Easy and Delicious Pork Chop Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this delicious pork chop casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Combining tender pork chops with creamy sauce, vegetables, and a delightful topping, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. Even beginner cooks can achieve fantastic results.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The combination of pork chops, creamy sauce, and vegetables screams comfort food. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and satisfaction.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap out the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or try different toppings. The possibilities are endless!
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pork chops are often a relatively affordable cut of meat, making this casserole a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The creamy sauce and familiar flavors make this casserole a hit with kids.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

* **Pork Chops:** 6-8 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Mixed Vegetables:** 1 (10-12 ounce) package, frozen or fresh (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1 cup, plain or seasoned
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious pork chop casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear and flavorful pork.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the pork chops; this will help them develop a beautiful brown crust.
2. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage; the searing is just to add flavor and texture.
3. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. The sour cream adds a lovely tanginess to the sauce, but you can substitute plain yogurt if you prefer.
2. Stir in the mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Make sure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the creamy vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
2. Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the vegetable mixture. Try to space them evenly so that they cook properly.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss them together until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This will create a golden-brown and crispy topping.
2. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the pork chops and vegetable mixture.
3. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bread crumbs. The cheese will melt beautifully and add another layer of flavor to the casserole.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the pork chops moist and prevent the topping from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Covering during baking is optional but recommended.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Chop Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Pork Chops:** Overcooked pork chops can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remember that they will continue to cook slightly as they rest.
* **Use Bone-In or Boneless Pork Chops:** Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well in this recipe. Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless pork chops are easier to eat.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to use your favorite vegetables in this casserole. Some other great options include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
* **Add Some Spice:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
* **Use Different Soups:** Experiment with different types of cream-based soups. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup would also be delicious in this casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs and cream of mushroom soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the bread crumb topping just before baking.
* **Ensure pork chops are thawed completely:** If using frozen pork chops, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.
* **Consider browning in batches:** If using a small skillet, consider browning the pork chops in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper searing.

Serving Suggestions

This pork chop casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* Mashed potatoes
* Rice
* A simple salad
* Steamed green beans
* Dinner rolls

Variations and Add-ins

Here are some variations and add-ins to customize your pork chop casserole:

* **Potato Topping:** Instead of bread crumbs, top the casserole with mashed potatoes or sliced potatoes.
* **Stuffing Topping:** Use stuffing mix as a topping for a Thanksgiving-inspired casserole.
* **Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the casserole for extra flavor.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a richer flavor.
* **Wine:** Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
* **Cheese Variety:** Use different cheeses such as Gruyere, Pepper Jack, or Parmesan to change the flavor profile.
* **Spice it up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder for some heat.
* **BBQ Pork Chop Casserole:** Use BBQ sauce in place of the creamy sauce for a tangy twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover pork chop casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warmed. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level before consuming.

Recipe Card

**Easy Pork Chop Casserole**

A comforting and flavorful pork chop casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 can (10.75 ounce) cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 package (10-12 ounce) mixed vegetables
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
* 1 cup bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Sear pork chops in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove pork chops and set aside.
5. Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until softened.
6. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and thyme.
7. Pour the vegetable mixture into the baking dish.
8. Arrange pork chops on top of the vegetable mixture.
9. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
10. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over the pork chops.
11. Sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using).
12. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until pork chops are cooked through and topping is golden brown.
14. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delicious and easy pork chop casserole! It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender pork chops, creamy sauce, and flavorful vegetables is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that everyone will love.