Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Delight

April 24, 2025 by Olivia

Welcome to your next favorite comfort food! In this post, I’ll show you how to make Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole. Imagine tender pork chops soaked in creamy, cheesy goodness, all layered with flavorful potatoes. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering delight that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

– 4 bone-in pork chops

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

– 1 cup beef broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Gathering fresh ingredients is key to a great dish. I love using bone-in pork chops. They add flavor and keep the meat juicy. Salt and black pepper are essential for taste. Olive oil helps sear the chops perfectly.

Next, onions and garlic add a wonderful aroma. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Thyme adds a fresh note. Beef broth and heavy cream create a rich sauce that makes everything creamy and dreamy.

For the base, we need potatoes. They will soak up all the flavors. Lastly, sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese finish the dish with a cheesy crust. Don’t forget fresh parsley for a bright garnish!

This recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Check out the Full Recipe to create this delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping Your Ingredients

– Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly.

– Seasoning pork chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This adds great flavor.

Cooking Process

– Searing the pork chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

– Sautéing onions and garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

– Creating the creamy sauce: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Assembling the Casserole

– Layering potatoes and sauce: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Drizzle half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

– Adding pork chops and remaining ingredients: Place the seared pork chops on top of the cheese layer. Add the rest of the sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining creamy sauce. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Baking Instructions

– Covering and baking time: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes.

– Final uncovered baking steps: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create this delicious dish!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the taste of your smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole, consider these herbs and spices:

– Rosemary: Adds a lovely pine flavor.

– Oregano: Offers a warm, earthy note.

– Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth.

Marinating your pork chops can also help. Try a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture.

Achieving Perfect Texture

To avoid mushy potatoes, slice them thin but not too thin. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This keeps them tender but firm. Also, par-cook the potatoes for a few minutes before layering them in the dish.

For a cheesy crust, mix the cheddar and Parmesan well. Spread them evenly on top. This ensures every bite is creamy and cheesy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your casserole with bright sides. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad work well. They add color and crunch to your meal.

For presentation, serve directly from the casserole dish for a cozy feel. You can also scoop out portions onto plates. Top each with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Explore more cooking tips and recipes on my site to enhance your culinary skills! Check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step guidance.

$- 4 bone-in pork chops - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is key to a great dish. I love using bone-in pork chops. They add flavor and keep the meat juicy. Salt and black pepper are essential for taste. Olive oil helps sear the chops perfectly. Next, onions and garlic add a wonderful aroma. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Thyme adds a fresh note. Beef broth and heavy cream create a rich sauce that makes everything creamy and dreamy. For the base, we need potatoes. They will soak up all the flavors. Lastly, sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese finish the dish with a cheesy crust. Don’t forget fresh parsley for a bright garnish! This recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Check out the Full Recipe to create this delicious meal! - Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. - Seasoning pork chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This adds great flavor. - Searing the pork chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside. - Sautéing onions and garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. - Creating the creamy sauce: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Layering potatoes and sauce: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Drizzle half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese. - Adding pork chops and remaining ingredients: Place the seared pork chops on top of the cheese layer. Add the rest of the sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining creamy sauce. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. - Covering and baking time: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. - Final uncovered baking steps: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create this delicious dish! To boost the taste of your smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole, consider these herbs and spices: - Rosemary: Adds a lovely pine flavor. - Oregano: Offers a warm, earthy note. - Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth. Marinating your pork chops can also help. Try a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture. To avoid mushy potatoes, slice them thin but not too thin. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This keeps them tender but firm. Also, par-cook the potatoes for a few minutes before layering them in the dish. For a cheesy crust, mix the cheddar and Parmesan well. Spread them evenly on top. This ensures every bite is creamy and cheesy. Pair your casserole with bright sides. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad work well. They add color and crunch to your meal. For presentation, serve directly from the casserole dish for a cozy feel. You can also scoop out portions onto plates. Top each with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Explore more cooking tips and recipes on my site to enhance your culinary skills! Check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step guidance. {{image_4}} You can switch pork for chicken or beef. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Beef can add a rich flavor, too. If you want a dairy-free dish, use coconut milk instead of cream. For cheese, try a nut-based option. These swaps can keep the dish tasty. Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Broccoli or bell peppers offer a nice crunch. You can also add spinach for a pop of green. For cheese, consider gouda or mozzarella. These options can give your casserole a fun twist. Want to save time? Use a slow cooker. Just layer everything inside, set it, and forget it. It will cook while you do other things. You can also use an Instant Pot for faster cooking. Just follow the same steps but adjust the cooking time. This way, you get a comforting meal in no time. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Try to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy use later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. In the fridge, the casserole lasts up to three days. In the freezer, it can keep for about three months. Signs of spoilage include off smells, mold, or an unusual texture. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses to ensure safety. Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. They will cook faster than bone-in chops. Just ensure they are evenly seasoned. Sear them until golden brown. This will add great flavor. Adjust your cooking time to avoid overcooking. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. Make sure it is cooled completely before freezing. Use an airtight container or freezer bag to store it. Label it with the date. This way, you can track its freshness. To reheat, first, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 30-40 minutes or until it's warm throughout. You can uncover it for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese. - How long do I bake the casserole? Bake for 45 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered. - Can I add vegetables? Yes! Consider adding broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. - What if I don’t have beef broth? Chicken broth works well as a substitute, too. This blog post covered making a delicious smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them. The step-by-step instructions make cooking simple. Tips and variations offer ways to tweak the dish to your taste. Remember, you can store leftovers properly and even freeze them for later. I hope you feel inspired to try this easy casserole at home. Your family will love it, and it might become a new favorite!$