Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender pork chops with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food with layers of flavor, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Here’s a recipe for this delicious casserole:
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp flour (optional for thickening gravy)
For the Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and Gruyère)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
For the Smothered Gravy:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or pork broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked, just browned).
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside. You can optionally sprinkle them with a bit of flour to help thicken the gravy later.
2. Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes:
- Grease a large casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In the same skillet you used for the pork chops, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme (or rosemary), and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Add the shredded cheese to the mixture, and stir until it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes in the casserole dish, slightly overlapping. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the browned pork chops on top of the layered potatoes, making sure they’re evenly spaced.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should be 145°F for pork).
4. Make the Smothered Gravy:
- While the casserole is baking, make the gravy. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken or pork broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. If it gets too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the smothered gravy over the pork chops and potatoes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Enjoy!
This Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. You can even prep the potatoes and gravy ahead of time and bake it the day of! Would you like any additional suggestions on how to customize it further?
