more cheese or swap cheddar for other varieties like mozzarella or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Marinate the pork chops in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage before browning to enhance the flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the casserole gluten-free.
If you enjoy the combination of pork and potatoes, you might also like these pork chops with mushroom sauce, which pairs tender pork with a rich mushroom gravy.
Health and Nutritional Considerations
Casseroles can be heavy, but there are ways to lighten up this dish:
- Lean Pork Chops: Use lean pork chops or trim off excess fat to reduce the calorie content.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Substitute regular milk with low-fat or skim milk and use reduced-fat cheese for a healthier option.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas for side dishes:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make for a healthy, balanced side.
For more meal ideas, check out creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, another comforting dish that pairs well with vegetables.
FAQs About Pork Chops & Potatoes Casserole
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this casserole?
A: Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used, but they may require a slightly longer baking time.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: Peeling the potatoes is optional. If you prefer a more rustic casserole, you can leave the skins on.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Q: How can I make the casserole gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own gluten-free sauce using broth and cornstarch.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Internal Linking Opportunities
If you enjoyed this pork chops & potatoes casserole, be sure to explore other comfort food classics from ExoRecipes:
- “Rediscovering Comfort: Sour Cream and French Fried Onion Pork Chops”: A delicious variation on pork chops.
- “One-Pan Pork Chops and New Potatoes”: Another flavorful pork and potato dish perfect for weeknights.
- “Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes”: A slow-cooker version of a similar hearty meal.
Conclusion
Pork chops & potatoes casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of creamy potatoes with the savoriness of pork chops. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.
For more comforting casseroles, don’t forget to try bacon ranch chicken quesadillas or creamy garlic Parmesan chicken.
