Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pork chops, creamy scalloped potatoes, and gooey cheese. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will love, making it a true family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 boneless pork chops (about ½-inch thick)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ 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

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp butter

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.

2. Season and brown the pork chops: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the pork chops and set them aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

4. Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Place the browned pork chops over the potatoes, then top with the remaining potato slices and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over everything. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 600 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Potassium: 800mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 850 IU

• Vitamin C: 10mg

• Calcium: 300mg

• Iron: 3mg

Tender Pork Chops for Savory Flavor

The star of this casserole is the tender boneless pork chops. Seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, the pork chops are seared until golden and crispy on the outside, locking in the juices and creating a rich, savory base. Browning the pork chops in olive oil adds depth of flavor that will permeate the entire casserole, enriching the dish with savory goodness.

Once browned, the pork chops are set aside, ready to be nestled between layers of creamy potatoes and cheesy sauce. Their savory taste infuses the casserole, elevating the flavor profile and giving it that satisfying comfort food vibe.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Gooey Cheese

The scalloped potatoes are a crucial component of this casserole. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich, creamy sauce that’s thickened with a touch of flour and made from milk and chicken broth. This combination creates a velvety texture that envelops each potato slice, making them tender and flavorful.

The cheese sauce is the magic ingredient. With one cup of shredded cheddar cheese stirred into the sauce, it becomes smooth and creamy, with that signature cheesy pull that makes each bite irresistible. The combination of cheddar cheese with the rich sauce helps bind the layers of potatoes together, creating a cheesy, comforting base for the pork chops.

The Sauce: A Flavorful Blend of Herbs and Spices

The sauce for this casserole is simple but packed with flavor. After sautéing onions until soft and translucent, the addition of flour thickens the sauce, and milk and chicken broth give it a smooth, creamy consistency. Dried thyme and paprika enhance the flavor with earthy, aromatic notes, creating the perfect backdrop for the cheese.

The addition of one cup of cheddar cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich, tying together the potatoes and pork chops in a savory embrace. The cheesy sauce coats everything beautifully, ensuring that every bite of this casserole is full of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Layering for Perfect Texture and Flavor

To assemble this casserole, start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, allowing the sauce to seep into the layers. Then, place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes, where they will continue to cook and add flavor to the dish. After that, layer the remaining potato slices and top with the rest of the cheese sauce. A final sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top gives the casserole a golden, bubbly finish.

Baking to Perfection

The casserole is baked covered with aluminum foil for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors from the sauce and pork chops. After removing the foil, it’s baked for an additional 15 minutes, giving the top a golden-brown, bubbly crust that’s irresistible. The result is a casserole with tender potatoes, juicy pork chops, and a gooey, cheesy topping that’s sure to satisfy.

Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is finished baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness that complements the richness of the dish. This casserole is hearty enough to be served as a standalone dish, but it can also be paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Perfect for Family Dinners or Special Occasions

This Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. It’s easy to prepare, and the flavors develop beautifully as it bakes, making it the perfect comfort food for any gathering. The rich, savory combination of pork chops, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, cooking for a weeknight family dinner, or simply treating yourself to a comforting dish, this casserole is sure to please. The combination of textures—from the tender pork chops to the creamy potatoes—makes every bite a satisfying experience. This dish is a true family favorite that will quickly become a go-to for any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits

While this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is indulgent and comforting, it also provides a good balance of protein and vegetables. Each serving contains 600 calories, with 30g of protein and 45g of carbohydrates, making it a filling and hearty meal. The pork chops provide a healthy dose of protein, while the potatoes and milk add fiber and nutrients like potassium and calcium. The dish is also a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the cheese and potatoes, and provides a small amount of iron as well.

Though rich, this casserole can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal, especially when served with fresh vegetables or a salad to add some extra vitamins and fiber.

Conclusion: A Comforting Family Favorite

Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that combines the savory goodness of pork chops, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe that everyone will love. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying portions, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a family favorite in your household!