Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Smothered Pork Chop Casserole Scalloped Potato is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for families and gatherings. It’s a complete meal in one dish, combining tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese. The flavors blend beautifully, making each bite delicious. Plus, it’s easy to put together and requires minimal prep, which makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
How to Make Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously until lightly browned and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Grease a large baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Place the browned pork chops over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potatoes on top of the pork chops.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Serve the casserole warm right from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in freezer-safe materials, and it will last for up to two months.
Tips to Make Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
- For added flavor, marinate the pork chops for a few hours before cooking.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices, which helps them cook more uniformly.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch on top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese before the final baking.
Variation
You can make a lighter version by using boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of pork chops. You could also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shredded or sliced potatoes can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before layering them in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a little extra time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish goes well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a warm bread roll to help soak up the sauce.
Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously until lightly browned and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Grease a large baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Place the browned pork chops over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potatoes on top of the pork chops.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
