Ultimate Comfort Food: Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a hearty, flavorful casserole on a chilly evening? This Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is the ultimate in comfort food, combining tender, juicy pork chops with creamy, cheesy potatoes in a dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. It’s easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe offers options for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Get ready to experience the joy of a home-cooked meal that’s both delicious and comforting!

Why This Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is a Winner

• Comfort Food Classic: It’s a timeless combination of flavors and textures that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
• Budget-Friendly: Pork chops and potatoes are relatively inexpensive, making this a great meal for those on a budget.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat.
• Great for Leftovers: The leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable pork chop and potato casserole:

• Pork Chops: 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops are easier to eat.
• Potatoes: 2-3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor, while Russets provide a classic potato taste.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. Onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent aroma and a boost of flavor.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided. Butter adds richness and helps to brown the pork chops and vegetables.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Flour helps to thicken the sauce.
• Milk: 2 cups of milk (whole or 2%). Milk creates the creamy sauce base.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup of chicken broth. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend). Cheese adds a cheesy, melty topping.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Thyme complements the flavors of pork and potatoes beautifully.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Parsley adds a pop of freshness and color.
• Optional: 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own mouthwatering Pork Chop and Potato Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder (optional).
2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the pork chops in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Remove from Skillet: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions

1. Sauté the Onions: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Whisk in Liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. If using sour cream or cream cheese, stir it in now for added creaminess.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
3. Pour Sauce: Pour about half of the sauce over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Add Pork Chops: Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes.
5. Add Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the pork chops.
6. Pour Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce over the potatoes, again making sure to coat them evenly.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the potatoes cook through without the cheese browning too quickly.
2. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove Foil: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. A knife inserted into the potatoes should meet little to no resistance.
4. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Pork Chop and Potato Casserole:

• Use Different Potatoes: While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the most common choices, you can also use red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Adjust cooking time as needed, as some potato varieties cook faster than others.
• Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the onions before adding the sauce.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack.
• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor to the casserole. Sprinkle it on top before baking.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Cream of Something Soup: For a shortcut, replace the milk, chicken broth, flour, and thyme with two cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
• Slow Cooker Option: Sear the pork chops as directed. Layer the potatoes, onions, and pork chops in a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Top with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to pork.
• Applesauce: Applesauce provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your Pork Chop and Potato Casserole:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to the casserole to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

Conclusion

This Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below!