If you’re craving real Southern comfort food, nothing beats smothered pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes. Picture juicy, pan-seared pork chops slow-simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy, served over buttery, smooth mashed potatoes—this dish is pure soul food at its finest.

It’s warm, cozy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal for a Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or any time you need a taste of home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich, Flavorful Gravy – Made from pan drippings for maximum taste.
✔ Juicy, Tender Pork Chops – No dry meat here!
✔ Classic Southern Comfort Food – The kind of meal that makes you want seconds.
✔ Perfectly Buttery Mashed Potatoes – Because no smothered pork chop is complete without them!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pork Chops & Gravy:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (¾-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes (peeled & cubed)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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How to Make Southern-Style Smothered Pork Chops & Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Season & Dredge the Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
3. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the pork chops.
4. Dredge the chops in flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Transfer to a plate (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of leftover flour (from dredging) over the onions and stir.
4. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly.
5. Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Smother the Pork Chops

1. Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until the pork is tender.
3. Stir the gravy occasionally to prevent sticking.

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Making the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

1. Place cubed potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.
2. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Mash & Add the Good Stuff

1. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate.
• Top with a smothered pork chop and plenty of rich onion gravy.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Serve with a side of cornbread, collard greens, or roasted veggies for the ultimate Southern meal!

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Tips for the Best Smothered Pork Chops

✔ Use bone-in pork chops – They stay juicier and more flavorful.
✔ Don’t rush the onions – Let them caramelize for the best-tasting gravy.
✔ Thin gravy? – Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
✔ Extra creamy mashed potatoes? – Use warm heavy cream and never overmix.

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Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Spicy 🔥

• Add ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the gravy.
• Use hot sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.

Want More Creaminess? 🧀

• Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes.

Swap the Meat 🍗

• This recipe works great with chicken thighs or cube steak instead of pork chops.

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How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to the gravy.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing

• Freeze the gravy and pork chops separately for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet.

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FAQs About Smothered Pork Chops & Mashed Potatoes

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yes, but reduce the cook time by 5 minutes, as they cook faster.

Q: What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
A: Simmer uncovered, or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yep! Brown the pork chops first, then add everything to a slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Cornbread, collard greens, or green beans are all classic Southern pairings.

Q: How do I prevent dry pork chops?
A: Don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat when they hit 145°F.

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Final Thoughts

This Southern-Style Smothered Pork Chops & Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that warms your soul. Rich, creamy, and packed with deep, savory flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite way to make smothered pork chops? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍽✨

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