Imagine a dish that brings together tender pork chops, creamy scalloped potatoes, and a rich, savory sauce that melds all the flavors into one comforting casserole. That’s exactly what you get with Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole—a meal that is both satisfying and soul-soothing. This dish has a special place in my heart and my family’s traditions, often making an appearance at our Sunday dinners or special occasions. The aroma of this casserole baking in the oven is nothing short of heavenly, filling the kitchen with the promise of a delicious meal to come.
The beauty of Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The pork chops become incredibly tender as they cook in a creamy, cheesy sauce, while the thinly sliced potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors. Each bite offers a perfect combination of savory pork, rich cheese, and buttery potatoes, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s a relatively straightforward recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making it as convenient as it is delicious.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Temperature Setting: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and develop a delicious, golden-brown top.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops
Season the Pork Chops: Generously season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the pork and helps it to caramelize beautifully during cooking.
Brown the Pork Chops: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the casserole. Set the browned pork chops aside.
3. Make the Onion and Garlic Mixture
Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The flavors left in the skillet from the pork chops will add depth to this mixture.
4. Prepare the Sauce
Make a Roux: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Add Liquids: Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Potatoes: In a large casserole dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon half of the prepared sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the sauce and another 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering ensures that each bite will be rich and flavorful.
6. Add the Pork Chops
Place Pork Chops: Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the potato layers. This placement allows the pork chops to cook fully while infusing their flavor into the potatoes and sauce.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The foil helps to trap moisture, ensuring that the potatoes cook thoroughly and become tender.
Uncover and Finish Baking: After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This uncovered baking allows the top to become golden brown and crispy.
8. Rest Before Serving
Cool and Set: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve and helping the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the casserole for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve: Dish out the casserole onto plates, ensuring each serving includes both pork chops and a hearty helping of scalloped potatoes.
Variations and Substitutions
Pork Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the pork chops with bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the casserole. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces and partially cooked before layering.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites for varied flavors.
Gluten-Free: To make the casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the best elements of a classic dinner into one delightful casserole. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender pork chops and flavorful scalloped potatoes creates a meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation and the ability to feed a crowd make it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
What makes this recipe truly special is the way it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dish that is both filling and comforting. The layers of potatoes, cheese, and savory sauce meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family meal or a holiday gathering, Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is sure to delight and satisfy.
