The Ultimate Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

Layers of savory smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole promise an irresistible comfort meal that enhances simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Hearty and indulgent, this dish marries tender meat with silky, cheese-laden potatoes in a symphony of flavors.

Each component contributes its unique essence, creating a harmonious blend that speaks to classic home cooking.

The combination promises a robust dining experience that fills both stomach and soul with genuine satisfaction.

Melted cheese intertwines with succulent meat, generating an aroma that beckons hungry diners from across the kitchen.

Rustic and unpretentious, this casserole represents the epitome of home-style cooking that nourishes more than just hunger.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that embodies warmth, tradition, and pure deliciousness.

Why This Pork Chop Potato Casserole Hits Every Comfort Note

• Layer Up Flavor Magic: This recipe builds incredible depth by creating multiple layers of seasoned pork chops and creamy potatoes, ensuring every bite delivers maximum taste sensation.
• Comfort Food Champion: The combination of golden-brown pork chops, melted cheese sauce, and tender potatoes creates a hearty, soul-warming dish perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder Technique: By using the same skillet for browning meat and creating the cheese sauce, this recipe minimizes dishes while maximizing flavor development and kitchen efficiency.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite looking sophisticated, the recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Ingredients Behind This Hearty Southern Classic

• Pork Chops: Tender, center-cut cuts perfect for a hearty main dish. Choose thick-cut chops for juicier results.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a tangy, creamy flavor. Opt for freshly shredded for best melting.

• Potatoes: Starchy, sliced base that absorbs the creamy sauce. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best texture.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Yellow onions work best for caramelizing.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, concentrated garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.

• Dried Thyme: Earthy, aromatic herb that complements pork perfectly.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and slight reddish color to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning pork chops and adding a subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright, fresh topping for added color and flavor.

How to Layer and Bake Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step 3: Brown the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Create Caramelized Onion Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings

• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Layer the Potato Base

Arrange half of the potato slices in a slightly overlapping layer in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.

Step 8: Add Pork Chop Layer

Place browned pork chops on top of the potato layer. Cover with remaining potato slices.

Step 9: Final Cheese Coverage

Pour remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the additional of cheddar cheese over everything.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy meal!

Tips for Creamy Potatoes and Tender Pork in Every Forkful

• Select the Right Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, tender texture that absorbs the cheese sauce perfectly.
• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a professional-looking casserole.
• Brown Meat Properly: Pat pork chops dry before searing to achieve a deep golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk continuously while adding milk and broth to create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce without any unwanted clumps.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Storing This Casserole the Right Way Without Sacrificing Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerated leftovers stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What Sides Bring Out the Best in This Pork and Potato Dish

• Savor Wine Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. These wines complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce and cut through the dish's richness with their balanced acidity.
• Boost Side Salad Choices: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness. Arugula or mixed greens with a lemon-mustard dressing will refresh the palate and add brightness to the meal.
• Enhance Beer Selections: Choose amber ales or wheat beers that match the dish's robust flavors. These beer styles have enough complexity to stand up to the pork chops and cheesy potatoes without overwhelming the meal's delicate seasoning.
• Elevate Vegetable Sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots work perfectly alongside this casserole. Their slightly caramelized edges and subtle sweetness create a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory main dish.

Casserole Variations to Keep This Recipe Fresh Year-Round

• Smoky Bacon Upgrade: Replace some cheddar with smoked gouda and add crispy crumbled bacon between potato layers for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap thyme for rosemary and oregano, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, add ground cumin, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mushroom Lovers Version: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms with onions, incorporate them between potato layers, and use gruyère cheese for an earthy, robust taste.

Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern-style smothered pork chops merge seamlessly with creamy scalloped potatoes in this hearty one-pan comfort meal. Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and rich sauce create a mouthwatering dinner that will become your family’s new favorite weekend classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 boneless pork chops

Vegetables and Starches:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters / 32 ounces) thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)

Dairy, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters / 16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters / 16 ounces) milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
2. Generously coat pork chops with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, massaging the seasoning into the meat.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust. Transfer the chops to a temporary plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Dust the onions with flour, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a golden roux that will thicken the sauce.
6. Gradually stream in milk and chicken broth, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base.
7. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it reaches a velvety consistency, then stir in dried thyme, paprika, and of shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated and glossy.
8. Lightly grease a large baking dish and create an initial layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping to ensure even coverage.
9. Drizzle half the cheese sauce over the potato layer, ensuring complete and even distribution.
10. Carefully place the browned pork chops atop the first potato layer, creating a hearty protein foundation.
11. Add a second layer of potato slices, completely covering the pork chops.
12. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top, making sure to coat every potato slice.
13. Sprinkle the additional of cheddar cheese across the surface for a golden, crispy finish.
14. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
15. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy, and potatoes become tender.
16. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Save time by prepping ingredients before starting the cooking process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free culinary experience.
• Check potato thickness matters – aim for even 1/4-inch slices to guarantee uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-shredded packaged varieties.
• Layer ingredients carefully to create delicious pockets of cheese sauce and prevent dry spots in the final dish.
• Select bone-in pork chops for enhanced flavor and juiciness, which contribute to a more succulent final meal.
• Consider covering the casserole during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent excessive browning of the top layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg