This Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a cozy dish that combines tender pork chops with creamy potatoes and a splash of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect meal for special nights!
I love how simple it is to prepare! Just layer everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let it cook. The aroma will make your kitchen feel like home! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give great flavor, but you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time since boneless chops usually cook faster.
Potatoes: I love using red potatoes for their creamy texture, but white or Yukon Gold potatoes work just as well. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower can be a great substitute.
Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom is classic, but if you’re avoiding mushrooms, you can switch to cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a fresh touch.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. Feel free to use mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy kick, or omit cheese for a lighter dish.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops right can be tricky since they can dry out quickly. The key is to brown them first, as this locks in moisture and adds flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the oil and chops. This helps to sear and caramelize the meat.
- Cook for just 3-4 minutes per side; you want them golden and browned but not cooked through. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer; pull them out once they hit an internal temp of 145°F. This ensures they’re juicy and safe to eat.
Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (red or white potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time and about 1 hour of baking time. Overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes before sitting down to enjoy your delicious casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season and Brown the Pork Chops:
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the pork chops. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they reach a nice golden color but aren’t fully cooked. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and lightly caramelized—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix the Casserole Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Layering the Casserole:
In your prepared casserole dish, start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Add half of the sautéed onions on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over this layer, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to place the browned pork chops evenly over the potato and onion layers. This will let all those great flavors meld together as it cooks!
7. Finish Layering:
On top of the pork chops, layer the remaining potatoes and onions. Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the top, making sure to cover everything well.
8. Cheese It Up:
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire top layer of the casserole. Who doesn’t love extra cheese, right?
9. Baking Time:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and bake it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender, the pork chops are fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C), and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serving:
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you’d like to add a pop of color and flavor!
Serve hot with some extra roasted or boiled red potatoes on the side for a hearty, comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops are a great alternative. Just be mindful that they usually cook faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup works perfectly! You could also make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and broth for a fresh option.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and then bake it as usual. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold when you start baking.
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry while reheating!