Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
A comforting dish that combines savory pork chops with creamy, cheesy potatoes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 6 boneless pork chops
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tbsp olive oil For browning pork chops
- 2 tbsp butter For sautéing onions
Vegetables
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking the Sauce
- 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.
Assembly
- 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.
Serving
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops for a few hours before cooking. Different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda can be used for a twist on flavor. Pre-sliced potatoes or frozen hash browns can save time.