This Pork Chops and Potatoes Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that brings together juicy pork chops and tender potatoes in a creamy sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s great for feeding a crowd!
With just a little prep, you can pop this in the oven and let it do its thing. I love how the flavors blend together, making it a family favorite. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal cleanup? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I love using bone-in pork chops for their flavor and tenderness. If you prefer boneless chops, they work too, just reduce cooking time slightly.
Potatoes: Yellow potatoes are perfect here as they become creamy when baked. You could substitute with russet or red potatoes, but adjust cooking time since they may vary in tenderness.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich flavor, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works surprisingly well!
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar blend nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, gouda or pepper jack can add extra flavor. Just make sure it melts well!
Onions: I often skip onions for simplicity, but they add a nice depth. Use shallots for a mild flavor or omit them if you’re short on time.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Searing on My Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops is key for locking in flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, ensure the pork chops are at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Heat your pan to medium-high heat before adding oil or butter. A hot pan will give you a great sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the heat consistent. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Let them rest after searing for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep them juicy when you bake them!
Pork Chops and Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 medium yellow potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sage leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pork Chops and Potatoes Casserole takes about 15 minutes for preparation, followed by 1 hour of baking time. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. The result is a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole gets the perfect cooking environment.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. While it’s heating, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme or sage. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions (if you’re using them). Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This adds a lot of delicious flavor to your casserole!
4. Layer the Potatoes:
In your greased casserole dish, arrange half of the potato slices in a single, even layer. Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and some of the thyme or sage.
5. Add Onions and Garlic:
Distribute half of the sautéed onions and garlic mixture over the potatoes. This helps layer the flavors beautifully throughout the casserole.
6. Place the Pork Chops:
Now, place your seared pork chops evenly on top of the potatoes and onion layer. Make sure they are spaced out nicely.
7. Final Potato Layer:
Next, layer the remaining potato slices on top of the pork chops. Season with more salt, pepper, and any remaining herbs.
8. Pour the Cream:
Gently pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring that the potatoes are mostly covered. This creamy sauce will make everything rich and comforting!
9. Bake Covered:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to let all the flavors meld together and the potatoes soften.
10. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
11. Let It Rest:
Once bubbling and beautiful, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh sage or thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty, creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes Casserole!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that boneless chops may cook faster, so check for doneness around the 30-minute mark to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Substitute Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While yellow potatoes work great, you can also use russets or red potatoes. Just note that different types may have varying cooking times—the key is to ensure they are tender before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
